It’s Time for Spain to Move On from Alvaro Morata

Alvaro Morata has not been called up for the Spanish National Team’s World Cup qualifier fixtures against Georgia and Bulgaria. This marks the first time he has not been called up for an official game since 2018. Does this signify that Spain is finally ready to move on from their veteran but inconsistent EURO 2024-winning captain?

With 87 caps and 37 goals, Alvaro Morata is Spain’s fourth all-time leading goal scorer. Over the years, Morata has scored seven goals across three European Championship campaigns, in addition to three goals in the FIFA World Cup finals. He captained Spain to their 2024 European Championship victory and led the line during their 2023 UEFA Nations League triumph.

At club level, Morata’s story has been equally eventful. He has played for both sides of Madrid, winning two UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid but earning deeper affection from Atlético Madrid fans. The Rojiblanco faithful adored him, dubbing him “ El Capitán ” for his tireless work rate and link-up play that allowed wingers like Antoine Griezmann to thrive.

Outside Spain , Morata has had a journeyman career, featuring for Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, and Galatasaray. He has won trophies everywhere he played. On paper, his résumé looks stellar — 21 trophies and over 250 goals for club and country. Yet, inconsistencies and high-pressure penalty misses have continued to haunt him.

For the first time in nearly seven years, La Roja have not called up Alvaro Morata for an official fixture. To those who follow Spanish soccer closely, this omission is not surprising.

Last season, Morata signed for AC Milan but was loaned midseason to Galatasaray. He scored fewer than seven goals for each club, on either side of the January transfer market. After returning to Milan at the end of that spell, he was put on the loan list again. Fellow Serie A side Como 1907 picked him up, with an obligation to buy at the end of the season.

Despite lower expectations at Como, Morata has failed to find form. In eight games for his new club, he has yet to score a goal. Post-EURO 2024, his struggles continued at the international level, managing only one goal in six appearances for Spain since lifting the trophy.

The breaking point came in the 2025 UEFA Nations League Final against Portugal. Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente benched Morata for the final, choosing instead to trust Mikel Oyarzabal to lead the line. That decision paid off as Oyarzabal scored Spain’s second goal of the game.

When the match seemed destined for penalties, De la Fuente brought Morata on with ten minutes left. As the scoreline read 4–3 for Portugal after Nuno Mendes had just converted his penalty, a visibly nervous Morata stepped up to take his. His body language betrayed a lack of confidence, and as fate would have it, he dragged his shot wide, costing Spain the title.

This was not the first time. In the Euro 2020 semifinal against Italy, Morata’s penalty was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, sealing a 4–2 shootout loss after he had earlier equalized. Fans booed him throughout that tournament, worsening his battle with depression. “I felt vilified,” he later admitted. The relentless abuse directed at Morata and his family every time he underperformed has taken a lasting toll on his mental health.

Despite Luis de la Fuente insisting that Morata’s time with Spain is not over, the reality appears different. “He’s an important player for the future,” said De la Fuente, while acknowledging that it was a “technical decision.” Morata’s dream remains to retire after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but with a wave of younger, sharper forwards rising, that dream looks increasingly distant.

Oyarzabal has been Morata’s direct understudy. He stepped in seamlessly during the June 2025 Nations League Final, where he scored before Morata’s ill-fated penalty. His intelligence inside the box, work rate, and chemistry with the midfield, owing to his False 9 proficiency, make him an ideal fit for De la Fuente’s system.

Ferran Torres offers flexibility across the front line. The Barcelona forward can operate as a striker, winger, or inverted forward. His 2025 form has been impressive, with five goals for Barcelona so far. He complements Spain’s dynamic wing play featuring Yamal and Nico Williams. De la Fuente has recalled him for the October qualifiers, where he is expected to play a key role.

Dubbed “the future of Spain ,” Samu Aghehowa — formerly known as Samu Omorodion — has long been seen as the natural successor to legends like David Villa, Raúl, and Fernando Torres. The explosive forward has a different profile than Morata and other traditional Spanish strikers – he is big, powerful and tall but also incredibly fast. He has scored 5 goals in 7 appearances already this season for FC Porto, after netting 19 in 30 matches last season. He is an absolute tank going forward, is one of the best players in the world at not getting caught offside, and converts almost every other shot on target.

With all these names eyeing for that spot, and the constant production line of Spanish soccer with its esteemed academies, it looks like there is no shortage for the next generation of Spanish forwards.

For all the criticism that follows him, Alvaro Morata’s legacy with Spain deserves respect. He carried the armband, held down his position for years, struggled with mental health issues and still led his nation to another European crown. But now, Spain’s golden era is approaching, and it is about time Alvaro Morata steps aside and bows out gracefully.