Jenni Hermoso and Mapi Leon Rejoin Spain Women’s Team After Long Absence

In a big moment for Spanish women’s football, Jenni Hermoso and Mapi Leon are back in the national squad after more than a year away. The Spanish Football Federation has seen plenty of drama and change lately, so this recall feels like a fresh start.

They’re both included in the squad for the Nations League semi-final against Sweden. Sonia Bermudez, the new head coach, is at the helm now, and their return could mean a lot for the team’s future.

The Return of Jenni Hermoso and Mapi Leon

Jenni Hermoso, Spain’s all-time top scorer, and Mapi Leon, a standout defender, are back after long absences. Hermoso, 35, last played for Spain in October 2024.

Leon, 30, hasn’t featured since July 2022. With Bermudez stepping in for Montse Tome after Spain lost the European Championship final to England, this feels like a much-needed reset.

Background of Their Absence

Hermoso and Leon missed out on the national team for different but related reasons. Hermoso was left out after the scandal involving ex-Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales, who kissed her without consent during the 2023 World Cup celebrations.

Rubiales was fined over €10,000 and can’t contact Hermoso for a year. Leon, meanwhile, was one of 15 players who refused to play for Spain until the federation made big changes.

The main target of that protest was former head coach Jorge Vilda. He was eventually sacked in September 2023, just two weeks after leading Spain to a World Cup win.

Sonia Bermudez: A New Era

Sonia Bermudez’s appointment signals a new direction for Spain’s women’s team. Bermudez, who coached Spain’s Under-23s, has talked about starting from scratch and building a tight-knit squad.

In her first press conference, she pointed out how important it is to have experienced players like Hermoso and Leon back in the fold.

Revamping the Squad

Bermudez’s first squad blends veterans with younger faces. The goalkeepers for the Nations League semi-final against Sweden are:

• Cata Coll (Barcelona)
• Adriana Nanclares (Athletic Club)
• Eunate Astralaga (Eibar)

Defenders include:

• Ona Batlle (Barcelona)
• Jana Fernandez (London City Lionesses)
• Irene Paredes (Barcelona)
• Mapi Leon (Barcelona)
• Maria Mendez (Real Madrid)
• Olga Carmona (PSG)
• Lucia Corrales (London City)

Midfielders are:

• Laia Aleixandri (Barcelona)
• Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
• Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona)
• Clara Serrajordi (Barcelona)
• Vicky Lopez (Barcelona)
• Fiamma Benitez (Atletico de Madrid)

And the forwards:

• Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal)
• Esther Gonzalez (Gotham)
• Cristina Martin-Prieto (Benfica)
• Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona)
• Claudia Pina (Barcelona)
• Eva Navarro (Real Madrid)
• Jenni Hermoso (Tigres)

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Bringing Hermoso and Leon back is a big step toward healing and rebuilding trust in the squad. Their experience could make a real difference as Spain takes on Sweden in the Nations League semi-final.

If Spain wins, they’ll face either Germany or France in the final. Not exactly an easy path, but that’s football.

Building Team Cohesion

Bermudez faces the tough task of bringing everyone together after years of controversy. The scars from protests and federation drama won’t fade overnight.

Still, with Hermoso and Leon back, things are looking up. Bermudez has said she’s excited to see their passion for the Spain shirt return.

She hopes their presence will motivate the younger players and help create a more balanced, lively squad. If everyone buys in, maybe this is the start of something new for Spain.

Looking Forward

Spain’s women’s football team is about to kick off a new chapter. All eyes are on how they’ll shape a strong, tight-knit squad that can hold its own against the world’s best.