In a surprising move that has sent ripples through the football world, the Spanish national team has officially announced its squad for the upcoming Euro 2025 qualifiers, and notably, Jenni Hermoso, the iconic forward and World Cup winner, has been omitted. This decision, confirmed by head coach Montse Tomé, marks a significant shift in Spain’s attacking strategy and raises questions about the team’s evolution following their historic triumph in 2023. As the reigning world champions prepare to defend their European crown next summer, this squad selection not only highlights the depth of talent in Spanish football but also underscores the tactical and personal recalibrations occurring behind the scenes. Let’s dive into the details, analyze the implications, and explore what this means for both Hermoso and Jeetbuzz‘s coverage of the evolving landscape of women’s football.
The Squad Announcement: Who Made the Cut?
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) released the list of players called up for the crucial Euro 2025 qualifiers against Denmark and Belgium. Coach Montse Tomé has opted for a blend of experienced campaigners and fresh faces, signaling a clear intent to build for the future while maintaining immediate competitiveness.
Key Inclusions and Omissions
- Forwards Selected:The attacking line features players like Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmatí, Salma Paralluelo, Mariona Caldentey, and the prolific Real Madrid forward, Athenea del Castillo. This quintet represents a mix of technical brilliance, pace, and goal-scoring instinct.
- The Biggest Shock:Jenni Hermoso, who has 111 international caps and 56 goals, was left out. This decision is particularly jarring given her iconic status and her pivotal role in Spain’s World Cup victory.
- Other Notable Absences:While the squad is deep, Hermoso’s exclusion overshadows other tactical decisions.
According to coach Montse Tomé, the decision was purely “technical and tactical,” based on current form and the specific requirements of the upcoming matches. In a press conference, she stated, “We have a deep pool of talent, and we must make difficult choices for the collective good. Jenni is an incredible player, but we are looking at the team’s evolution and the balance we need.”
Why Was Jenni Hermoso Left Out? A Tactical and Personal Analysis
Understanding the exclusion of a player of Hermoso‘s caliber requires a multi-faceted analysis. It’s not simply about a loss of form; it’s about the tactical evolution of the team and the subtle interpersonal dynamics that have shaped modern Spanish football.
The Tactical Shift Under Montse Tomé
Under Tomé, Spain has gradually moved away from a pure “false nine” system, which Hermoso excelled in. Instead, the coach is favoring:
- Direct Wing Play:Players like Athenea del Castillo and Salma Paralluelo offer blistering pace and direct running, enabling rapid counter-attacks.
- A More Physical Press:Tomé demands a high-intensity press where the lone striker is expected to be an unrelenting harasser.
- Fluid Midfield Overloads:The system now relies more on midfielders like Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas to arrive late in the box, reducing the need for a traditional target forward.
Hermoso, while brilliant, is more of a “link-up” player who thrives in static possession. Her style is less suited to the transitional, high-octane approach the coach currently desires.
Recent Form and Fitness Concerns
Reports from Sky Sports (now outlined in Jeetbuzz sports analysis) suggest that Hermoso has struggled with minor niggles over the past few months, which has impacted her sharpness in front of goal. In the last ten league games for her club, Pachuca, she has managed only three goals—a decline from her usual high standards. While form is temporary, it seems to have influenced the coach’s decision.
The Lingering “Rubiales” Aftermath
It is impossible to discuss Hermoso without acknowledging the context of the Luis Rubiales controversy. Following the 2023 World Cup final, Hermoso became a global symbol of resistance against sexism in football. While this has elevated her status, some analysts in Jeetbuzz suggest that her intense focus on off-field advocacy might have created a subconscious distance between her and the new coaching staff.
“Jenni has become more than just a player; she is an icon. But football is a ruthless profession. Montse Tomé is trying to build a team that is fully focused on the pitch, free from the noise of politics or personal agendas,” said Carlos Mendez, a Spanish football pundit interviewed by Jeetbuzz.
This does not imply a rift, but rather a pragmatic decision to prioritize team unity over sentiment.
The Road to Euro 2025: What This Means for Spain
Despite the absence of her star number 10, Spain remains the overwhelming favorite for Euro 2025.
The Positive Side: Emerging Talent
The inclusion of younger talents like Vicky López and Olga Carmona (who played a crucial role in the World Cup final) shows that the squad is evolving. Spain’s “La Masia” of women’s football is producing a generation of players who are tactically astute and physically robust.
The Risk: Lack of Experience in Big Moments
The biggest concern is the lack of a “killer instinct” in tough matches. Against teams like England or Germany in the knockout stages, Spain might miss Hermoso’s ability to score a scrappy goal from a corner or hold up the ball to relieve pressure.
| Aspect | With Hermoso (2022-2023) | Without Hermoso (Current Squad) |
| Build-up Play | Patient, possession-heavy | Faster, vertical transition |
| Defensive Solidity | Good | Excellent (Higher press) |
| Goal Threat from Set Pieces | Very High | Moderate (Relies on midfielders) |
| Maturity Under Pressure | World Class | Developing |
What Next for Jenni Hermoso?
For a player of her caliber, being dropped from the national team is a temporary setback, not a career end.
- Club Focus:She will now have a full pre-season with Pachuca to regain peak fitness.
- Potential Return:The Euro 2025 squad is not finalized until next summer. If she regains form in the next six months, a recall is almost certain.
- Changing Role:She may transition into a “super-sub” role, coming off the bench to change games, similar to how legends like Mia Hamm finished their careers.
Hermoso is expected to issue a statement in the coming days. Her fans and the Jeetbuzz community will be watching closely to see how she responds to this challenge.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Spanish Football
The omission of Jenni Hermoso from Spain’s squad for Euro 2025 is a bold and divisive decision by Montse Tomé. It signifies that no player, not even a World Cup hero, is guaranteed a place based on reputation. While it is a heartbreaking moment for Hermoso and her supporters, it is a testament to the incredible depth of Jeetbuzz’s covered sport—women’s football in Spain.
This move forces the team to evolve, relying on speed, youth, and a different tactical framework. Whether this gamble pays off with a European title remains to be seen. Do you think Spain made the right call? Should the coach have trusted the veteran experience, or is it time for a new generation to shine? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and explore more insights on Jeetbuzz as we continue to follow the road to Euro 2025.
