Ex-Real Madrid Star Gets Surprise Spain Call as Rodri Out

Spain is preparing to defend their UEFA Nations League championship this June as La Roja faces off against France in the semi-finals.

Coach Luis de la Fuente clinched the 2023 trophy, marking his inaugural triumph with the national squad, before guiding the team to victory in UEFA Euro 2024 against England last summer.

With the FIFA Club World Cup looming, De la Fuente has chosen five players who will be heading to the USA with their clubs, including the new Real Madrid sensation Dean Huijsen.

Huijsen will seamlessly transition to the Los Blancos camp in Miami after his international responsibilities, joined by Robin Le Normand, Fabian Ruiz, Samu Aghehowa, and Marc Cucurrella.

De la Fuente mirrors the approach of England’s manager Thomas Tuchel by prioritizing national team needs despite the hectic club calendar.

A surprise addition to the squad is Real Betis’ Isco, who is making a comeback following his stellar performance at the club this season.

Spain’s UEFA Nations League squad: Isco makes a comeback, Rodri absent

Isco has revitalized his career since joining Los Verdiblancos for the 2023/24 season, with his absence from Euro 2024 attributed to injury.

His impressive 12 goals across competitions—helping Real Betis secure a Europa League spot and reach the Conference League final—has paved the way for his return to De la Fuente’s selection.

Here’s Spain’s roster for the Nations League semifinal… pic.twitter.com/hKIAlb59nb

— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) May 26, 2025

Dani Vivian also makes a return, taking the place of Real Madrid’s Raul Asencio, with Barcelona’s promising talent Pau Cubarsi rejoining.

Cubarsi’s teammates Gavi and Fermin Lopez are getting their chance to shine following their trophy treble in the 2024/25 season; however, Manchester City’s Rodri has been excluded.

The seasoned midfielder appeared in City’s second-to-last match of the domestic season after a long ACL recovery. At 28, he will not be risked as Pep Guardiola focuses on the Club World Cup.

Spain is set to clash with France in Stuttgart on June 5, followed by a potential final against either hosts Germany or Portugal in Munich on June 8.

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