Spain’s Rise in Women’s Football: A Look at Alexia Putellas’ Journey
In the vibrant world of women’s football, Spain has emerged as a powerhouse, showcasing extraordinary talent and resilience. The year 2025 is particularly notable as it sees the Spanish women’s national team gearing up for their campaign in the EURO 2025. Fresh from their World Cup triumph in 2023 and a subsequent victory in the League of Nations in 2024, Spain naturally enters this championship as a formidable favorite. The team’s recent 5-0 victory over Portugal in their opening match signifies their intent to dominate the tournament.
Spain boasts an enviable roster filled with some of the best talent in women’s football, including the Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí (who missed the Portugal match due to illness), and other standout players like Mariona Caldentey, Salma Paralluelo, Olga Carmona, Esther Gonzalez, and of course, Alexia Putellas. Many consider Putellas to be the best Spanish player in history, and her journey through the highs and lows of her career has shaped her into the leader she is today.
Putellas: The Adversities and Comeback
Despite her incredible talent, Alexia Putellas has faced significant challenges in recent years. After winning back-to-back Ballon d’Or awards in 2021 and 2022, her career faced a sharp turn when she suffered a serious knee injury during the preparation for the Euro in the summer of 2022. This injury led her to miss a majority of the 2022/2023 season, creating a substantial gap in her contributions to the team.
In November 2023, her setbacks continued when another knee injury sidelined her once again until 2024. During this period, she lost her starting position in the national team, leading to doubts about her future.
Turbulent Times
The impact of these injuries went beyond just physical performance. Amidst the backdrop of controversies surrounding the Spanish Football Federation, particularly the fallout from the incident involving former president Luis Rubiales and player Jennifer Hermoso, Putellas found herself in a politically charged environment. As the team grappled with issues of governance and player rights, her support for Hermoso placed her at odds with some officials within the federation, further complicating her standing.
During the 2024 Olympic Games, Coach Montse Tomé made the contentious decision to leave Putellas on the bench for the semi-final match against Brazil, a choice widely seen as a slight against the captain. Despite public support rallying behind her, Putellas experienced what many would consider a humiliation.
Finding Form Again
Nevertheless, the tide began to turn for Putellas. By the 2024 season, she demonstrated an impressive return to form at Barcelona, where she netted 16 goals and provided 11 assists in 24 La Liga matches. Her performance not only showcased her skill but also rekindled her passion for the game. The relationship with her club improved, culminating in a renewed contract that signified trust and commitment from both sides.
As Spain entered the Euro 2025, Putellas reestablished herself as a pivotal player. Her qualities as a leader became evident as she pushed her teammates to match her determination and skill. With her dazzling footwork, sharp vision, and tactical awareness, she proved that her best days were still ahead.
A New Chapter in Spanish Football
The 2025 Euro is not just a tournament for Spain; it represents the culmination of a journey marked by resilience and tenacity. With Putellas at the helm, the national team’s aspirations for the elusive triple crown—including the World Cup, League of Nations, and Euro Championships—are within reach.
Importantly, her experience both on and off the field provides the young talent in the squad with the guidance they need to manage the pressures of high-stakes competition. The harmonious blend of youthful energy and seasoned expertise sets the stage for Spain to leave an indelible mark on women’s football.
As they continue their journey through the tournament, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Spain can once again secure their place at the top of women’s football, a testament not just to their skill but to the growth and progress of the sport as a whole. Alexia Putellas, a beacon of hope and strength, embodies everything that is exciting about this new chapter for Spanish football.