After three years of sacrifice, during which time the 2023 World Cup, 2024 Olympics and 2025 Euros have passed, María León returns to the Spanish National Team. The Barcelona defender’s name making the rounds, following her call-up, given the complex and tense history.
Friday saw confirmation of those on the receiving end of a national team call-up. This comes as the first selection since the appointment of head coach, Sonia Bermúdez. While there were plenty of predictable and logical names listed in the 23 player squad, two of the featuring names have drawn significant attention, especially amongst Barcelona fans, for a multitude of reasons. As amongst the squad stand the names: María León and Clara Serrajordi.
For Serrajordi, an overly positive reaction. A first senior call up- a testament to the player she is recognised to be at such an early stage in her professional career. For Mapi, mixed reactions, at the hands of a first accepted call up in three years, a reintegration that will surely further solidify Spain’s backline. The centre back has not featured within the national team since the Euro 2022 quarter-finals, in which Spain suffered a 2-1 defeat against eventual winners, England.
In September of that year, after Spain’s disappointing exit from the EUROs, 15 members of the national team made the collective decision of withdrawing from the set up. Identical e-mails communicating this step with the RFEF were sent, citing concerns – initially – over players’ emotional states.
Two years after the submission of the initial letter, stating resignation until effective systematic change was made, six players remained loyal to their morals and values, continuing to actively take a stand against the federation and its subsequent mistreatment of players; Mapi being one, and arguably, the most firm in her unwavering ability to follow her values in their entirety, something truly admirable. While it would’ve been a great shame to continue to witness a Spanish side without Mapi León, at times it had begun to seem increasingly likely that the defender may never return, unless such significant change was made. To see, in real time, the extent of her sacrifice and integrity over the past years is so powerful, and the epitome of the importance of standing by personal principles.
Upon being named in the squad ahead of Spain’s Nations League two-legged semi-final, against Sweden, Sonia Bermudez made it clear that Mapi’s return has been a process, and understandably so, clarifying that ‘they had been working on it’ even prior to assuming her managerial position. Furthermore, she stated that ‘her priority was to be able to talk to everyone, naturally, so she could return to wearing the Spanish jersey’.
Throughout her period of absence, with a sole focus on club football and her corresponding performance at Barcelona, Mapi has shown repeatedly that she is a leader, an asset to Barcelona’s defensive selection and an everpresent figure in high pressure matches across all competitions, whether that be domestically, or on the European stage, in the Champions League. To be called upon ahead of a pair of fixtures as important as the upcoming Nations League semi-finals, requires composure when faced with immediate pressure, a calmness in order to easily settle into a given role and an ability to instill trust in teammates, coaching staff and fans; this is something, those who follow her game will know Mapi is more than capable of.
On Friday, in the first leg of the tie; a home fixture, played in Málaga, Mapi was named within the starting XI. This comes as a sure sign that the centre-back has already obtained the trust of Bermúdez and has settled within the group, allowing for promising performances. It was no surprise to see how naturally Mapi has reintegrated beside her fellow defenders, keeping a clean sheet in what ended as a 4-0 victory for Spain. While the familiarity of those on the pitch would’ve surely contributed to a seamless, functional comeback, Mapi’s ball-playing, left-footed profile allows her undeniable individual talent to shine through.
While there remains plenty of development yet to come within the RFEF, the indication that things may be heading in the right direction is more than relieving, even if the changes being implemented should’ve always been present. Perhaps the valiant efforts and steadfast beliefs of the likes of María León, have helped ensure that as new players, such as Clara Serrajordi, make the step up and embark on the start of their journeys within the senior National Team, they can solidify their names alongside some of the greats, both past and present, without fear of inadequate care, a lack of value or morals that fail to align with those of the players.
