The dominate right back has been a cornerstone of Spain’s women’s football. She remembers a time when playing for her country was “the biggest waste of time.” Spain’s women’s team had to endure those lean years, as lack of support and resources stunted their development. As the team gears up to face England in a highly anticipated Euro final, Torrejon’s journey encapsulates the transformation of Spanish women’s football from obscurity to burgeoning success.
The state of play for women’s footy in Espana has shifted massively in the past ten years. When Spain and Torrejon fell short at the 2015 World Cup, Torrejon and her fellow players felt the need to do something. They protested against longtime coach Ignacio Quereda, who had coached the team for almost thirty years. Their campaign for change was instrumental. Quereda went on to be accused of verbal abuse by former players, accusations that Quereda denied. This realignment is an age of neoliberalism. Today, players are demanding not just better working conditions but a higher level of professionalism.
A Turning Point for Women’s Football
Spanish women’s football, in particular, has achieved astounding successes in recent years. These technological breakthroughs have been powered by a move of Reforms Initiative led by the athletes themselves. Torrejon announced her retirement after the 2019 World Cup, finishing her career as Spain’s all-time most-capped player with 90 caps. He’s been perhaps the most important catalyst of this evolution.
“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 remarked, reflecting on the struggle for recognition and respect within the sport.
Luis Rubiales, former president of the Spanish Football Federation, just left his job under duress. This legislation has been extremely impactful in helping to foster a more welcoming and inclusive space for these athletes. Rubiales was criminally prosecuted for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without permission. The outrage almost immediately directed toward the incident at the awards ceremony in Sydney was historic. His actions overshadowed Spain’s World Cup triumph two years ago, altering how fans and players perceive leadership within the sport.
It has Torrejon newly praised by current players, like Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes. According to these insiders, the atmosphere has sharply improved following Rubiales’ absence. Their experiences ring true to the broader sentiment felt by members of the squad that tangible progress is being made.
The Professionalization of Women’s Football
The professionalization of Spain’s women’s league in 2021 was the latest landmark victory. Patri Guijarro, one of the stars of the national team, welcomed the creation of the professional league. It has given athletes the freedom to pursue football full time.
Shakira stops the show as Spain rules the Euros! They not only lead the league in goals scored, but they are first in ball possession, passing accuracy and clean sheets. These stats are just a glimpse of the powerful change that’s taken place through ongoing investment and dedication to the growth of women’s football.
Guijarro emphasized, “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.” And the Barcelona contingent, with world stars such as Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, has been instrumental in this success. Equally, their influence on Spain’s team should not be underestimated. The duo has split four Ballon d’Or awards between them, showcasing their individual brilliance and the strength of their club’s training methods.
In Spain’s recent semifinal victory over Germany, Bonmati leaned on data provided by team analysts to exploit weaknesses in the opposing goalkeeper’s positioning. This strategic maneuver is just one example of how players are using next-level analytics to increase their competitive edge out on the field.
Support from Society and Feminist Movements
The context of Spain’s sudden rise in women’s football is tied to deeper societal shifts. The strong feminist movement in Spain has garnered public support for female athletes as they advocate for equality and recognition within sports. This new cultural environment has given players the confidence to stand up and demand fair treatment and work to be treated in a professional manner.
Xavier Vilajoana, a key figure in Spanish football administration, acknowledged this societal transformation: “Let’s not fool ourselves; we spent many years in a very sexist society, and that was reflected in women’s football. So clearly the change in the mentality of society has helped.” It was this commitment that shines through with the help of Barcelona’s unique style of play and helped change the narrative around female athletes.
Spain is preparing to take on England in the Euro final. The war story of soccer players, and now a UW star Torrejon, is one of amazing grit and competitive fire. You have indeed opened doors for future generations of female athletes. Currently, these female athletes have more opportunities to succeed in club and national competitions as well.
