Spanish National Team Focuses on Euro Qualifiers Amid ‘Rubiales Case’ Distraction

Two days before facing Belgium in the opening match of Group A2 in the Euro 2025 qualifying phase, FC Barcelona footballer Salma Paralluelo took center stage in a press conference, representing the Spanish national team. She, along with her teammates, is isolating herself from the distractions of the ‘Rubiales Case’ and focusing solely on the sport. However, the news of the day revolved around the return of former president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, to Spain. His subsequent detention by the Civil Guard and subsequent release pending a court summons captured attention. No arrest warrant has been issued against him at the moment.

When asked about these non-sporting events, the Spanish forward declined to comment, stating, “As you can understand, we are two days away from a match and we are only thinking about that, about the sport.”

She was also questioned about recent statements made by Athenea del Castillo, a player for Real Madrid, who admitted that she would never play for FC Barcelona, even if it were the only team left in the world. Paralluelo responded, “Everyone has their opinion. All I can say is that I’m super comfortable where I am, that’s it. I just found out about it.”

Regarding the upcoming matches with the Spanish national team, amidst the Champions League semifinals, she mentioned, “We are constantly focused on football. Now we have the Euro qualification, then the Olympics will come…”. She acknowledged the possibility of fatigue, coming from intense club commitments, stating, “We are professionals and take good care of ourselves, handling it sensibly, listening to our bodies and the physios.”

Paralluelo has been versatile in her role upfront, playing as a winger and striker. “I don’t have a favorite position,” she claims, adding, “I am very happy with the goals, the titles, and hopefully, we will reach the end of the season with our objectives fulfilled.”