Jorge Vilda Controversy, What Happened to Jorge Vilda?
by Rubaditsha | Updated Aug 21, 2023
Jorge Vilda Controversy
The controversy surrounding Jorge Vilda, the head coach of the Spanish women's national football team, has been a significant narrative in their journey to the FIFA Women's World Cup final. Vilda's tenure has been marred by a fractured relationship with a core group of players, stemming from his managerial decisions and coaching style.
One notable controversy was Vilda's imposition of a rule that forbade players from locking their hotel rooms until midnight during international duty, causing discontent among the players. After Spain's quarterfinal exit in the Women's Euros 2022, players felt a lack of direction under Vilda's leadership, resulting in a dressing room rebellion.
The team's captain, along with Jennifer Hermoso and Patricia Guijarro, led a video call with the president of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), proposing Vilda's removal. Despite player protests and even 15 players ruling themselves out of selection for national duty, Vilda retained his position, and only three of those protesting players made it to the World Cup squad.
The Spanish FA staunchly supported Vilda, criticizing the players' actions and threatening sanctions against them. The controversy shed light on the strained relationship between Vilda and the players, as well as the broader dynamics within Spanish women's football.
Despite the turmoil, Spain's remarkable performance in the World Cup, scoring 17 goals and securing victories over strong opponents, highlighted the team's resilience. As they face England in their historic first-ever World Cup final, the controversy surrounding Vilda remains an underlying narrative, sparking discussions about the team's cohesion, their coach's influence, and the potential impact of the final on the future of Spanish women's football.
What Happened to Jorge Vilda?
Jorge Vilda, the head coach of the Spanish women's national football team, found himself at the center of a controversy that significantly impacted the team's journey to their first Women's World Cup title. The controversy emerged in September 2022 when 15 key players, including Aitana Bonmati, Mariona Caldentey, and Ona Batlle, sent separate yet identical emails to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), expressing their grievances about inadequate preparation, unprofessionalism, and its adverse effects on their emotional well-being and health. The players demanded a commitment to a more professional approach to optimize their performance.
The players' complaints encompassed issues such as late arrivals to host cities, bus travel instead of practical flights, and intrusive regulations like open hotel room doors until midnight and bag inspections during excursions. Although the players didn't explicitly call for Jorge Vilda's removal, the strained relationship between them was evident.
In response, the RFEF swiftly backed Vilda and demanded apologies from the players before considering their reinstatement. The protest resulted in 18 players missing fall friendlies, but discussions facilitated by Ana Alvarez, head of women's soccer, led to some concessions. These included increased support staff, improved travel conditions, and greater camp freedom.
Ultimately, some players, like Mapi Leon, deemed the resolutions inadequate, revealing the persistence of the division. The controversy cast a shadow over Spain's World Cup journey, shedding light on the challenges female athletes face in advocating for equitable treatment within their sport.
As Spain secured their historic World Cup victory, the question remains: what impact will the success have on the players' original grievances and the future dynamics between the players and their coach? The controversy has highlighted the resilience of the players and sparked discussions about the role of coaches and the institutions in supporting women's sports.
Jorge Vilda Conflict and Allegations
The Jorge Vilda conflict and the ensuing allegations have spotlighted the intricate dynamics within the Spanish women's national football team, revealing the complexities of leadership and team cohesion in women's football. Amid the celebratory atmosphere of the FIFA Women's World Cup, the 2023 edition has been underscored by a narrative that extends beyond the pitch. Spain's journey to the final has been accompanied by controversy centered around their head coach, Jorge Vilda.
Jorge Vilda, a prominent figure in Spanish football, serves not only as the head coach but also as the women's football technical director, amplifying his influence. His coaching lineage, stemming from his father's involvement in the sport, adds a familial dimension to his role. However, the conflict reveals a strained coach-player relationship and underlying discontent within the team.
At the core of the controversy are allegations surrounding Vilda's managerial decisions, specifically a rule prohibiting players from locking their hotel rooms until midnight during international duty. This seemingly innocuous rule symbolized broader concerns within the squad. After Spain's exit from the 2022 Women's Euros, where a lack of direction was evident, a rebellion within the team escalated.
The Jorge Vilda controversy has underscored the intricate interplay between coaches and players in women's football. It has unveiled a significant disconnect, casting a shadow over Spain's pursuit of global glory. As the team advances to their maiden FIFA Women's World Cup final, the turmoil encapsulates a pivotal moment in women's football, prompting discussions about the challenges of achieving cohesion and success while navigating internal conflicts. The narrative adds depth to the tournament, emphasizing the evolving landscape of women's sports.
Who is Jorge Vilda Spain's?
Born on 7 July 1981, Jorge Vilda Rodríguez is a Spanish football coach and possesses a UEFA Pro Licence, showcasing his high level of coaching expertise. He currently serves as the head coach of the Spain women's national football team, a role he has occupied since 2015. However, Vilda's influence extends beyond the coaching realm; he also holds the position of sporting director within the women's national-team system under the Spanish Football Association (RFEF).
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Vilda plays a pivotal role as a tactical instructor at the National Coaching School operated by the RFEF. This multifaceted engagement underscores his substantial impact on the development and direction of women's football in Spain.
As the head coach of the Spain women's national football team, Vilda has navigated various challenges and triumphs. His tenure has included leading the team through international competitions, with the pinnacle being their remarkable journey to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup final. This achievement not only underscores his coaching prowess but also reflects his ability to foster a competitive and cohesive team environment.
Vilda's comprehensive involvement, ranging from his coaching responsibilities to his role as a sporting director and tactical instructor, highlights his dedication to the growth and advancement of women's football in Spain. His multifunctional contributions make him a central figure in shaping the trajectory of the sport in the country. Under his leadership, the Spain women's national football team has become a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
Full Name
Jorge Vilda Rodríguez
Date of Birth
7 July 1981
Age
42 years
Place of Birth
Madrid, Spain
Current Team
Spain (Manager)
Jorge Vilda Spain Career
Jorge Vilda Rodríguez's journey in women's football coaching has been marked by success and challenges, particularly with Spain's women's youth and senior national teams. A former youth player at renowned clubs like Real Madrid, Rayo Vallecano, and FC Barcelona, Vilda transitioned to coaching. He began as an assistant coach for Spain's Under-17 (WU17) and Under-19 (WU19) teams before taking the helm as the head coach of Spain's WU17s in 2009.
During his five-year tenure at the U-17 level, Spain's accomplishments were noteworthy. They clinched gold medals at the UEFA Women's U-17 EUROs in 2010 and 2011, along with silver (2014) and bronze (2013) medals. Additionally, they secured silver (2014) and bronze (2010) at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. Vilda's coaching excellence led to his nomination for the FIFA Coach of the Year for Women's Football in 2014.
In 2014, he advanced to the role of head coach for Spain's WU19s, securing silver medals at the UEFA Women's U-19 EURO in 2014 and 2015. Vilda's coaching prowess continued when he ascended to the senior national team's head coach position in 2015, succeeding Ignacio Quereda.
Under his guidance, Spain enjoyed a successful qualification campaign for the UEFA Women's EURO 2017. Although they reached the quarter-finals, they were eliminated by Austria on penalties. Subsequent achievements included winning the Cyprus Cup in 2018 and securing a spot at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, their second appearance at the global event. Notably, Vilda's leadership contributed to Spain's victory at the UEFA WU19 EURO.
However, challenges arose in 2022 when a dispute emerged between Vilda and 15 Spanish players who boycotted the national team due to concerns about coaching style and player treatment. Despite the Federation's support for Vilda, only three of the protesting players returned to compete in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Remarkably, Spain's journey led them to the final, where they clinched their historic first Women's World Cup title by defeating England 1-0. This triumphant feat showcased Vilda's resilience as a coach amidst turmoil, demonstrating his ability to navigate both triumphs and adversities.
Jorge Vilda Controversy: FAQs
Jorge Vilda Rodríguez, born on July 7, 1981, is a Spanish football coach and holder of a UEFA Pro Licence. He currently serves as the head coach of the Spain women's national football team, a position he has held since 2015.
Beyond coaching, Vilda is the sporting director of the women's national-team system within the Spanish Football Association (RFEF). He also serves as a tactical instructor at the RFEF's National Coaching School, contributing to the development of coaching expertise.
Vilda's coaching tenure includes leading the Spain women's national football team to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup final, showcasing his ability to guide the team through international competitions and succeed on a global stage.
Vilda's multifaceted involvement, from coaching to a sporting director role and tactical instruction, emphasizes his dedication to advancing women's football in Spain. His contributions shape the trajectory of the sport and elevate its prominence.
Under Vilda's leadership, the Spain women's national football team has experienced growth and success, emerging as a competitive force internationally. His coaching prowess and strategic guidance have been instrumental in the team's achievements.