Spain women's national football team facts for kids
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Nickname(s) | La Roja (The Red One) | |||||||||||||||||||
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Association | Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF) | |||||||||||||||||||
Confederation | UEFA (Europe) | |||||||||||||||||||
Head coach | Montserrat Tomé | |||||||||||||||||||
Captain | Irene Paredes | |||||||||||||||||||
Most caps | Alexia Putellas (138) | |||||||||||||||||||
Top scorer | Jenni Hermoso (57) | |||||||||||||||||||
FIFA code | ESP | |||||||||||||||||||
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FIFA ranking | ||||||||||||||||||||
Current | 12 ![]() |
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Highest | 1 (December 2023 – June 2024) | |||||||||||||||||||
Lowest | 21 (June – August 2004; March 2008) | |||||||||||||||||||
First international | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unofficial![]() ![]() (Murcia, Spain; 21 February 1971) Official ![]() ![]() (A Guarda, Spain; 5 February 1983) |
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Biggest win | ||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Palamós, Spain; 20 March 1994) |
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Biggest defeat | ||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Gandia, Spain; 2 June 1996) |
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World Cup | ||||||||||||||||||||
Appearances | 3 (first in 2015) | |||||||||||||||||||
Best result | Champions (2023) | |||||||||||||||||||
Olympic Games | ||||||||||||||||||||
Appearances | 1 (first in 2024) | |||||||||||||||||||
Best result | Fourth place (2024) | |||||||||||||||||||
European Championship | ||||||||||||||||||||
Appearances | 5 (first in 1997) | |||||||||||||||||||
Best result | Runners-up (2025) | |||||||||||||||||||
Nations League Finals | ||||||||||||||||||||
Appearances | 1 (first in 2024) | |||||||||||||||||||
Best result | Champions (2024) | |||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
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The Spain women's national football team, also known as La Roja (The Red One), represents Spain in international football games. It is managed by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, which is the main organization for football in Spain.
Spain is currently one of the top teams in the world. They are one of only five national teams to have won the FIFA Women's World Cup, achieving this amazing feat in 2023. Spain is also one of only two countries, along with Germany, to have won both the women's and men's World Cups. They made history by becoming the first nation to hold world champion titles in all three women's football categories at the same time: Under-17, Under-20, and senior level.
At the European level, Spain won the first-ever UEFA Women's Nations League in 2024. This made them the first country to win both the women's and men's Nations League competitions. They have also played in the UEFA Women's Championship five times, reaching the semi-finals in 1997 and finishing as runners-up in 2025.
Contents
History of the Spanish Women's Football Team
How it All Started
Around 1970, some unofficial women's football clubs began to appear in Spain. A person named Rafael Muga wanted to create a national team. At first, the official football federation didn't think football was a suitable sport for women. In fact, the president of the federation in 1971 even said he didn't think women looked good in shirts and shorts!
Despite this, an unofficial Spanish team played its first game on 21 February 1971 in Murcia against Portugal, ending in a 3–3 draw. They weren't allowed to wear the official federation badge. Later, they played against Italy and lost 8–1. The official federation even stopped them from joining an early women's world cup. This unofficial team eventually stopped playing.
Becoming Official in the 1980s
After Spain became a democracy, the Royal Spanish Football Federation finally accepted women's football in November 1980. They created a national cup and then an official national team. This team played its first official game on 5 February 1983 against Portugal, losing 0–1.
The team then played friendly matches against France and Switzerland. They got their first official win in Zürich (0–1). In 1985, they played their first official qualifying match for the European Championship. The team's coach, Teodoro Nieto, was later replaced by Ignacio Quereda in 1988, who coached the team for 27 years.
Growing Stronger in the 1990s and 2000s
In the 1995 Euro qualifiers, Spain showed improvement, finishing second in their group. They also achieved their biggest win ever, a 17–0 victory over Slovenia. In the 1997 Euro qualifiers, Spain made it to the main tournament for the first time! They reached the semi-finals, where they were defeated by Italy.
After this success, the team faced a long period of not qualifying for major tournaments. They often finished low in their groups during qualifiers for the World Cup and European Championships.
First World Cups in the 2010s
Spain finally qualified for the UEFA Women's Euro 2013 after beating Scotland in a playoff. They reached the quarterfinals but were eliminated by Norway.
Two years later, Spain qualified for their first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup in 2015. However, their performance in the group stage was disappointing, and they were eliminated early. After the World Cup, the players asked for a change in coaching. Ignacio Quereda stepped down, and Jorge Vilda became the new head coach.
Spain then qualified for the UEFA Women's Euro 2017 by winning all their matches. They also won the Algarve Cup for the first time. In the Euro 2017, they reached the quarterfinals but lost in a penalty shootout.
At the 2019 World Cup, Spain made it to the knockout stage for the first time in their history. They were eliminated in the Round of 16 by the eventual champions, the United States.
The Golden Generation of the 2020s
In the early 2020s, Spain's team became one of the top 10 in the FIFA Women's World Rankings. Spanish players also started winning major individual awards in European club football.
Spain qualified for the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 without losing a game and was considered a top contender. However, key players Jennifer Hermoso and Alexia Putellas were injured just before the tournament. Spain reached the quarter-finals but lost to England in extra time.
Team Challenges and Resolutions
In September 2022, some players expressed concerns about the team's training and environment. They wanted improvements in how the team was managed. Over time, many players and the federation worked together to resolve these issues.
Nations League Champions and Olympic Debut
With the new UEFA Women's Nations League, Spain was a strong favorite to win. They won their group and qualified for the final four. In the semi-finals, Spain defeated the Netherlands 3-0. In the final, Spain faced France, a team they had never beaten before. Spain won 2-0, claiming their second international trophy and becoming the first champions of the UEFA Nations League.
Spain also qualified for their first-ever women's football tournament at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. They finished first in their group, winning all three matches. In the quarter-finals, Spain beat Colombia in a penalty shootout. Although they were favorites for a medal, Spain lost to Brazil in the semi-finals and then to Germany in the bronze medal match, finishing in fourth place.
Spain continued their strong performance in the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 tournament. They reached the final but were defeated by England in a penalty shootout, finishing as runners-up.
Recent Matches
- The following is a summary of Spain's match results in the last 12 months.
- Legend
Win Draw Loss Fixtures
In 2024, Spain had a busy year, including their first appearance at the Olympic Games. They won all their group matches against Japan, Nigeria, and Brazil. In the quarter-finals, they drew 2-2 with Colombia but won in a penalty shootout. Spain then lost to Brazil in the semi-finals and Germany in the bronze medal match, finishing fourth. They also played several friendly matches, drawing with Canada and Italy, and winning against South Korea and France.
In 2025, Spain continued their strong form in the UEFA Women's Nations League, winning five out of six group matches against Belgium, England, and Portugal. They also had a successful run in the UEFA Women's Euro 2025, winning all their group matches and reaching the final, where they finished as runners-up after a penalty shootout against England.
Coaching Staff
Current Personnel
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Manager History
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Players
Current Squad
The following 23 players were part of the squad for UEFA Women's Euro 2025.
- Caps and goals as of 27 July 2025
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
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1 | GK | Esther Sullastres | 20 March 1993 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
13 | GK | Catalina Coll | 23 April 2001 | 30 | 0 | ![]() |
23 | GK | Adriana Nanclares | 9 May 2002 | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
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2 | DF | Ona Batlle | 10 June 1999 | 67 | 2 | ![]() |
3 | DF | Jana Fernández | 18 February 2002 | 11 | 0 | ![]() |
4 | DF | Irene Paredes (captain) | 4 July 1991 | 121 | 14 | ![]() |
5 | DF | María Méndez | 10 April 2001 | 16 | 2 | ![]() |
7 | DF | Olga Carmona (3rd captain) | 12 June 2000 | 61 | 3 | ![]() |
14 | DF | Laia Aleixandri | 25 August 2000 | 46 | 3 | ![]() |
15 | DF | Leila Ouahabi | 22 March 1993 | 66 | 1 | ![]() |
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6 | MF | Aitana Bonmatí (5th captain) | 18 January 1998 | 84 | 31 | ![]() |
10 | MF | Athenea del Castillo | 24 October 2000 | 66 | 18 | ![]() |
11 | MF | Alexia Putellas (vice-captain) | 4 February 1994 | 138 | 38 | ![]() |
12 | MF | Patricia Guijarro | 17 May 1998 | 75 | 13 | ![]() |
19 | MF | Vicky López | 26 July 2006 | 15 | 4 | ![]() |
22 | MF | Maite Zubieta | 28 May 2002 | 7 | 0 | ![]() |
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8 | FW | Mariona Caldentey (4th captain) | 19 March 1996 | 95 | 32 | ![]() |
9 | FW | Esther González | 8 December 1992 | 57 | 37 | ![]() |
16 | FW | Cristina Martín-Prieto | 14 March 1993 | 8 | 3 | ![]() |
17 | FW | Lucía García | 14 July 1998 | 58 | 13 | ![]() |
18 | FW | Salma Paralluelo | 13 November 2003 | 44 | 14 | ![]() |
20 | FW | Clàudia Pina | 12 August 2001 | 21 | 9 | ![]() |
21 | FW | Alba Redondo | 27 August 1996 | 43 | 16 | ![]() |
Recent Call-ups
- The following players were also named to a squad in the last 12 months.
Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
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GK | Eunate Astralaga | 30 November 2005 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
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GK | Misa Rodríguez | 23 July 1999 | 24 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 Summer Olympics |
GK | Elene Lete | 7 May 2002 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 Summer Olympics |
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DF | Laia Codina INJ | 22 January 2000 | 23 | 2 | ![]() |
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DF | Berta Pujadas | 9 April 2000 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Ana Tejada | 2 June 2002 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Oihane Hernández | 4 May 2000 | 27 | 1 | ![]() |
2024 Summer Olympics |
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MF | Sheila García | 15 March 1997 | 23 | 1 | ![]() |
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MF | Silvia Lloris | 15 May 2004 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
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MF | Teresa Abelleira INJ | 9 January 2000 | 44 | 3 | ![]() |
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MF | Maite Oroz | 25 March 1998 | 15 | 4 | ![]() |
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MF | Fiamma Benítez | 19 June 2004 | 9 | 2 | ![]() |
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MF | Inma Gabarro | 5 November 2002 | 5 | 2 | ![]() |
2024 Summer Olympics PRE |
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FW | Lucía Corrales | 24 November 2005 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
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FW | Macarena Portales | 2 August 1998 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
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FW | Amaiur Sarriegi | 13 December 2000 | 20 | 13 | ![]() |
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FW | Bruna Vilamala | 4 June 2002 | 3 | 1 | ![]() |
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FW | Jenni Hermoso | 9 May 1990 | 123 | 57 | ![]() |
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FW | Eva Navarro | 27 January 2001 | 26 | 5 | ![]() |
2024 Summer Olympics |
INJ Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury. |
Previous Squads
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Team Honours and Awards
Major Titles
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Minor Titles
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Other Awards
- Premios Nacionales del Deporte (National Sports Awards): Best national sports team (2014)
- Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit (2023)
- Laureus World Sports Award for Team of the Year (2024)
Player Records
- Caps and goals as of 27 July 2025.
- Players in bold are still active, at least at club level.
Most Games Played (Caps)
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Most Goals Scored
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Team CaptainsList of captains by appearances as captain
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Individual Player Awards
Tournament PerformanceFIFA Women's World Cup
Olympic Games
UEFA Women's European Championship
UEFA Women's Nations League
RankingsFIFA Women's World RankingsSpain's position in the FIFA Women's World Rankings has steadily improved over the years. They reached their highest rank of 1st in December 2023 and held it until June 2024. As of July 2025, they are ranked 2nd in the world.
Youth TeamsSpain also has strong youth national teams that help develop future stars for the senior team. Under-23 TeamThis team is for players who are a bit older than the youth teams but not yet in the main senior squad. It helps them get more training and match experience. Under-20 and Under-19 TeamsThese teams are for talented young players under the age of 20 and 19, helping them grow and prepare for higher levels of football. Under-17 TeamThis team focuses on the youngest players, helping them develop their skills and passion for football from an early age. See also
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