Montse Tome has been relieved of her duties as Spain’s national team coach, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced on Monday. Her contract, which was due to expire at the end of the month, won’t be extended.
Spain U23 coach Sonia Bermudez, who played more than 100 times for Barcelona and won 63 caps for the national team, has been announced as her replacement.
Tome was part of the coaching staff which led La Roja to FIFA Women’s World Cup™ glory at Australia & New Zealand 2023, before stepping into the top job in September of that year.
She took her charges to the inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League title in February 2024, as they sunk France 2-0 in the decider. Six months later and the world champions contested the bronze medal match at Paris 2024, but they were defeated 1-0 by Germany. Further disappointment followed at this year’s UEFA Women’s EURO, as England edged them on penalties in the final of that competition.
An RFEF statement read: “The Board of Directors of the Royal Spanish Football Federation would like to thank Montse Tome for her work, professionalism and dedication in various roles during her time as a member of the RFEF national teams, particularly during her time as senior national team coach.”
She has been succeeded in the role by U23 boss Bermudez. The 40-year-old played for the likes of Rayo Vallecano, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Western New York Flash and Levante, winning nine La Liga crowns and three Copa de la Reina titles.
On the international stage, Bermudez captained the national team and played at Canada 2015, where Spain were eliminated during the group phase. The forward scored 35 goals in 63 international matches and ranks in the top ten on Spain’s all-time scoring list. As a coach, she held roles in Real Madrid’s youth sides before managing Spain’s Under-19, Under-20, and Under-23 teams.
Her first challenge will be the UEFA Nations League semi-final clashes against Sweden in October. Qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ begins next year.
