Spanish team captains Álvaro Morata, Rodri, Azpilicueta and Marco Asensio stood before the cameras in Las Rozas, sitting in the front row of the press room alongside their teammates. They came to address the heated discussions around women’s football, and they did so with a clear sense of duty. Voices within the sport sharply criticized the sacking of the president Luis Rubiales, and the players made their stance felt with measured but firm remarks.
Relating to
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Lamine Yamal, a standout in the opening squad chosen by the new leadership, represents a fresh chapter for Spain without Rubiales.
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Lamine Yamal already receives the warmth and faith of fans, which helps calm the doubts that surrounded the transition.
‘The Resistance Handbook 2’: What Rubiales learned from Pedro Sánchez
Morata spoke as co-captain, offering a measured tribute to the women’s national team who earned a world title in Sydney. He highlighted the historic significance of their achievement, noting that it will leave a lasting footprint on the sport. The players expressed solidarity and a shared sadness for colleagues who feel their success has been questioned or diminished.
The mood in the room grew more intense as the topic shifted to Rubiales. Morata stressed a clear rejection of conduct he viewed as unacceptable for the office he held. The message was simple: leaders must uphold the values that sport embodies, and Spanish football should stand as a beacon of respect, inspiration, inclusion, and diversity. He underscored the obligation to model appropriate behavior on and off the pitch.
Looking ahead, the captains emphasized a commitment to turning the page and focusing on the future of Spanish football. With Euro 2024 on the horizon, they outlined a sharp plan: prepare for two crucial qualifiers, first against Georgia and then Cyprus. In their view, the challenges ahead demand full concentration on the game. The group signaled a readiness to move forward, prioritizing sporting objectives and the cohesion of the national team above everything else.