The public conversation around change in Spanish women’s football has reached a fever pitch. In Seville, at Betis Sports City, players including Alexia Putellas, Irene Paredes, Misa Rodríguez, Batlle, Athenea del Castillo, and Çata Coll spoke clearly about the path forward for the national team and the RFEF. They reiterated their stance, addressing ongoing questions and doubts with a direct, unflinching voice.
Relating to
- Alexia and Paredes regained their roles as captains of the national team
- Alexia and Paredes: the players cannot simply be counted as athletes on the field
- Alexia Putellas on the Rubiales case: everyone seeks respect and a shared standard of conduct
Reaffirming leadership and purpose
Alexia Putellas spoke with a calm but firm cadence. “I’ve said it as plainly as I can, and I’ll summarize in two sentences,” she began, visibly exhausted yet resolute. The captain emphasized that there must be zero tolerance for what the world sees and for issues that remain unseen because they are not acknowledged. The team has faced a long, systemic struggle, with prioritization of women’s football only now beginning to shift after decades of neglect in the sport’s structure.
When pressed for specifics, she offered concrete examples that came to mind during the discussion. From the reality of catching a 3 a.m. flight before a European Cup qualifier to enduring lengthy bus journeys during tournaments while matches are played across different venues, the message was clear: these athletes are elite professionals who require three essentials to perform at peak level: training, nutrition, and rest.
Preparing the ground for change
Alexia returned to a central point: the players have stood together, signing their names and making it known that certain behaviors are unacceptable in any professional setting. It was noted that their listeners were present, a rarity in some moments, and that tough conversations are necessary for progress. Decisions begin to take shape once all facts are laid out and understood.
Irene Paredes added that while identifying individuals publicly is not possible amid ongoing judicial proceedings, the overall events on the final day and in the days that followed were clear. The Parliament and the federation must set positive precedents. The core message is that women deserve to be treated as professionals who compete at the highest level, not as lesser counterparts in the game they love.
A few difficult days: from fear to unity
The past weeks have tested the team, especially those in training camps who faced pressure about summons and potential sanctions. Fear about sanctions is real, yet unity within the squad and trust in their collective mission remain strong. The players believe that together they can drive improvement in how they are supported and how their achievements are celebrated. Batlle and Çata Coll spoke of fearing for careers cut short and the impact such fear has on one’s life, a reminder that the pressures extend beyond the pitch.
Despite divergent opinions, a shared commitment to solidarity stood out. The group emphasized that disagreements are human, but respect for one another’s views is non-negotiable. Athena described stepping back from social networks during turbulent periods, highlighting the importance of focusing on the work and on supporting teammates through the public scrutiny and pressure that accompanies success. Alexia reflected on the match celebrations and the deeper story beneath them, underscoring that there is more to the sport than what happens on the field.
All for Jenni: a story of resilience
Misa Rodríguez, close to Jenni Hermoso, spoke about the impact of the ongoing situation on a teammate who embodies the weight of public attention and personal challenge. The goalkeeper shared that seeing a friend endure public pressure is painful, especially when a victory is overshadowed by scrutiny. She noted that many women in various fields have faced similar abuse of power, and that solidarity is essential.
Alexia echoed the sentiment, explaining that the environment in which they grew up often normalized unfair treatment. Yet society is evolving, and they must contribute to that evolution—individually and collectively—to build a better sporting culture for future generations. The group’s stance is not about confrontation for its own sake but about establishing a healthier, more respectful framework within professional women’s football. The focus remains on the players, the sport, and the shared goal of genuine equality in how they are valued and supported.