The meteorological imagery mirrors the upheaval on the opening day of the election after the Rubiales crisis. Warnings arrived, a storm was forecast, calm briefly settled, and then a sudden, decisive flash—an unmistakable strike from Rubiales. The sequence began with the squad arriving at Las Rozas, followed by a staff meeting, and culminated in a statement that mattered most: a firm rejection of Rubiales’ unacceptable behavior, without naming Jenni Hermoso.
National Team players reject Rubiales’ “unacceptable behavior”
Jordi Gil
In the end, public training brought a moment of relief among participants. A video posted on Twitter amplified the group’s stance, shaping how individuals viewed the team’s position. The media spotlight turned this extra-sporting clash into a visible contest between the legacy of a suspended manager and the collective will of the players, who aimed to move beyond the fear of a lingering ghost in the campaign. They did not attend the concentration in silence; the moment carried a strong, shared message that spoke louder than any single voice.
Extraordinary statement before training
At the center stood Luis de la Fuente, embracing the players and making time for each one. He signaled his willingness to push for innovations in the squad, including the rise of a young talent like Lamine Yamal. Teammates such as Abel Ruiz and Álex Baena confronted their first real test even before stepping onto the field. In light of the Rubiales affair and the varied reactions from officials and supporters, the team captains stepped forward as soon as they donned the national jersey, signaling leadership and unity in the face of uncertainty.
What they did that day was new for many fans. Players like Jesús Navas did not publicly join the team’s public stance in past gatherings, yet the reigning Nations League champions showed visible resolve. At about 6:30 p.m., the federation staged an extraordinary appearance by the national team captains.
Morata, Azpilicueta, Rodri, Hernández and Asensio stood before the cameras to read a prepared statement, with no questions allowed. The group used precise wording to acknowledge a 23-man squad and to stress the need for broad consensus. Morata stepped forward to give his teammates a voice, while De la Fuente refrained from interjecting as the captains drove the message, omitting Jenni Hermoso’s name due to the ongoing sensitivities surrounding the event.
“The unacceptable behavior of Mr. Rubiales”
Just moments before stepping onto the Ciudad del Fútbol turf in Las Rozas, a message of solidarity was sent to the women’s team for their World Cup triumph in Sydney. Morata highlighted a historic milestone that would reshape Spanish women’s football, inspiring countless women with a victory that mattered beyond the field.
The discussion shifted to the behavior that was deemed unacceptable, with a clear stance: the federation would reject actions unworthy of the institution it embodies. The message from Morata underscored that Spanish football should be a beacon of respect, equality, and diversity, both on and off the pitch. The national team’s current focus turned to upcoming Euro qualifiers, with matches set in Tbilisi and Grenada as part of the road to qualification.
Gavi, Olmo and Unai Simón, none
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Despite the players’ intent, the statement did not erase the tension felt by supporters gathered at a public Las Rozas session. The atmosphere cooled as De la Fuente spoke honestly about a road to normalcy, while fans pressed close to the entrance of Ciudad del Fútbol to catch a glimpse of the team. Security screened attendees to prevent disruptions, a quiet reminder of how high the stakes had become.
Time moved slowly as the sun lingered. The crowd included many families, children in tow, hoping to witness a sense of stability after a week of turmoil. Players such as Joselu, Nico Williams, and Lamine Yamal were among the most requested, though Gavi, Unai Simón, and Daniel Olmo did not participate in the public actions linked to the training.
Rubiales criticizes players’ views
The training session ended amid a flurry of activity as players including Asensio, Pau Torres, Abel Ruiz, Balde, Yamal, and Nico Williams prepared to return to work the following Tuesday. César Azpilicueta rejoined after the World Cup in Qatar. With the session over, Rubiales took to his Twitter account to defend his position, linking to a Merlí clip that framed a philosophical argument—an attempt to shape the narrative around his leadership and the early fallout from the crisis.
In the trailer released by the former coach, a classroom scene unfolds, with a teacher asking about the color of a folder when a student arrives late. The answer, red, becomes a metaphor for how group dynamics can shape individual beliefs, underscoring the ongoing tension between public opinion and personal loyalty to a cause.
That moment highlighted how group pressure can push a player toward a consensus, even when the wider debate remains unsettled. The incident left the national team poised between accountability and identity, a reflection of the broader struggle within Spanish football to redefine itself in the wake of controversy.