Jenni Hermoso, Spain’s all-time leading scorer with 57 goals, has been recalled to the national team by new manager Sonia Bermudez after a year-long absence. Hermoso last appeared for Spain in October 2024, coming off the bench in a match against Canada. Her return follows a tumultuous period during which she testified in the trial of former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales, who was convicted of sexual assault for kissing Hermoso without her consent after Spain’s 2023 World Cup final victory. Despite not being called up for Euro 2025, where Spain lost to England on penalties, Hermoso played a crucial role in Spain’s qualification campaign and their bronze medal match at the Paris Olympics, where they were defeated by Germany. Hermoso, who currently plays for Mexican club Tigres, expressed her emotions about the recall, stating, ‘I have to admit that I cried. It was a moment I have waited a long time for and I’ve been working for a long time for. To continue at this level and to be able to enjoy football with the national team is the reward for all that work.’ Hermoso, now 35, is the oldest member of the squad but remains undeterred by her age, emphasizing that ‘age is just a number.’ She is focused on making a fresh start and contributing to Spain’s upcoming Women’s Nations League semi-final against Sweden. Bermudez, who took over as manager after Montse Tome’s contract was not renewed in August, has also recalled Barcelona defender Mapi Leon, who last played for Spain in 2022. Hermoso’s return marks a significant moment for Spanish women’s football as they aim to rebuild and move forward from the controversies of the past.