Spain became champions of the world after overcoming the loss of key players in the wake of the criticisms of the Spanish Federation and their head coach to claim a maiden Women’s World Cup.
In the face of everything that has darkened what should be a monumental celebration, it’s crucial we force the players back into the spotlight, and elbow out those overshadowing their historic achievement. So, who are the players who recorded a landmark moment in their country’s history in Sydney?
23. Cata Coll (Goalkeeper, Barcelona)
If timing is everything, Cata Coll has perfected it. Going into the World Cup, the Barca youngster was yet to make a senior international appearance and started the tournament on the bench. She made her debut in the Round of 16 win against Switzerland and didn’t look back. To top it off, her first clean sheet came in the final.
2. Ona Batlle (Defender, Barcelona)
Batlle has established herself as one of the most complete full-backs in the game. She was named Manchester United’s Player of The Year for 2020/21 in her debut season, and was included in the 2021/22 WSL Team of The Season. A return to Barcelona on a free transfer was announced before the World Cup, and she’ll be hoping to compete for domestic honours to go alongside her World Cup winners’ medal.
4. Irene Paredes (Defender, Barcelona)
A domestic league winner with Athletic Club, PSG and Barcelona, the vastly experienced centre-back’s place in the squad was in doubt, having voiced her support for the players who spoke out against the Federation and manager, going so far as to resigning the captaincy. Paredes was recalled, however and her leadership saw La Roja over the line, playing every minute of the tournament.
Embed from Getty Images14. Laia Codina (Defender, Barcelona)
Yet another Barcelona player, Codina — like her club-mate, Coll — had to bide her time for a start in the World Cup, only coming into the starting lineup against Switzerland. She made an immediate impact, scoring her first competitive goal in that game and kept her place for the rest of the tournament.
19. Olga Carmona (Defender, Real Madrid)
The destroyer of dreams (English ones, anyway). The Real Madrid full-back will go down in Spanish history, having scored the winner in the semi-final against Sweden and in the final, for which she captained the side on both occasions.
Embed from Getty Images3. Teresa Abelleira (Midfielder, Real Madrid)
The midfielder, who joined Real in 2020 when they officially rebranded from Club Deportivo TACON, started every game in the World Cup and scored the first goal in their 5-0 win over Zambia. Coming through the youth national teams, she has an Under 18 European Championship winners’ medal to her name from 2018
6. Aitana Bonmatí (Midfielder, Barcelona)
If you’re looking to trace a long lost family member, a pass from Aitana Bonmatí would almost certainly find them. The Barca maestro adds the World Cup to a trophy cabinet brimming with youth honours with Spain and an ever-growing collection of titles domestically. Winner of the Golden Ball in Australia/New Zealand as the tournament’s best player, a Ballon d’Or could be heading Bonmatí’s way later this year too.
Embed from Getty Images10. Jenni Hermoso (Midfielder, Pachuca)
A title winner in Spain with Rayo Vallecano, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, Hermoso is the all time leading goal-scorer for both Barca and Spain and has won five Pichchis playing in the Spanish top flight. Spain’s second group game against Zambia was Hermoso’s 100th cap and she marked it in style, scoring twice. The second of which was her 50th national team goal.
17. Alba Redondo (Forward, Levante)
Having suffered the heartache of missing out on the final squad that went to the 2019 World Cup in France, Redondo banished those demons this time around. She scored three goals in New Zealand and played an hour in the final. Redondo is the reigning Liga F top scorer, hitting 27 goals as Levante finished third, making the Champions League qualifying rounds.
18. Salma Parralluelo (Forward, Barcelona)
The undisputed breakout star of the World Cup, Parralluelo scored the winner in the quarter-final against the Netherlands and the goal that put the Spanish ahead against Sweden in the semis. A former 400 metre hurdler, she won two gold medals in the 2019 European Youth Olympic Festival, and was also named World Cup Young Player of The Tournament.
8. Mariona Caldentey (Forward, Barcelona)
Another member of the Barcelona contingent, Caldentey was one of ‘Las 15’ who originally made themselves unavailable for selection under the head coach before being recalled for the World Cup. Scoring once in the tournament against the Netherlands, she played virtually the whole final, being replaced by Alexia Putellas in the dying minutes of the game.
Embed from Getty ImagesSubstitutes
12. Oihane Hernandez (Defender, Real Madrid)
A new signing this summer from Athletic Club, Hernandez came on for Alba Redondo in the final. She made her senior team debut in September 2022 against Hungary in the World Cup qualifiers.
5. Ivana Andres (Defender, Real Madrid)
Andres spent most of her career at Valencia, moving to local rivals Levante in 2018 before signing for Real in 2020. She replaced Laia Codina in the final.
14. Alexia Putellas (Midfielder, Barcelona)
Without a doubt the biggest name in the Spanish squad. Putellas struggled to find her brilliant best form in the World Cup, working her way back from a devastating ACL injury on the eve of the European Championships last summer. The reigning, back-to-back Ballon d’Or winner has won seven league titles with Barcelona.
