What Does Spain’s World Cup Title Mean for the Players and Federation?

Spain, also known as La Roja, is the new football giant in women’s soccer. The nation has managed to dominate at both the club and national levels. FC Barcelona is the defending European champion, and their multi-year reign has manifested into a World Championship with Spain. What’s even more incredible about their accomplishment is how the team overcame some of the issues between the team, coach, and federation. What does it mean for Spain moving forward? Let’s take a deep dive into what’s occurred. 

Las 15

Months before the World Cup, 15 players pledged not to go to the World Cup until the lack of professionalism and a poor environment created by the federation and coaching staff were rectified. Although a few of the original 15 returned for the tournament, it was not the same team; they were still missing stars like Mapi Leon.

Yet somehow, this group managed to win the World Cup. It’s one of the few instances in sport where the team can overcome internal strife to win the title. While it’s an amazing accomplishment and something that will be celebrated, what will happen in the aftermath? 

Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF)

Football federations have a history of making it more about the federation than the players–that no one person is bigger than the country. Yet, it is that country’s responsibility to provide their players with the best possible working situation. Countless countries were in a battle at this World Cup over similar issues, Nigeria and Canada were in pay disputes. Canada’s early exit highlighted that, more often than not, internal issues do not lead to success. 

Again, it makes these Spanish players look incredible for pulling this off, but they still had to play as a team. Olga Carmona, who scored the team’s last two goals, has supported RFEF, making this a murky and complicated situation. Even though the players achieved it, based on previous behavior, will the Federation use their win as a power move in negotiations? They’ve taken the stance that everything is fine and likely will continue to do so. These sides are far apart and can’t seem to understand each other at all. This issue was compounded after the unnecessary, distasteful kiss.

Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales apologized after an unsolicited kiss he planted on player Jenni Hermoso's lips during celebrations of the country's #FIFAWomensWorldCup victory sparked outrage in Spain https://t.co/NwiAqBaMbT pic.twitter.com/bZAwbhruir

— Reuters (@Reuters) August 22, 2023

The Federation will look at the players who stayed home and tell them they never needed them. Those players who sat home missed out instead of being a part of something special. Their stand, according to the Federation, might end up being useless. If Spain had gone home early, the players would have had a little more leverage to say they’re needed to win the World Cup. Hopefully, the Spanish players can do what the USWNT did and use their star power to receive the basic rights they are asking for. 

The only difference is that the players have a managerial problem, whereas the USWNT did not. This is a complex situation with a ton of moving pieces. More is sure to come out as the team celebrates its historic win. It’s only a matter of which side will budge first because both have kept their stance for a long time. Time will tell which side of Spain this World Cup title will impact more.

Growth of the Game after Spain’s World Cup Win

While all this is being settled, Liga F is sure to benefit the most from this deal. More people in Spain and around the world will want to watch their favorite Spanish stars, which will bring more money to the league and players. The overall level of play in the league should increase with steady investment, meaning Spain is officially one of the new big players in the world of women’s soccer.

Jenni Hermoso is one of the players who helped build this Spanish program into what it is. It’s great to see when someone has worked their whole life for something and achieved it. Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas will carry this next generation of players into a bright future. Spain will be a force to be reckoned with for a long time. 

Featured image via @fifawomensworldcup on Instagram

_

GIRLS SOCCER NETWORK: YOUR SOURCE FOR GIRLS SOCCER NEWS