Despite clinching the 2023 Women’s World Cup title, Spanish women’s football still grapples with systemic issues, according to Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati. In an exclusive interview, she shed light on ongoing challenges within the national team and the domestic league, highlighting the stark differences compared to England’s Women’s Super League (WSL).
Bonmati’s remarks come amidst a backdrop of legal turmoil and managerial upheaval within the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Despite promises of reform following player boycotts and legal disputes, tangible improvements have yet to materialize. The absence of a successor to former president Luis Rubiales, coupled with unresolved legal issues, underscores the continued instability within the federation.
The allure of the WSL has drawn several Spanish players seeking competitive opportunities and better treatment. Bonmati lauded the WSL’s progressive approach to women’s football, contrasting it with Spain’s less supportive environment. The competitive nature of the league, coupled with substantial investments in development, makes it an attractive destination for Spanish talent.
Bonmati’s own success with Barcelona and Spain has not masked the underlying issues plaguing women’s football in Spain. Despite her accolades, she stresses that players alone cannot drive necessary changes. The need for a more competitive and attractive league format, akin to England’s, remains unmet, leaving Spanish players and fans longing for meaningful reforms.