The Spain women’s national team finds itself at a turning point amid a public dispute over its head coach, Jorge Vilda. A group of players has begun a coordinated effort to use pressure to influence leadership decisions, signaling deep concerns about team management and performance expectations. This movement divides opinions within the squad and places the team in a challenging position on the international stage. The names frequently cited in media coverage include Ainhoa Vicente, Patri Guijarro, Leila Ouahabi, Lucía García, Mapi León, Ona Batlle, Laia Aleixandri, Claudia Pina, Aitana Bonmatí, Andrea Pereira, Mariona Caldentey, Sandra Paños, Lola Gallardo, Nerea Eizagirre, and Amaia Erice.
One spokesperson for the players stated that their aim was to voice concerns rather than to demand the coach’s immediate dismissal. The message emphasized that the captains conveyed the collective feelings of the group while denying a unilateral request to sack the coach. This stance has been cited in social media and by official team accounts as part of the broader discourse surrounding leadership and governance within the squad. [Citation: SEFutbolFem statement]
Reports indicate that 15 players submitted emails declining to be called up for upcoming selections, signaling a deliberate protest against the current leadership. The texts reportedly explained an inability to view themselves as selectable until the situation changed and documented a significant impact on their emotional well being and health.
Media coverage noted renewed public expressions from players calling for accountability and a reconfiguration of the coaching approach. The debate extended to involvement from club communities, with support reportedly voiced by players from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad, Manchester City, and Manchester United, highlighting the widespread scope of the dialogue within the sport.
Captains Irene Paredes and Jennifer Hermoso were not among the signatories in some reports. Paredes had previously publicly faced questions during a press conference over the players’ stance, and some observers suggested she might choose not to lead a renewed rebellion at this time. There were indications that both captains might align with the broader sentiments behind the move, leaving room for future developments regarding leadership alignment.
The situation also intersected with the status of star player Alexia Putellas, who was injured and therefore unavailable for selection during discussions of leadership changes. The group remaining in opposition to the current coaching setup asserted that the players should aspire to win titles with a refreshed leadership approach. [Citation: SEFutbolFem communications]
As the team prepared for an important upcoming match against a strong opponent, organizers worked to coordinate logistics with national federations and regional authorities. The discussions aimed to maintain focus on preparation while navigating the tensions surrounding leadership and coaching decisions.
The federation issued statements clarifying that it would not yield to pressure from players regarding the continuity of the coach and his staff, emphasizing that such decisions are outside players’ governance. Officials insisted that any form of coercion or pressure from players would not be tolerated, framing the situation as unprecedented in the history of both men’s and women’s football in Spain and globally. The federation also indicated openness to constructive solutions while reaffirming its governance role. The broader alliance between the federation and management bodies was described as essential to maintaining stability during this period of disagreement. [Citation: RFEF communications]
In the wider context, the discourse touched on team performance, coaching strategies, and the need for a leadership structure that can maximize talent while sustaining team unity. The scenario illustrated how governance, player welfare, and competitive ambition intersect within elite women’s football, underscoring ongoing conversations about how best to balance accountability with the pressures of modern sport.