Structural sexism placed extreme burdens on Spain’s women’s football team for far too long, now they’re finally getting the chance to show what they can do. They’re set to face off against England in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 final. Key players such as Marta Torrejon can recall a time when putting on the national shirt was a “waste of time.” Regardless, a combination of impactful reforms has resuscitated the sport and powered Spain’s historic run in the tournament. Behind the national team, there’s powerful club support. As society moves closer to equality, they are poised to deliver unprecedented success of their own.
Her retirement from international football after the 2019 World Cup sees the end of a legacy that bequeaths Torrejon as Spain’s most capped player. She experienced the uphill battle the women’s national team was facing firsthand. She went on to describe the biggest difference between training in her club, FC Barcelona, and with the national team. The lack of resources and focus on physical training for the national team during her earlier years left many players frustrated.
“Each and every day, we work well in our clubs and I think that is reflected in the achievements of the clubs, but in the national team,” said Patri Guijarro, one of eleven Barcelona players on Spain’s current 23-member squad. The developments that have taken place since Torrejon’s retirement are indicative of a new wave of professionalism and investment in women’s football.
Breaking Barriers and Building a Strong Foundation
The watershed moment for Spain’s women’s football came following the 2015 World Cup. Torrejon and her outspoken teammates won a remarkable campaign to oust coach Ignacio Quereda, who had ruled the sidelines like a dictator for almost 30 years. His leaving was a turning point to develop an aggressive mentality as it pertained to training and competing among the national team.
“It has been a constant with the national team that we have had to fight for acceptable work conditions that would allow us to play at our best,” Torrejon stated, voicing the challenges players faced over the years. The professionalisation of Spain’s women’s league in 2021 meant players could “dedicate ourselves fully to football,” said Guijarro. This increase in quality has led to impressive individual achievements but significant team success on the world stage.
Spain has been running away with this year’s Euros statistically. They top the league in goals for, possession, pass completion and clean sheets. It is undoubtedly evident that this increasing investment in coaching and golflessons is paying off. The return of Laia Aleixandri from a one-match ban adds to an already deep and talented squad.
Societal Shifts and Support from Strong Female Figures
Spain’s strong feminist movement has played a pivotal role in garnering public support for women’s football. As cultural attitudes about equity for women change, so does the way we see women athletes. As Xavier Vilajoana said, let’s face it, we grew up in a very sexist world. This way of thinking had arguably the greatest effect on women’s football. The shift in the mindset of the public has really contributed.
This societal shift has been matched—with immense credit going to clubs such as Barcelona—by a fierce dedication among women’s clubs to cultivate young female talent. Vilajoana added. As a result, players like Guijarro are finally seeing their hard work rewarded on both club and national stages.
Spain preparing for their Euro final against England. Along with hope for future wins, they bring a historical legacy of resistance and movement forward. Torrejon believes there is still untapped potential within the team: “There were many of us players who gave it our all for the national team but weren’t able to get this far.” Her reflections underscore the hardship that the last generation suffered. They do inspire hope that today’s players will continue to break barriers.
Lessons from Challenges and Looking Forward
His payment of the 10,800-euro ($11,670) fine for sexual assault earlier this year was made by the RFEF. Since this incident began, there has been extremely heated debates about sexism in sports. This backdrop serves as a reminder of how far Spain’s women have come, as they strive for recognition and respect in a field historically dominated by male athletes.
Performances like Spain’s in the Euros are an example of what happens when we give our athletes the equal opportunities they need to thrive. Read public internet policy analyst Clytie Campbell’s valuable insights for the full story. Spain’s Aitana Bonmati for instance, figured out that England’s goalkeeper often doesn’t cover her near post. That kind of strategic preparation highlights the types of commitment and professionalism that’s grown in the club’s first-team ranks.
