Who is Montse Tomé, the head coach of Spain’s women’s national team?

Montse Tomé became the first woman appointed head coach of the Spain women's national team in September 2023, succeeding Jorge Vilda shortly after he led Spain to victory in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Vilda was dismissed amidst controversy involving former Spanish Soccer Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales, who kissed player Jenni Hermoso without consent after the World Cup final. Vilda's public support for Rubiales initially contributed to his eventual dismissal.

Tomé, who had been Vilda's assistant coach since 2018, was the clear candidate to take over. A former player herself, Tomé won two Spanish league titles and earned four caps for Spain. After retiring in 2013 and briefly working as a PE teacher, she returned to soccer, obtained her coaching badges, and joined Vilda's staff. She also briefly managed the Spain Under-17s alongside her senior team duties before focusing solely on the senior side.

Despite her close association with the unpopular Vilda, Tomé possessed strong analytical abilities as his chief assistant and crucially maintained an excellent relationship with the players, having one of the best rapports within the squad. Her appointment was instrumental in persuading several players, who had declared they wouldn't play without structural changes after the World Cup, to return to the national team.

Since taking charge, Tomé has managed 36 games, winning 28. Under her leadership, Spain won their first UEFA Women's Nations League in the 2023-24 season and reached the final of Euro 2025. Although Spain finished fourth at the 2024 Paris Olympics, they have the opportunity to add the European Championship title to their World Cup victory.