The Spanish women's national football team is gearing up for a crucial clash against Portugal this Friday, April 4, 2025, in the UEFA Women’s Nations League. However, the absence of star forward Jenni Hermoso has sparked significant controversy and debate among fans and analysts alike. Hermoso, who plays for Tigres Femenil in Mexico, has not been called up by head coach Montse Tomé since October 2024, raising eyebrows and questions about her exclusion from the squad.
In a recent interview on El Larguero, Tomé addressed the situation directly, emphasizing that the decision to leave Hermoso off the roster is purely based on performance and team needs. “We value Jenni the same as Athenea del Castillo, the same as Sheila García… what Spain needs to compete,” Tomé stated, aiming to clarify any misconceptions surrounding the decision. She firmly asserted that the issue is not extradeportivo, meaning it does not stem from off-field controversies or personal conflicts.
Tomé has maintained a good relationship with Hermoso, acknowledging the player’s contributions to the national team over the years. “I understand the debates because she is a player who has given a lot to the national team. She is a fantastic player,” Tomé remarked, recognizing Hermoso’s value while also highlighting the competitive nature of team selections.
Despite her accolades and experience, Hermoso’s last appearance for La Roja came during the Nations League matches against Italy and Switzerland in October 2023. Since then, she has been notably absent from the national team setup, which has fueled speculation among fans and media about the reasons behind her exclusion.
In the interview, Tomé explained that she does not inform players ahead of the announcement about their selection status unless there’s an injury. “I don’t call Jenni or anyone before the list to say whether they’re coming or not. If there’s an injury, yes, I call,” she elaborated. This approach has led to frustration for some players who may not fully understand the rationale behind their omission.
Tomé acknowledged that for players used to being called up regularly, such as Hermoso, the sudden change can be difficult to process. “I understand that at certain moments, players who have been coming to the national team for a long time may find it hard to understand… because the player never understands why they don’t play or why they aren’t called up… They always believe they can be there,” she said, highlighting the emotional aspect of selection decisions.
In light of the ongoing discussions, Tomé has reiterated her commitment to building a competitive team that can perform at the highest level. Spain’s objective in the Nations League is clear: to finish the qualifying phase at the top of the standings. “Our goal is to finish first to be in the final,” she declared, signaling the importance of every match as the team navigates this critical stage of the tournament.
As the team prepares to face Portugal, the absence of Hermoso looms large over the squad dynamics. Known for her leadership alongside fellow veterans Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes, Hermoso has been a pivotal figure in the locker room. The trio, often referred to as the "three dinosaurs," has played a crucial role in guiding the team through various challenges and controversies in recent years.
Tomé’s comments reflect an understanding of the delicate balance between maintaining team performance and managing player morale. She has taken over as coach following the tumultuous events surrounding the Rubiales case, which has undoubtedly influenced the national team's atmosphere and dynamics.
Fans and analysts are left to wonder about the future of Hermoso in the national team setup, particularly given her impressive performance at the club level. With her contributions to Tigres Femenil, where she continues to be one of the most influential players, the question remains: will her form translate back into a call-up for the national team?
As the match against Portugal approaches, the focus will be on how the team adapts to Hermoso's absence and whether other players can step up to fill the void. The stakes are high, and with the national team aiming for success in the Nations League, every decision made by Tomé will be scrutinized closely.
The Spanish women's team has shown resilience and talent, but the upcoming match will be a true test of their depth and unity. With the spotlight on Tomé’s selection choices and the ongoing discussions about Hermoso, it’s clear that this isn’t just a game; it’s a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Spanish national team.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, fans will be eager to see how Spain performs and whether they can secure a vital victory against Portugal, all while navigating the complexities of team selection and player dynamics.
