From Pioneering Struggles to Sustained Growth: The Evolution of Women's Football in Spain
Tracing women's football in Spain from its early pioneers like Ana Carmona to Iberdrola's renewed sponsorship boosting the sport's modern growth and visibility.
- • Ana Carmona pioneered women's football in Spain in the 1920s despite severe discrimination.
- • Iberdrola renewed sponsorship of Spanish women's football until 2030 to promote equality and growth.
- • Since 2016, female player registrations have tripled and match attendances have soared, including record crowds.
- • The Iberdrola Ambassadors and Supera Awards programs enhance visibility and support for women in football.
Key details
Women's football in Spain has evolved remarkably, moving from its early days of harsh discrimination to becoming a celebrated sport with strong institutional backing. Ana Carmona, known as "La Veleta," was a trailblazer in the 1920s who had to disguise herself as a man to play football amid social rejection and hostility. Despite these challenges, she laid foundational stones for future generations and became a symbol of perseverance before her untimely death at 32. Today, Spanish women's football shines on the global stage, notably with Spain’s national team preparing to compete in the 2025 Nations League final against Germany, emblematic of the sport's growth and success.
This progress is paralleled by significant modern institutional support. Iberdrola, a leading energy company, recently renewed its sponsorship of women's football until 2030, highlighting a sustained commitment to promote equality and development in the sport. Company president Ignacio Galán underscored the importance of the national team's achievements as inspiration for countless women. Rafael Louzán, president of the Spanish Football Federation, lauded Iberdrola’s refreshed sponsorship as an ambitious endeavor advancing women's football in Spain.
The sponsorship covers multiple levels—from national teams and the Copa de la Reina to youth competitions—as well as visibility through kit and referee uniform branding. Since Iberdrola began its engagement in 2016, registered female players have tripled, attendance at women’s matches has surged, setting a record crowd of 91,648 at Camp Nou, and television viewership has increased by 90%, reaching 6.5 million during the Euro final. The company also promotes the Iberdrola Ambassadors program featuring elite female athletes and the Supera Awards that recognize initiatives empowering women’s sports.
The journey from Ana Carmona’s courageous quiet defiance to today’s robust institutional frameworks and widespread popularity marks a profound transformation for women's football in Spain. The ongoing commitment from Iberdrola and the renewed visibility for players like captain Alexia Putellas—herself an Iberdrola ambassador—paves the way for future generations to thrive and continue this legacy.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.