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International Players' Gallery expansion event held
Figures who have represented Spain whilst at RCD Espanyol are honoured
RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and the RCD Espanyol Foundation held an event in the Auditori Juan Segura Palomares on Thursday, where the expansion of the club's International Players' Gallery was unveiled. It features the addition of the 18 players who have represented the Spanish women's national team whilst playing for the club.
The event, held as part of RCD Espanyol's 125th anniversary celebrations, also served as a tribute and recognition to the pioneers who have spread Espanyol's reputation throughout the years on the international stage.
Xavi Andreu, Director of Communications and Institutional Relations at RCD Espanyol, hosted the act and highlighted the purpose and importance of the International Players' Gallery, inaugurated in 2015 by the RCD Espanyol Foundation.
The event was attended by prominent figures such as Mao Ye Wu, CEO of the Club, Antoni Fernández Teixidó, president of the RCD Espanyol Foundation, and Dolors Ribalta, former player and current director of women's football at the club.
Mao Ye offered a few words of thanks to the players and former players in attendance, saying "You are a very important part of our history. We are very proud to take this step in the recognition of women's football."
Ribalta expressed pride in inaugurating this expansion of the international players' gallery and did so with a vision for the future, commenting that "We hope to see Espanyol players representing the Spanish national team again very soon."
Finally, Fernández Teixidó highlighted the event as "recognising a job well done for years, and we continue to reap the rewards of this work today."
Internationals star in the ceremony
During the ceremony, Xavi Andreu interviewed the international players present: Eli Sánchez, Aurora Jordán, Esther Torner, Raquel Cabezón, Miriam Diéguez, and Maria José 'Mariajo' Pons. Each shared their experiences and the pride of having been part of such a significant history in women's football.
In addition, former players Adriana Martín, Débora García, and Mari Paz Vilas, who also represented Spain as Espanyol players, joined the event via videocall and expressed their affection and gratitude.
Unveiling of paintings
One of the most anticipated moments was the unveiling of the paintings of the international players on the gallery wall. The six players present had the honour of having their portraits added, accompanied by a brief mention of their careers and contributions to women's football.
The event concluded with a historic photo opportunity featuring not only the international players in attendance, but also key club figures such as Titi Camúñez, Fina Torres, Dolors Ribalta, and members of the institutional committee, including Antoni Fernández Teixidó, José María Clazón, and Tommy N'Kono.