With Jenni Hermoso left out, who will be Spain’s star striker at Euro 2025?

The persistent absence of Jenni Hermoso from the Spanish national team squad continues to be a dominant talking point as Euro 2025 draws closer. Spain’s head coach, Montse Tome, maintained a familiar stance at a recent news conference in May, stating, “No door is closed to any player,” even as she announced yet another roster that conspicuously omitted La Roja’s all-time top scorer. This marks the fourth consecutive time Hermoso, with her remarkable tally of 57 international goals, has been overlooked, sparking widespread speculation about the tactical direction and leadership within the reigning world champions.

Hermoso was the undisputed starting centre-forward when Spain lifted the 2023 World Cup, playing a pivotal role in their historic triumph. Her vision, link-up play, and clinical finishing were integral to La Roja’s attacking prowess. Yet, she has not featured for her national team since October, leaving a significant void at the heart of their offense. The question now looms large: how will Spain compensate for the absence of such a prolific and experienced figure, and more importantly, who will step into the formidable shoes she leaves behind to lead the line at the continental championship?

Montse Tome’s resolute declaration, “I am clear about what I want from the team, what I want from the players,” suggests a definitive vision, even if it currently excludes a player of Hermoso’s calibre. This period of transition presents a unique challenge and opportunity for other forwards within the Spanish setup. It forces a re-evaluation of tactical approaches and opens pathways for emerging talents or established players to seize the mantle of Spain’s primary goalscorer. The focus will undoubtedly shift to players who can adapt to Tome’s specific demands, whether that means a more fluid attacking system, a greater emphasis on pace, or a different kind of central target. As Euro 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on how Spain reshapes its attack, and who among their talented ranks will rise to become the next dominant force in front of goal for the world champions.