Rafael Louzán hails Spain's U20 women as they inspire a nation

At the Football City of Las Rozas, just outside Madrid, a crowd of officials and jubilant players gathered beneath a canopy of flags as the Royal Spanish Football Federation staged a tribute to its latest World champions.

Presiding over the ceremony, President Rafael Louzán of the Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF) addressed the assembled press and fans, highlighting the significance of the U20 women’s triumph for the sport in Spain.

"All of Spain is proud of this team. They are inspiring the whole country. We are very proud of you, because the mission entrusted to us – to make a nation happy – is being achieved," Louzán said, adding that he felt “nothing but gratitude for the dedication and commitment of each of them”.

World triumph in Madrid

The celebration followed Spain’s dramatic victory over North Korea in the final of the U20 Women’s World Cup, where the match remained goalless after regular time and extra time before the Spaniards prevailed in a penalty shoot‑out. Several of the champions had also featured in the U17 final loss to the same opponents earlier in the year.

Spain’s youth programme has become a “factory of champions”, amassing sixteen titles in ten years, a fact underscored by former player Begoña Villarrubia during the tribute.

Looking ahead to senior success

Louzán also turned his attention to the senior squads, noting that the men’s team was training nearby before travelling to Seville for a Nations League clash with Croatia, and suggesting that “perhaps we are witnessing a golden year for Spanish men’s and women’s football”.

He concluded with a call to the senior women’s side, urging them to aim for a second star at next year’s World Cup in Brazil, which would crown Spanish football with a second global title.

Coach David Aznar joined Louzán on the stage, alongside José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes, president of the Consejo Superior de Deportes, while photographer Rodrigo Jiménez of EFE captured the historic moment.