Born: 1990
Biography:
Jennifer Hermoso Fuentes is a Spanish professional footballer who has left an indelible mark on the world of women’s football. Born on May 9, 1990, she has become the all-time top scorer for both FC Barcelona and the Spain women’s national team. Her journey to the pinnacle of the sport is a testament to her skill, determination, and love for the game.
Hermoso’s football career began in the youth teams of her hometown club, Atlético Madrid. Encouraged by her grandfather, Antonio Hernandez, a former goalkeeper for Atlético Madrid, she joined the club at the age of twelve. It was during this time that her passion for the sport flourished, and she honed her skills in futsal and seven-a-side football, often playing alongside boys.
After eight years with Atlético Madrid, Hermoso made the move to Rayo Vallecano, where she would taste success at the senior level for the first time. In 2011, she won her first senior title with Rayo, marking the beginning of a remarkable career.
In 2013, Hermoso took a significant leap in her career by making her first international move to Tyresö FF in Sweden. It was during this time that she also represented Spain in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2013. In a group stage win against England, she scored her first competitive international goal, further establishing her presence on the international stage.
The year 2014 witnessed another pivotal moment in Hermoso’s career as she joined FC Barcelona. It was at Barcelona that her position on the field shifted from attacking midfielder to false nine, a change that would prove to be instrumental in her transformation into a prolific goal scorer. She notched two Pichichi titles as the top scorer in the Spanish league, as well as two league titles and two Copas de la Reina.
Hermoso’s talents were not limited to the domestic stage. She also represented Spain in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, leading her country to their first-ever participation in the tournament. Her performances showcased her abilities on the global stage and solidified her status as one of the leading players in women’s football.
After her stint at Barcelona, Hermoso ventured abroad to PSG before returning to Spain in the 2018-19 season to rejoin her childhood club, Atlético Madrid. She continued to excel, winning her third Pichichi title and fourth league title with Atlético Madrid. However, her journey came full circle in 2019 when she reunited with FC Barcelona following Spain’s exit from the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Since her return to Barcelona, Hermoso has added to her already impressive trophy haul. She has won three league titles, two Copas de la Reina, and the 2020-21 UEFA Women’s Champions League, capturing the continental treble in the same season. Individually, she finished as the top scorer in the Primera División for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons and the top scorer in Europe’s top five women’s leagues in 2020 and 2021. Her goal-scoring prowess also saw her finish as the joint-top scorer in the 2021 UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Hermoso’s achievements have not gone unnoticed, as she was recognized as the second-place finisher in the Ballon d’Or voting at the end of 2021. Additionally, she was the world’s highest female goal scorer of the calendar year, netting an impressive 51 goals. Her five Pichichi trophies further solidify her status as one of the greatest players in women’s football.
Hermoso has not only made significant contributions to the sport but has also played a vital role in inspiring and empowering young women who aspire to forge a career in football. Her dedication, skill, and unwavering passion for the game have paved the way for future generations of women footballers to reach for the stars.
Awards:
– 3x Pichichi Trophy winner
– 2020-21 UEFA Women’s Champions League winner
– 4x Spanish league title winner
– 2x Copa de la Reina winner