SPAIN’S record goalscorer Jenni Hermoso is missing from their Euro 2025 squad – and the reasons behind her absence have raised eyebrows across the footballing world.
The Women’s Euro 2025 final will see the Lionesses take on Spain this Sunday, July 27, in what promises to be an epic showdown and rematch of their 2023 World Cup final.
ReutersThe Lionesses take on Spain this Sunday, but without goalscorer Jenni Hermoso on the pitch[/caption]
But eagle-eyed fans will notice Spain‘s all-time top scorer won’t be lining up for La Roja, despite being instrumental in their World Cup triumph just two years ago.
Fourth time snubbed
Hermoso, who has netted an impressive 57 goals for her country, has been left out of four consecutive Spain squads by coach Montse Tomé.
When announcing her Euro 2025 squad back in June, Tomé claimed there was “too much competition for places” in the forward positions, suggesting the decision was purely based on footballing merit.
More recently, the Spanish coach explained that seven players were ahead of Hermoso in her position when selecting the squad for this summer‘s tournament.
The 34-year-old striker was Spain’s starting centre-forward during their World Cup triumph, playing a crucial role in their 1-0 victory over England in the final in Sydney.
The controversial kiss
Many believe Hermoso’s ongoing absence is connected to one of football‘s most controversial moments in recent history.
Spain’s World Cup final victory against England in August 2023 was overshadowed when then-Spanish Football Association president Luis Rubiales planted an unsolicited kiss on Hermoso’s lips during the medal ceremony – an action that sparked international outrage.
The incident led to Hermoso filing a criminal complaint against Rubiales for alleged sexual assault, and he eventually resigned from his position after initially refusing to step down.
The aftermath created deep divisions within Spanish football, with many players boycotting the national team until significant changes were made at the federation.
“Best way to protect her”
When Tomé first took over as head coach following Jorge Vilda’s departure amid the scandal, she initially explained Hermoso’s absence from her first squad by saying it was “the best way to protect her” following the traumatic events in Sydney.
This reasoning quickly evolved, however, with Tomé citing “sporting reasons” when asked about Hermoso’s continued absence in February 2025, reports ESPN.
The timing of Hermoso’s continued exclusion has raised questions, especially after a Netflix documentary was released chronicling the Rubiales World Cup kiss scandal.
What makes the decision particularly puzzling is that many of the players who had previously boycotted the national team over concerns about conditions and the handling of the Rubiales incident have since returned to the fold.
The Euro 2025 squad includes several players who had signed open letters demanding further changes at the Spanish Football Association, including stars like Barcelona‘s Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro, who had refused to play in the World Cup due to similar concerns.
AFPManager Tomé cites “sporting reasons” when asked about Hermoso’s continued absence[/caption]
Yet Hermoso – the player most directly affected by the controversy – remains on the outside looking in.
Keeping dignified silence
Speaking after the Euro 2025 squad announcement, Hermoso herself addressed the situation with characteristic restraint, stating to the BBC: “I have a clear conscience”, maintaining her dignity throughout the saga, letting her performances at club level do the talking despite the international snub.
Some football analysts have suggested that Hermoso’s continued absence might be an attempt to move past the scandal by removing the player most associated with it.
Others wonder if there are behind-the-scenes tensions that haven’t been made public.
How will Spain cope?
Spain has managed to reach another major tournament final without their record goalscorer, suggesting they’ve coped well with her absence.
Tomé has reshaped the forward line without Hermoso, relying on other attacking options throughout the tournament.
The question now facing Spain is whether they’ve made the right decision from a purely footballing perspective.
Hermoso’s experience and goal-scoring ability could have been valuable assets in Sunday’s final against the Lionesses.
ReutersHermoso will remain on the outside looking in for this year’s final[/caption]
What does it mean for the final?
As England and Spain prepare to face off once again, Hermoso will be watching from afar – a strange position for someone who was at the heart of their greatest triumph just two years ago.
For Spanish fans, they’ll be hoping their team can lift another trophy on Sunday, July 27 and perhaps begin to write a new chapter in their football history – one that eventually includes reconciliation with one of their greatest ever players.
For England, they’ll be looking to avenge their World Cup final defeat and claim European glory – with or without Hermoso on the opposing team sheet, the challenge remains formidable.
The absence of such a key player adds another fascinating subplot to what promises to be a thrilling Euro 2025 final this weekend.
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