The women’s soccer team has found a calmer rhythm after recent tensions. The world title has softened the internal discord that emerged when the squad travelled to New Zealand about six weeks ago. Wins on the field helped ease strains between coach Jorge Vilda and the players, though distances between some players and leadership still linger in places.
Winner with six rebels
Six of the 18 players who had previously been in dispute with the coaching staff—Jenni Hermoso, Irene Paredes, Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmatí, Ona Batlle, and Mariona Caldentey—played decisive roles in securing a historic triumph. The coach chose to guide the team without spotlighting past disagreements, especially with those players. Following the World Cup win, Vilda stepped away from direct questions about his future as the team celebrated a hard-fought victory. The success he helped orchestrate remains central to this World Cup chapter, and the public and media have largely accepted the leadership dynamic now, even with a strong English side led by Sarina Wiegman showing resilience in defeat.
It remains unclear what comes next for Vilda; he renewed his contract with the federation ahead of the 2022 Euro campaign through 2024, a move scrutinized but ultimately sanctioned as the federation focused on selective accountability. Supporters praised the coach for navigating a crisis and stabilizing the group in challenging months. The sentiment from the squad and their supporters echoed a chorus of appreciation for the leadership that helped guide them through adversity.
Jorge Vilda in the shadow of success
Maria Tikas (Special Envoy – Australia)
The federation is weighing renewal terms as discussions about a four-year extension progress, though Vilda has tended to focus on the present, delaying long-term decisions. At the moment, a one-year extension without haste to renew keeps the emphasis squarely on current goals. Vilda remains the national team selector and coach, a dual role that aligns with the federation’s broader strategy to grow women’s football in Spain and to promote the sport among girls in schools and clubs.
Unrest in the Federation
There is ongoing concern within the federation about Vilda’s measured demeanor and the potential for leadership changes after a historic title run. Since taking the role in 2015, replacing Ignacio Quereda who stepped down after 27 years, Vilda has guided the team through a transformative period. Even eight years on, the federation contemplates how best to balance continuity with fresh leadership to maintain momentum after this landmark triumph. The possibility exists that the federation may retain Vilda while reassigning day-to-day leadership to someone new from within the federation network, ensuring continuity in development and strategy while inviting fresh perspectives in selection and training.
In public, Vilda has softened his posture since the early locker room crisis, presenting a more approachable demeanor during celebrations. He has avoided grand statements and instead focused on giving prominence to the players who delivered success on the field, recognizing the entire staff and delegation for contributing to the victory.
Jenni Hermoso declined to appear in the apology footage, with Vilda mediating with the family
The team’s stance during the celebrations signaled a conciliatory approach, a move viewed by supporters as a step toward burying the divisions that dogged the campaign. The message to the fans celebrated every player who contributed to the World Cup run and acknowledged the staff and the leadership that made it possible. This moment underscored the broader belief that the unity of the squad and the staff was essential to achieving world champion status.
Palmares or inheritance, dilemma
Only Vilda can decide his future trajectory. The question now is whether he remains on the bench to cement his legacy or shifts into a strategic role within the federation to shape women’s football for years to come. It is clear that leadership will continue to be a theme as Spain looks to build on this World Cup success, with the federation evaluating how best to sustain growth and promote the sport at every level. The path forward is in flux, but the consensus is that Vilda holds significant influence in this pivotal moment for Spanish women’s football.