Spain Chase Historic Women's Euro Title with Star-Studded Squad Amid Bonmati Uncertainty

Posted : 30 June 2025

Spain enters Euro 2025 with a clear mission: to win their first-ever UEFA Women's European Championship. Backed by the momentum of their 2023 World Cup triumph and a team brimming with talent—especially from powerhouse club FC Barcelona—La Roja are among the favourites in Switzerland. Their recent victory over reigning European champions England in the Nations League cemented their position as Europe’s team to beat.

The spotlight, however, is on midfield maestro Aitana Bonmati, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner and arguably the heart of Montse Tomé’s squad. Bonmati was recently hospitalized with viral meningitis and, though now discharged, her participation in the tournament remains uncertain. Tomé emphasized Bonmati’s importance to the team, stating, "She is a very important player for us. We'll wait for her as long as we can."

Despite the excitement, Spain’s squad selection raised eyebrows with the omission of veteran forward Jenni Hermoso, the nation’s all-time top scorer. Hermoso, who continues to perform strongly for Mexican side Tigres, played in all six of Spain's Euro qualifiers but hasn’t featured in recent squads. Although Tomé insists the decision was tactical, speculation remains tied to the controversy following the World Cup, when Hermoso was forcibly kissed by former federation president Luis Rubiales—a scandal that led to his conviction and fine earlier this year. Hermoso’s reaction to being left out was sharp, suggesting the current team “can probably become champions of Europe on their own.”

Still, the depth of talent available to Tomé is remarkable. Only 11 of Spain’s World Cup winners made the final Euros squad, yet rising stars like Claudia Pina—who shone in Spain’s Nations League win over England—are expected to play pivotal roles. The squad is eager to bounce back after Barcelona’s surprising loss to Arsenal in the Champions League final and make history by holding both the World Cup and Euro titles simultaneously.

Elsewhere, traditional powerhouses England and Germany are also in contention. England’s campaign has been clouded by the retirements of key players Mary Earps and Fran Kirby, and defender Millie Bright’s withdrawal due to health concerns. These three were instrumental in England’s 2022 Euros victory, and their absence presents a significant challenge, particularly as the Lionesses face a difficult group featuring France, the Netherlands, and Wales. Despite this, coach Sarina Wiegman remains calm, saying, "It doesn’t feel like a crisis at all."

Germany, eight-time European champions, approach the tournament without veteran striker Alexandra Popp for the first time since 2010. The team, however, remains unbeaten in 2025 and will depend on Bayern Munich forward Lea Schüller, who has scored 52 goals in 75 appearances, including five in six Nations League matches.

As the tournament kicks off, Spain’s combination of elite talent and hunger for a first continental crown positions them as the team to watch—if they can overcome their internal uncertainties and formidable rivals.

Spain Chase Historic Women's Euro Title with Star-Studded Squad Amid Bonmati Uncertainty

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