The Spanish women's national team will be without their reigning Ballon d'Or winner for the upcoming international friendlies. Coach Montse Tomé announced on Thursday that Aitana Bonmatí has been omitted from the squad for matches against Canada on October 25 and Italy on October 29. The decision, Tomé explained, was a pre-arranged measure to allow the Barcelona star much-needed rest after an extraordinarily demanding calendar.

A Season of Relentless Football

Bonmatí featured in nearly 60 matches last season for both club and country, a workload that included triumphs in the UEFA Women's Champions League, Spain's domestic league, and the World Cup. Already this campaign, she has started six of Barcelona's seven games, including a Champions League outing against Hammarby where she provided two assists in a 9-0 victory. The accumulation of minutes has sparked concerns about player burnout, prompting Tomé to prioritize recovery over immediate availability.

"Aitana needs to rest," Tomé stated during a press conference following the squad announcement. "The national team has always looked after the health of the players. I know that all the work we do as a coaching staff with exhaustive monitoring in all the leagues, trying to bring in those who are in the best shape at that moment and those who can help us the most, with our criteria."

The decision was coordinated between Bonmatí, her club Barcelona, and the Spanish federation. Such cooperation reflects a growing awareness in women's football of the need to manage player loads, especially as the calendar becomes increasingly congested with club competitions, international tournaments, and qualifiers.

Missing Stars and Rehabilitation

Also absent from the squad is Barcelona winger Salma Paralluelo, who is undergoing rehabilitation for an undisclosed issue. Tomé described Paralluelo as a "differential footballer with an incredible personality" and emphasized that the young star is approaching her recovery maturely. "She really wants to be there but she is very mature and now she has to focus on that. She is gaining experience and when she starts, she will start at full speed, as we know her," Tomé said.

Paralluelo's absence, like Bonmatí's, is precautionary. Both players are expected to be fully fit for Barcelona's upcoming domestic and European fixtures. However, their omission leaves them free to attend the Ballon d'Or award ceremony in Paris on October 27, which falls between Spain's two friendlies. The timing of the awards has once again drawn criticism for clashing with a women's international window, preventing several top players from attending in previous years.

The Ballon d'Or Context

Bonmatí is among the 30 nominees for this year's women's Ballon d'Or, having won the award in 2023. She is considered a strong contender to become a two-time winner, alongside her Barcelona teammate Alexia Putellas, who is also nominated. The ceremony will be held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, and Bonmatí's presence is now guaranteed thanks to her rest period.

The Ballon d'Or France Football award has historically been criticized for scheduling conflicts, particularly with women's international breaks. Last year, several nominees were unable to attend due to matches. This year, the Spanish federation's decision to rest Bonmatí effectively allows her to participate without missing club or national team duties.

Mariona Caldentey: Another Player Under Strain

While Bonmatí is rested, another player who has logged heavy minutes is Arsenal's Mariona Caldentey. She featured in more games than any other woman in Europe last season, tallying 64 matches for Barcelona and Spain. After only 16 days off, she began preseason with Arsenal and has already appeared in all ten of the club's matches this campaign. Caldentey has been included in Tomé's squad for the friendlies.

The contrast in treatment between Bonmatí and Caldentey highlights the individualized nature of player management. Tomé explained that each case is assessed separately based on physical data, mental fatigue, and club feedback. "We monitor all the leagues, trying to bring in those who are in the best shape at that moment," she reiterated.

Arsenal's Emily Fox, who also played extensively during the Olympics, has been called up by the United States for their October friendlies. U.S. coach Emma Hayes told reporters that she relies on case-by-case assessments rather than blanket rest policies. "I think every player could create an argument for only having a couple of weeks rest post-Olympics," Hayes said. "The FIFA windows have been long-established over a long period of time so every league has been aware of this window. I know how to manage players. We have 26 players so that we're not in a position to play any player for more than two games." Hayes also emphasized the honor of representing one's country, saying players would "hate the thought" of missing an opportunity to play for their national team.

Spain's Turbulent Two Years

Tomé's focus on player health comes against a backdrop of significant off-field turmoil for the Spanish women's national team. The squad has endured two years of scandal, including the fallout from the Luis Rubiales incident, player protests, and coaching changes. Tomé herself took over amid controversy after Jorge Vilda's dismissal. She acknowledged the ongoing distraction, stating, "We have been in a state of noise for two years, with a cloud accompanying this team that does not benefit."

She expressed hope that the team can now concentrate on football. "I respect that each one comments on what they feel and says what they feel. This last year I think we have managed to focus on football and this year has to be the year to finish it off and to respect the work we do."

The friendlies against Canada and Italy will provide opportunities for other players to step up. Canada, the Olympic gold medalists, will present a tough test, while Italy are rebuilding under new management. For Tomé, these matches are part of a broader strategy to build depth and manage the squad's physical and mental well-being ahead of future tournaments, including the UEFA Women's Nations League and the 2025 European Championship.

Looking Ahead

Bonmatí's rest is not expected to affect her form for Barcelona. The midfielder has been instrumental in the team's domestic and European campaigns, and her absence from international duty is likely to ensure she returns fresher for the crucial club fixtures later in the season. The Ballon d'Or ceremony on October 27 will be a moment of celebration for Spanish football, whether or not Bonmatí retains her title. Her presence in Paris underscores her status as one of the sport's brightest stars.

The evolution of player load management in women's football continues to gain attention, with federations and clubs increasingly collaborating to protect their athletes. Spain's decision to rest Bonmatí, while controversial to some fans, reflects a broader industry shift toward prioritizing long-term health over short-term results. As the women's game grows, finding sustainable schedules will be key to ensuring players can perform at their best while avoiding burnout and injuries.

Source: Forbes News