World Sports

Spain’s Women’s Team: From Scandal To Euro 2025 Favorites

Story Highlights
  • Former assistant Montse Tomé appointed head coach; reception mixed due to ties to previous leadership
  • Widespread backlash led to Rubiales’ resignation and a player boycott by all 23 World Cup winners
  • Key players like Patri Guijarro and Claudia Pina return after prior protest absences; Hermoso left out

Boycotts, protests—even a hunger strike. Hardly the aftermath one expects from a World Cup victory. Yet Spain’s 2023 Women’s World Cup win was marred by controversy that overshadowed the historic achievement.

Instead of basking in their first major title, the team found themselves at the heart of a sexism scandal when Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales kissed striker Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony—an act Hermoso said was non-consensual.

The fallout was swift. Rubiales faced public outrage, legal charges for sexual assault, and mass player boycotts, with all 23 World Cup winners refusing to play under his leadership. His own mother went on a hunger strike in protest.

After weeks of pressure, Rubiales resigned, and the RFEF promised major reforms. While some changes have been made—like improving working conditions and increasing parity with the men’s team—progress has been slow, says Futpro president Amanda Gutierrez.

A New Chapter Under Montse Tomé?

Head coach Jorge Vilda, a Rubiales ally, was dismissed despite leading Spain to World Cup glory. His assistant, Montse Tomé, took over—a move met with skepticism. Initially liked by players, her public support for Rubiales during the scandal changed perceptions.

Still, Tomé led Spain to victory in the inaugural Women’s Nations League in February 2024, though a disappointing 4th-place finish at the Paris Olympics followed. Critics remain unsure if she’s the right long-term fit.

Squad Shifts: Hermoso Out, Rebels Return

Notably absent from the Euro 2025 squad is Jenni Hermoso, despite playing all qualifiers. While some speculated a personal rift, journalist Guillem Balague noted that top performers—not reputations—drive selections.

Meanwhile, Patri Guijarro and Claudia Pina—two players who had previously stepped away from the national team over Vilda’s leadership—are back, encouraged by reforms and team support.

Euro 2025: A Fresh Start?

Spain heads to the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro in Switzerland with renewed unity and a strong squad. After a divided 2023 campaign, they now have a 25% chance of winning—compared to just 8% ahead of the World Cup.

“They’re now a team again, focused and mentally ready,” said journalist Alex Ibaceta. “That’s what they’ve been missing.”

Spain’s World Cup victory was a turning point—not just in footballing terms, but for gender equality and player power. Whether Euro 2025 becomes a crowning moment or a stepping stone, this team is finally ready to write its own story.

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