Former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales has claimed his sexual assault conviction for kissing Jenni Hermoso was the result of a political witch hunt, insisting the incident was “blown out of proportion.” The ex-RFEF chief broke his silence in a TV interview, defending his actions during Spain’s 2023 Women’s World Cup celebrations and alleging political motives behind his downfall.
England were handed a nightmare draw in qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup, with the Lionesses to battle Spain for the only automatic berth in the group. Sarina Wiegman's side were able to defeat La Roja in the Euro 2025 final back in July but finished as runners-up to the world champions in the Nations League earlier this year, having failed to deliver the same level of consistency across the group stage as the side boasting two Ballon d'Or winners, in Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati.
Alessia Russo is one of 11 Lionesses on the list of nominees for this year's FIFPRO XI, which also includes seven players from the Spain side England beat in the European Championship final - albeit not Mariona Caldentey, who put La Roja ahead in that game and finished as runner-up to Aitana Bonmati at the Ballon d'Or. That's not the only surprise, either, with Mary Earps included and there no representation for the United States women's national team.
Jenni Hermoso has been recalled to the Spain squad by new head coach Sonia Bermudez. The legendary forward, who is her country's all-time leading goalscorer, was caught up in the Luis Rubiales scandal which accompanied La Roja's World Cup triumph in 2023. She is now stepping back into the fold alongside former Barcelona team-mate Mapi Leon, who sees a three-year exile from the international arena brought to a close.
On Tuesday, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) officially presented Sonia Bermudez as the new head coach of the Spanish women's national team, who will be succeeding Montse Tome in the role. Bermudez, one of the best players in Spain during her time, addressed the future of veteran striker Jenni Hermoso, who was left out of the Euro 2025 squad.
England's Lucy Bronze has lifted the lid on Sarina Wiegman's impeccable tactics from the Euro 2025 final win over Spain in July. The Lionesses came from a goal down to beat the World Cup holders on penalties in a dramatic match in Switzerland. Now, Chelsea ace Bronze has opened up on how Alessia Russo's all-important equaliser was planned to a tee by the boss.
It's incredible to think that, four years ago, Aitana Bonmati was the subject of one of the most shocking snubs in Ballon d'Or history. After playing a starring role in Barcelona's first Women's Champions League triumph, the midfielder looked sure to be in the mix for the Golden Ball - and yet, she didn't even make the 20-player shortlist. Did she take it personally? Knowing her focus on team over individual, perhaps not, but she's certainly made herself impossible to ignore in the interim, with Bonmati claiming a third successive Ballon d'Or on Monday.
The Ballon d'Or. Love it or loathe it, it's the award every footballer in the world dreams of one day winning. And now, after a memorable 2024-25 campaign, the winner of the 2025 Women's Golden Ball has been announced: Aitana Bonmati. The Barcelona star was exceptional for her club this past year, her world-class consistency standing out as the Catalans won a domestic treble, while her performances for Spain were enough to make her the Euro 2025 Player of the Tournament.
Aitana Bonmati claimed her third successive Ballon d'Or on Monday, beating out competition from Spain team-mate Mariona Caldentey and Lionesses star Alessia Russo. The Arsenal duo got the better of Bonmati's Barcelona in this year's Champions League final but it was she who was called to the stage again in Paris, joining Lionel Messi and Michel Platini as the only other players to win the Golden Ball three years in a row.
Barcelona and Spain teenager Vicky Lopez has been named the best young women’s player in the world and has picked up the Kopa Trophy at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards in Paris. The 19-year-old played a key role in Barcelona’s stunning season, winning Liga F and Copa de la Reina titles, and also helped Spain make it to the finals of Euro 2025 in the summer.
In the last few years, it's seemed relatively easy to predict the winner of the Ballon d'Or Feminin. In 2025, though, it feels incredibly tricky, especially after England's win over Spain in the European Championship final.
Alexia Putellas has opened up about the pain of losing to England in the Euro 2025 final, admitting she was left 'feeling like crap' and mentally drained in the days that followed. Spain fell 3-1 on penalties after a tense clash, and for the two-time Ballon d’Or winner, the defeat was one of the toughest moments of her career.
Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll has disputed Hannah Hampton’s claim that she threw her water bottle – containing penalty notes – into the crowd during the Euro 2025 final. The England shot-stopper recently told the story in an interview, but Coll has now responded on social media, telling the Lionesses hero to 'calm down' as she questioned the truth of the incident.
England midfielder Ella Toone revealed that her beloved grandmother, whom she affectionately called “Nana Maz,” passed away on the morning of the Euro 2025 final against Spain. She played 87 minutes in the final before being substituted, delivering a typically industrious performance as England fought to defend their European crown following a 1-1 draw in regular time.
Fresh off their dramatic Euro 2025 triumph, England stars Chloe Kelly and Leah Williamson are now hot property off the pitch, with brand deals and reality TV shows reportedly lining up to sign them. Experts have suggested that the Lionesses could rake in as much as £80 million this year, potentially out-earning their male counterparts in commercial opportunities.
Spain have lashed out at England following their heartbreaking Euro 2025 final defeat on penalties, accusing the Lionesses of time-wasting and calling them lucky champions. Despite dominating large parts of the game, La Roja fell short in the shootout as England defended their European crown in dramatic fashion in Switzerland with Hannah Hampton playing a key role.
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