Jenni Hermoso Opens up on Growing up Gay in Spain: 'It Was a Taboo'
By Alexander Ross
Hermoso's cultural influence has played out alongside real tension within the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Following Jorge Vilda's dismissal, assistant coach Montse Tomé assumed leadership of the national team. The transitional period was marked by friction over player selection, squad modernization, and institutional trust.
In March 2025, Tomé created shockwaves when she left Hermoso out of the Spain squad for key UEFA Women's Nations League fixtures. The technical staff framed the decision as tactical, citing youth development and fitness adjustments. However, supporters and media commentators questioned whether internal disputes over federation reforms continued to cast a shadow on the veteran forward's international status.
The narrative turned again when Tomé recalled Hermoso to the squad in October 2025. Returning to Las Rozas after months on the outside brought raw emotions to the surface. "I admit I cried," Hermoso told reporters upon her arrival, describing the toll the exile had taken on her mental balance. Her recall reaffirmed her resilience, demonstrating that she remained vital to Spain's competitive core despite ongoing friction with leadership.
Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.
