• Jenni Hermoso has been omitted from Spain's Women's Euro 2025 squad.
• Coach Montse Tome cites intense competition for places on the team.
• Hermoso has recently faced scrutiny due to a scandal involving Luis Rubiales.
• Spain will play Portugal in their Euro 2025 opener on July 3.

Spain's record goalscorer, Jenni Hermoso, has been excluded from the squad for the Women's European Championship. Coach Montse Tome explained that the decision was influenced by the "too much competition for places in her position" and the need to evaluate performances from club teams, particularly for Hermoso, who has had less playing time recently, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

With 57 goals in 123 appearances, Hermoso significantly contributed to Spain's World Cup victory in 2023, yet her last appearance for the national team was in October 2024. This omission from the squad marks one of twelve changes from the World Cup-winning lineup, noted by BBC.

Coach Tome assured that the decision followed discussions with Hermoso about her form while highlighting alternatives capable of stepping into her role, including Patri Guijarro, Aitana Bonmati, and Alexia Putellas. "It's hard to pick 23 players," she mentioned, reflecting the competitive landscape of the selection process, according to Reuters and BBC.

The situation surrounding Hermoso has been further complicated by her involvement in a scandal with former Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales, who is facing charges related to inappropriate conduct after the World Cup. This context places additional scrutiny on her omission, as he contended that the kiss was consensual, according to Channel News Asia, Reuters, and BBC.

Spain is set to compete in Group B at Euro 2025, facing challenges from teams like Portugal, Belgium, and Italy, starting with a match against Portugal on July 3, as noted by Reuters.