Ginni Hermoso: The striker cried over the Spain call-up during her move on from the Luis Rubiales case

Gheni Hermoso has described the tearful moment when new coach Sonia Bermudez called her into the Spain squad after a year-long absence.

Spain’s all-time top scorer with 57 goals last featured for her country in October 2024, coming off the bench for a 15-minute game against Canada.

She has since given evidence in the trial that resulted in the sexual assault conviction of former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales, who kissed Hermoso on the lips without her consent after Spain’s victory in the 2023 World Cup final.

Hermoso was not called up for Euro 2025, despite playing in all six of Spain’s qualifying matches, but he appeared as a late substitute during the 4-0 win over Sweden in the first leg of the Women’s Nations League semi-final on Friday.

The 35-year-old replaced Mariona Caldente in the 88th minute at La Rosaleda in Malaga.

In the lead-up to the match, she said she was “really excited” to be called back into the team.

“I have to admit that I cried,” the striker, who plays for the Mexican team Tigres, told Radio Espanola TV.

“It was a moment I had waited for so long and worked for so long.

He added: “Continuing at this level and enjoying football with the national team is a reward for all this work.”

Hermoso became the focus of global attention after Spain’s World Cup finals victory over England.

Rubiales kissed her as she went to receive the winner’s medal, and Hermoso said during the trial of the former Spanish Federation president in February 2025 that the incident “stained one of the happiest days of my life.”

Barcelona defender Maby Leon, who last played for her country in 2022, played the full 90 minutes against Sweden.

The return match between Sweden and Spain is scheduled to be held in Gothenburg on October 28.

Bermudez succeeded former Spain Under-23 national team coach Montse Tomé in the position when Tomé’s contract with the Spanish Football Federation was not renewed in August.

Hermoso is looking forward to a new beginning, saying: “For me, it was tireless, and I never stopped staying strong because I went through some very difficult moments.

“Maybe at some point in my life, it was difficult for me to come back and feel proud of myself.”