What's happened
Spain's new women's coach Sonia Bermúdez has recalled player Jennifer Hermoso to the national team after a year-long absence. The move follows the fallout from a 2023 incident involving former president Luis Rubiales, who was convicted of sexual assault. The team prepares for upcoming Nations League matches.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Rebuilding of Spain's Women's Team
The recall of Hermoso signals a deliberate effort by Bermúdez to restore trust and morale within the Spanish women's team. This move also indicates a shift away from the previous coaching regime, which was marred by scandal and controversy.
The timing aligns with Spain's upcoming Women’s Nations League semifinals, where the team aims to demonstrate renewed unity and focus. The inclusion of players like Mapi León, who had been sidelined due to internal conflicts, suggests a broader attempt to reconcile and strengthen the squad.
This development underscores a broader societal reckoning with sexism and misconduct in sports, with the case of Rubiales serving as a catalyst for change. The team's performance and cohesion in the upcoming matches will be a barometer of whether this leadership change can translate into on-field success and cultural shift.
The move also reflects a strategic effort to repair Spain's international reputation in women's football, emphasizing accountability, inclusion, and resilience. The outcome will likely influence future policies on athlete welfare and governance in Spanish sports.
What the papers say
AP News reports from October 15 and 17, 2025, provide detailed coverage of the team’s recent changes, including the recall of Hermoso and Bermúdez’s appointment. The articles highlight the broader context of the Rubiales scandal and its impact on Spanish football. The coverage emphasizes the significance of these changes for team morale and societal attitudes towards sexism in sport, with quotes from team officials and analysts underscoring the importance of leadership in healing past wounds. The reporting from AP News offers a comprehensive view of the ongoing reforms and the strategic direction of Spain’s women's national team.
How we got here
Jennifer Hermoso, a key player for Spain, was absent from the national team for a year following a controversial incident at the 2023 Women's World Cup, where she was forcibly kissed by Luis Rubiales. The incident sparked a national debate on sexism in sport and led to Rubiales' conviction. Bermúdez's appointment as coach aims to rebuild the team and address past controversies.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Sandra Anne "Sandy" Brondello is an Australian women's basketball coach, and the current coach of the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA. Brondello played in Australia, Germany and the WNBA before retiring to become a coach. The 1.70 m Brondello is one of Austra
-
The New York Liberty is an American professional basketball team based in the New York metropolitan area, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association.