Alexia Putellas, the two-time Ballon d'Or winner, is back in the Spain squad and ready to compete for the Euro 2025 title. After missing the Euro 2022 due to an ACL injury and having a restricted role in the 2023 World Cup, Putellas is eager to lead Spain to their first Euros victory. The midfielder emphasizes the importance of taking the tournament "step by step", starting with the group stage matches against Portugal, Belgium, and Italy.
Spain is entering the Euro 2025 as one of the favorites, having won the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2024 UEFA Women's Nations League. However, Putellas cautions against overconfidence, acknowledging the strength of their opponents. She recognizes that many teams are very good, with excellent players, so Spain must focus on playing their best in each match.
The Spanish squad is dominated by Barcelona players, who are hungry for silverware after their recent Champions League final defeat to Arsenal. Putellas, who had an excellent season with Barcelona, scoring 22 goals and providing 17 assists, was named Liga F Player of the Season. Her experience and leadership will be crucial for Spain, especially with concerns about Aitana Bonmati's fitness. Bonmati, who was diagnosed with viral meningitis, has been discharged from the hospital and is expected to join the team, but her involvement in the early stages of the tournament remains uncertain.
Despite Spain's impressive achievements, they have yet to win a European Championship. The team will kick off their Euro 2025 campaign against Portugal on July 3. Putellas is looking forward to the opener, stating that she has been waiting for this moment and has worked hard to be back. She acknowledges that the first match is always difficult but expresses confidence in her team's ability to perform well.
Spain's coach, Montse Tome, has made some notable changes to the World Cup-winning squad, with Jenni Hermoso being a high-profile omission. Tome explained that the decision was based on assessing Hermoso's performances and the competition for her position. Despite Hermoso's absence, Spain still boasts a star-studded squad with players like Aitana Bonmati, Patri Guijarro, and Mariona Caldentey.
Putellas emphasizes the importance of staying calm and focused throughout the tournament. She highlights the need to maintain a routine, eat well, stay hydrated, and visualize possible moves. Putellas believes that experience has taught her to remain composed and concentrate on the task at hand.
