Spain striker Jenni Hermoso has admitted her international teammates are currently living through “the worst moment” in women’s football. 

Last week, the Spanish Women’s national side were embroiled in controversy after 15 players allegedly threatened to resign from playing unless head coach Jorde Vilda was fired.

The players claimed Vilda, who has been in charge of the Spanish team since 2015, was affecting their emotional state and health. 

In response, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) stood by Vilda and stressed that the players in question would be banned from playing for Spain again unless they apologised. 

“The RFEF is not going to allow the players to question the continuity of the national coach and his coaching staff, since making those decisions does not fall within their powers,” a statement read. 

“The national team needs players committed to the project, defending our colours and proud to wear the Spain shirt. 

“The players who have submitted their resignation will only return to the discipline of the national team in the future if they accept their mistakes and ask for forgiveness.”

Hermoso, who made her Spain debut way back in 2011, has now spoken out on the situation and released a statement on social media. 

Jenni Hermoso

What has Hermoso said? 

The former Barcelona forward stressed that she wished the situation hadn’t been made public but stood by the decision of her teammates. 

"Not only do I understand their reasons, but I have also experienced many of the same feelings and concerns," she said.

"I am very aware of this because I have had the opportunity to live unique and immensely happy experiences playing for Spain, but I have to admit that in recent years I have also had very tough moments of suffering before, during and after national team camps; an endless number of situations that left me unable to recognise myself and in turn made me feel immense loneliness within the national team.”

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 12: Jennifer Hermoso of Spain scores their team's first goal from the penalty spot during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Qualifier group B match between Scotland and Spain at Hampden Park on April 12, 2022 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

She added: "The reality is that I haven't slept for days, thinking of solutions, and looking for explanations to the great emptiness that I feel inside.

"After all that we have worked for, it breaks my heart to realise that we are living through the worst moments in the history of women's football in Spain."

Who is Hermoso? 

Hermoso is the all-time top scorer for both Spain and Barcelona and is considered one of the best strikers in the world. 

The 32-year-old moved to Barcelona in 2014 and went on to win 12 titles with the Catalonian side. 

During her time at Barca, Hermoso also spent stints at Atletico Madrid and PSG. 

MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 06: Jennifer Hermoso of Spain passes while under pressure from Natiya Pantsulaya of Ukraine during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Qualifier group B match between Spain and Ukraine at Ciudad del Futbol de Las Rozas on September 06, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Having made her Spain debut in 2011, Hermoso has amassed more than 90 caps and has scored 45 international goals. 

She is second in the all-time appearances list for Spain, behind UEFA Women’s Player of the Year Alexia Putellas.