Oliva appeared both before and after the summit, signaling that the process is beginning to take shape in Spanish football. The overall picture is gradually becoming clearer, but the players themselves keep reminding everyone that there is still a long road ahead. Among the most meaningful developments is the renewed leadership shown by Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes, who stepped back into the role of captains for the national team.
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Alexia and Paredes: “We couldn’t just be football players”
Maria Tikas reports that Montse Tomé, speaking from Iberian Press Group, told the players to pick four people to wear the bracelet during this training camp, and the two that were chosen would take on that responsibility. The selections included Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmati. The message rings true both on and off the field: leadership here isn’t just about performance; it’s about setting an example for teammates and fans alike.
Both Alexia and Irene have long been symbols of resilience and excellence. The captains are active with Barcelona, and Jenni Hermoso also attended alongside Patri Guijarro. There had been a moment when a bracelet could have been tied to another context due to Mollet’s injury just before the 2022 European Championship. Yet the squad adapted. Ivana Andrés, Esther González, and Irene Guerrero stepped in to fill leadership gaps, and Alba Redondo, Olga Carmona, and Misa Rodríguez contributed decisively when needed. The show of unity in their absence underscored how the group functions as a cohesive unit, with direction that comes from the top but is carried by every member of the squad. This is a reflection of a broader strategy that values experience, depth, and shared responsibility across the team. The continuity and flexibility on display offer a blueprint for future campaigns, both at the national level and for the club teams where many of these stars ply their trade.
Observers note that the dynamic between the captains and the wider squad speaks to a culture of openness and accountability. The leadership trio within the program is not merely about wearing a badge; it’s about translating leadership into performance on the field, in training, and in the locker room. It is a reminder that real influence in modern football comes from a blend of on-field authority, strategic thinking, and the ability to mentor younger teammates as they rise through the ranks. This approach is particularly important as the team recalibrates after recent campaigns and prepares for forthcoming challenges across competitions in Europe and beyond. The sentiment that leadership is shared, rather than centralized, resonates with players and fans who expect a team that evolves together and lifts each other up when needed. (Attribution: SPORT)
The conversations around who wears the bracelet at any given time are less about ceremony and more about the responsibilities that come with representing a generation of players who have helped elevate the sport. The leadership model in Spain’s women’s program demonstrates how trust is built through consistent selection, visible commitment, and a willingness to step into the breach when circumstances demand it. As the season unfolds, supporters will be watching not just for goals and wins, but for the subtle signals of leadership that drive the team forward—signals that have already become part of the team’s identity and its promise for the future.