Spanish forward Jenni Hermoso is close to completing a return to Atletico Madrid, with the World Cup winner expected to arrive in the capital on Wednesday ahead of an official announcement on Thursday.
The 36-year-old striker could finalize her move to the Spanish club just in time for Atletico's opening match of the Liga F season, a derby against local rivals Real Madrid this Sunday.
Hermoso stated on Monday that she is not contemplating retirement despite her age, confirming that her professional playing career will continue in Europe after parting ways with Mexican side Tigres.
She explained that physically and mentally she wants to keep enjoying the sport that has brought her happiness throughout her life, adding that she will only hang up her boots when her body can no longer handle competition.
According to reports from multiple Spanish media outlets, Hermoso maintained secrecy about her next destination, stating only that her future would be close to home. The Madrid native formally departed Monterrey-based club Tigres on August 16 after completing her stint in Mexico.
Career in Mexican women's football
Hermoso first moved to Mexican football in the 2022 Apertura tournament when she signed for Pachuca. During her time with the club, she made 41 appearances and scored 26 goals, establishing herself as one of the league's top attacking players.
She subsequently signed for Tigres for the 2024 Clausura tournament. Over 44 matches with the club, Hermoso scored 10 goals while helping the team win both a Liga MX Femenil league title and the Campeon de Campeonas trophy.
Reflecting on her departure at an event in northern Mexico, Hermoso noted that leaving Monterrey was difficult because the club and the country allowed her to build deep roots. She added that she had fulfilled her goal of winning a championship in Mexico and now needed new challenges to stay motivated at the highest level of football.
Hermoso shared her reflections during the opening of a new football pitch at a home for girls in Monterrey.
Growth of the women's game
Addressing her decision to move on, Hermoso observed that life consists of distinct cycles and that this was the right moment to recharge. She stated that while Mexico felt like a second home, bold changes were necessary for her career progression.
The veteran attacker, who began her senior career at Atletico Madrid before later playing for Rayo Vallecano, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Pachuca, expressed pride in helping develop and promote Mexico's women's football league, which was founded in 2017.
Hermoso noted that while the Mexican league has many positive attributes, it must continue to improve by prioritizing player welfare. She concluded that she leaves satisfied knowing she contributed to increasing international recognition for Mexican women's football, though she did not rule out returning in the future.
Return to Atletico Madrid
Hermoso is now set to rejoin Atletico Madrid, where she previously won domestic silverware earlier in her career. Her potential debut could arrive quickly if her transfer is completed on Thursday, as Atletico prepare to start their Liga F campaign against Real Madrid this weekend.
