{"id":16444,"date":"2025-07-26T06:41:44","date_gmt":"2025-07-26T10:41:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/26\/euro-2025-a-chance-for-spain-to-overcome-its-controversies\/"},"modified":"2025-07-26T06:41:44","modified_gmt":"2025-07-26T10:41:44","slug":"euro-2025-a-chance-for-spain-to-overcome-its-controversies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/26\/euro-2025-a-chance-for-spain-to-overcome-its-controversies\/","title":{"rendered":"Euro 2025: A Chance for Spain to Overcome Its Controversies"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<div class=\"article-meta\">\n<ul class=\"authors\">\n<li class=\"mugshot-shown\">\n<div class=\"author-img\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=\/i\/columnists\/espn_generic_m.jpg&amp;h=80&amp;w=80&amp;scale=crop\" alt=\"\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\">\n        <\/div>\n<p>Emily Kage<span class=\"timestamp \">July 25th, 2025, 10am<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"author-overlay\">close<\/p>\n<ul>London-based Emily Keow is ESPN&#8217;s women&#8217;s soccer correspondent and specializes in WSL and UWCL.<\/ul>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<p>Zurich &#8211; This tournament feels unique for Spain. Entering Euro 2025 as world champions and favorites, they have yet to surpass their past semifinal appearances. Following their victorious 2023 World Cup campaign, off-field controversies have overshadowed their football achievements.<\/p>\n<p>Old scars are present in their rivalry with England, harkening back to the World Cup final two years prior. Although Spain triumphed 1-0 against the Lionesses, the victory was marred by issues involving former Spanish FA President Luis Rubiales.<\/p>\n<p>What should have been a joyful celebration for Spain was quickly clouded by controversy. Aitana Bonmati was recognized as the tournament&#8217;s best player, while Salma Paraluelo earned the title of best young player, yet Rubiales\u2019 actions tainted what should have been a moment of pride. A media storm extended beyond sports, affecting cultural and societal perceptions for months to follow.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"inline inline-photo full\">\n<figure>\n      <picture><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/a3.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0725%2Fr1523487_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=570&amp;format=jpg, https:\/\/a3.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0725%2Fr1523487_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 376px)\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/a3.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0725%2Fr1523487_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=375, https:\/\/a3.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0725%2Fr1523487_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=750&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 2x\" media=\"(max-width: 375px)\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" class=\" lazyload lazyload\" data-image-container=\".inline-photo\" height=\"320\" width=\"570\"><br \/>\n        <\/source><br \/>\n        <\/source>\n      <\/picture><figcaption class=\"photoCaption\">The Spanish team stands out as the most complete squad in women&#8217;s football. <cite>Noemi Llamas\/Sports Press Photo\/Getty Images<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Since then, the players have often avoided discussing the past, not because they wish to forget, but because they continue to advocate for change behind the scenes. Their focus now is on the Swiss tournament.<\/p>\n<p>This squad is one of the most technically gifted in history, merging youthful energy with experienced stars like Catacolo, Vicki Lopez, Claudia Pina, and Bonmati, melded with veterans such as Paredes and Alexia Putellas. They are achieving feats never before seen in the Spanish women&#8217;s game.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt feels like it\u2019s written in the stars,\u201d Captain Irene Paredes remarked after Spain&#8217;s win over Germany in the semifinals. \u201c(The players) seemed out of the game at one point but then stepped up to become stars.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Spain reached the semifinals in 1997 and the final later that year, but participation in Euros was scarce until 2013. Recent campaigns have been lackluster, with their newfound status as the best team in the world not translating into Euro success, as they were out in the quarterfinals.<\/p>\n<p>The 2023 World Cup marked their first major trophy, followed by victory in the UEFA Nations League in 2024; however, Spain has not experienced the same boost that England did after their Euro 2022 win.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want to believe everything has changed, and the World Cup has enhanced our profile, but I can\u2019t say that definitively,\u201d Bonmaty told the BBC in 2024.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"inline inline-photo full\">\n<figure>\n      <picture><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0725%2Fr1523486_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=570&amp;format=jpg, https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0725%2Fr1523486_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 376px)\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0725%2Fr1523486_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=375, https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0725%2Fr1523486_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=750&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 2x\" media=\"(max-width: 375px)\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" class=\" lazyload lazyload\" data-image-container=\".inline-photo\" height=\"320\" width=\"570\"><br \/>\n        <\/source><br \/>\n        <\/source>\n      <\/picture><figcaption class=\"photoCaption\">Montseme has guided Spain into uncharted Euro territory. <cite>Sebastien Bozon\/AFP via Getty Images<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Keira Walsh, an English midfielder who previously played two seasons with several Spanish teams at Barcelona, anticipates the match against her former teammates but acknowledges the necessity of moving past World Cup narratives.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey probably gained more respect,\u201d said Walsh. \u201cI believe the Women\u2019s Super League grew after our Euro win. Comparatively, Spain didn&#8217;t receive the same recognition even after the World Cup.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere was significant controversy following the match, but their performances were remarkable, showcasing how incredible they are as players.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>However, moving forward has been challenging. An 18-month struggle ensued as the team worked to move beyond past events and return their focus to football. Rubiales will have his FIFA ban lifted in October next year, and others have resigned or faced legal action, all of which have overshadowed team activities\u2014encompassing Nations League play, European qualifiers, and friendlies.<\/p>\n<p>Despite these challenges, Spanish performance didn\u2019t drop. Out of 36 matches prior to the 2023 World Cup final, they won 29, including five Euro matches this summer, with two draws and five losses. One loss was to England (1-0) in the Nations League in February, but they avenged that with a 2-1 victory in June.<\/p>\n<div data-behavior=\"video_scroll\" class=\"contentItem__content contentItem__content--media-card contentItem__content--fullWidth contentItem__content--inline\">\n<figure data-video=\"watch,640,360,45807952\" data-cerebro-id=\"6881621c8b9c912b9b5ba71f\" data-title=\"How Bonmat\u00ed's 'moment of genius' sent Spain to the Euro 2025 final\" class=\"media-wrapper_image video\" data-source=\"espn\">\n      <picture class=\"media-wrapper_image\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fmedia%2Fmotion%2F2025%2F0723%2Fdm_250723_COM_SOC_Analysis_How_Bonmatis_moment_of_genius_sent_Spain_to_the_Euro_2025_final_20250723_GLO%2Fdm_250723_COM_SOC_Analysis_How_Bonmatis_moment_of_genius_sent_Spain_to_the_Euro_2025_final_20250723_GLO.jpg&amp;w=640&amp;h=360&amp;cquality=80&amp;format=jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 376px)\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fmedia%2Fmotion%2F2025%2F0723%2Fdm_250723_COM_SOC_Analysis_How_Bonmatis_moment_of_genius_sent_Spain_to_the_Euro_2025_final_20250723_GLO%2Fdm_250723_COM_SOC_Analysis_How_Bonmatis_moment_of_genius_sent_Spain_to_the_Euro_2025_final_20250723_GLO.jpg&amp;w=335&amp;cquality=80, https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fmedia%2Fmotion%2F2025%2F0723%2Fdm_250723_COM_SOC_Analysis_How_Bonmatis_moment_of_genius_sent_Spain_to_the_Euro_2025_final_20250723_GLO%2Fdm_250723_COM_SOC_Analysis_How_Bonmatis_moment_of_genius_sent_Spain_to_the_Euro_2025_final_20250723_GLO.jpg&amp;w=670&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 2x\" media=\"(max-width: 375px)\"><img class=\" lazyload lazyload\"><\/source><br \/>\n        <\/source>\n      <\/picture>\n      <span class=\"video-play-button\" data-id=\"45807952\">play<\/span><figcaption class=\"media-caption\">\n<p>1:33<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"contentItem__contentWrapper\">\n<p>How Bonmat\u00ed&#8217;s &#8220;Genius Moment&#8221; sent Spain to the Euro 2025 final<\/p>\n<p class=\"contentItem__subhead\">Julien Lawrence lauded Aitana Bonmati\u2019s decisive goal that propelled Spain to the Euro 2025 final.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Spain continues to perform at an elite level despite numerous challenges that test their champion mentality. For the first time, players felt entirely at ease, able to concentrate purely on football, thanks to improvements from the federation in training facilities, support staff, and family access.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cToday marks another historic moment for us,\u201d Bonmaty expressed after reaching the semifinals. \u201cFor the first time, we have advanced to the European Championship final by defeating Germany.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Spain is eager to claim the one title that has eluded them. Victory in the Euro would be a testament to their remarkable football reputation, untainted by previous controversies.<\/p>\n<p>When asked about her hopes for the final, Walsh emphasized the importance of camaraderie over rivalry, wishing for players to enjoy the experience. \u201cThey\u2019re showcasing phenomenal football and deserving of their place in the final,&#8221; she said. &#8220;As people, I simply want them to go out and relish the game.&#8221; <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Fan Take:<\/strong> This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights the evolution of women&#8217;s football, showcasing Spain\u2019s resilience and growth amidst challenges. With their impressive talent and determination, Spain&#8217;s potential success could inspire future generations and elevate the status of the women&#8217;s game globally.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Emily KageJuly 25th, 2025, 10am close London-based Emily Keow is ESPN&#8217;s women&#8217;s soccer correspondent and specializes in WSL and UWCL. Zurich &#8211; This tournament feels unique for Spain. Entering Euro 2025 as world champions and favorites, they have yet to surpass their past semifinal appearances. Following their victorious 2023 World Cup campaign, off-field controversies have [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16445,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[2975,1678,1905,40,46,2894,45,1907],"class_list":{"0":"post-16444","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football","8":"tag-chance","9":"tag-controversies","10":"tag-euro","11":"tag-football","12":"tag-news","13":"tag-overcome","14":"tag-soccer","15":"tag-spain"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16444","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16444"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16444\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16445"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16444"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16444"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16444"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}