“The World Cup, the Nations League… what more could you ask for?” declared Aitana Bonmatí, scorer of the first goal for the Spanish team in Seville in the victory (2-0) against France. The second goal was from Mariona Caldentey. Everyone celebrated it in style. It wasn’t just a title. It was much more. Therefore, there was no happier team when Irene Paredes, alongside Alexia, and Jenni Hermoso, lifted the trophy. “We all deserved it. It’s not a prize, it’s a lot of work behind it. Go out every day to improve yourself. Today I show myself again that every day you can be stronger, that I can do everything. I can enjoy this shirt, I can enjoy soccer and I can be champion again,” commented Jenni Hermoso with a permanent smile.
“I dedicate it to myself. Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about myself. That reminds me that everyone has to be brave and consistent with what they think and feel. We’re all going to celebrate it a lot, I’m telling you,” added the Madrid forward.
No sooner said than done. A very festive Thursday awaits the Spanish women’s soccer team. He landed in the morning at the Madrid Airport and went to the Congress of Deputies for the first reception of the day. The expedition was led by the acting president of the RFEF Pedro Rocha. The president of the Congress, Francina Armengol, received the players.
“It is a generation that is giving us a lot of joy. We have all transmitted to them the pride that their triumphs, victories, perseverance and ability to work mean. They tell us that anything is possible. In six months they have reached the top. They have won the World Cup, they have qualified for the Olympic Games for the first time and yesterday winning the Nations League. They are exceptional, they have taught us a lesson,” said Armengol. And he added: “There can be no discrimination for being a woman. You have to fight against many discriminations. There are struggles, sacrifices and work to be at that level. But also victories like the ones they achieve. They are wonderful,” he added.
Captain Irene Paredes spoke. “Thank you all. Since we are here, I want to take the opportunity to ask that beyond words, we must support women’s sports with actions. We need laws to be drafted and approved that help us, protect us and take care of us. With the right tools We are capable of doing very great things,” said the captain.
In the afternoon, the team will enjoy the party with the fans that will begin at 5:00 p.m. at the Vista Alegre Palace. There will be live music and entertainment until the champions appear around 7:00 p.m. The Palacio Vistalegre in Madrid will open its doors free of charge until capacity is reached.
The team will celebrate a new title in the capital six months after being world champions. Those were celebrations marked by the Rubiales case and her non-consensual kiss to Jenni Hermoso. Half a year later, everything has changed. Former president Rubiales was first suspended for three years by UEFA and, at the beginning of September, he resigned from all of his positions. “Holding on is not going to contribute to anything positive,” the manager wrote in a statement, cornered by the suspension from FIFA and the proceedings opened against him, three weeks after the non-consensual kiss with Jenni Hermoso.
His departure was not the only one. The dismissals of other members of the RFEF also came, including that of Jorge Vilda, national coach. Pedro Rocha, interim president of the RFEF, also announced his dismissal last September. A march celebrated by the players who had always been critical of his methods. To the point that up to 15 players refused to be called up.
Everything has changed a lot. Most have returned and players like Barcelona player Patri Guijarro are on their way back. The relief on the bench is also working. Montse Tomé, who was Vilda’s second, has claimed to be a coach with different methods. The team is united, and after beating the French in a grand final to win the first edition of the Nations League, they will celebrate in style. Marlena, Michenlo, Delaporte and Elena Farga will be some of the performances. The champions will also have the opportunity to enjoy them and share a very special moment: the interpretation of “This X Come” by Elena Farga, which has already become an unofficial anthem of this team in recent months.
