Hermoso in tears after remembering Spain: “I worked for this every day”

Spanish forward Jenni Hermoso has spoken about returning to the squad for Friday’s Nations League semi-final against Sweden. She describes the moment coach Sonia Bermudez called her back after a year away as one that brought her to tears.

Spain’s all-time top scorer with 57 goals returns for the match at La Rosaleda in Malaga after being left out by the country’s former head coach Montse Tome, who resigned in August following the defeat to England in the Euro 2025 final.

“I have to admit that I cried,” said 35-year-old Hermoso Spanish Radio Television. “It was a moment that I have been waiting for for a long time and that I have been working on for a long time.

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“To continue at this level and enjoy football with the national team is the reward for all that work.”

Hermoso’s recall marks an important moment for the striker, who was central to Spain’s 2023 World Cup triumph and was also at the center of the controversy surrounding former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales.

Rubiales was found guilty of sexual assault for kissing Hermoso without her consent during the World Cup celebrations in Sydney.

Reflecting on the challenges she has faced, Hermoso said, «It was exhausting. I had to stay strong through some really tough moments. There were times when coming back seemed impossible, and I’m proud of myself for making it here.»

Hermoso is the oldest player in the current squad, but she insists age does not matter.

“I never think about my age,” she said. «It’s about your body, your mind and your desire. I’ve always seen myself coming back and I’ve worked for this every day.»

Also back in the selection is Barcelona defender Mapi Leon, who last played for Spain in 2022.

Published on October 24, 2025