In the summer of 2023, Spain’s women’s national football team made history, claiming their first FIFA Women’s World Cup with a 1-0 victory over England in the final. Olga Carmona’s decisive goal secured Spain’s place among the elite of women’s football, and the win should have marked a joyous moment for the nation. However, the celebrations were quickly overshadowed by an incident involving Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales and forward Jenni Hermoso, turning a historic victory into a focal point of global controversy.
During the medal ceremony following Spain’s win, Rubiales, in a moment captured on live television, embraced Hermoso and kissed her on the lips without her consent. The incident sparked immediate backlash, with viewers and commentators expressing discomfort at what they witnessed. Hermoso, visibly uncomfortable during the event, later revealed her true feelings, stating: “I did not enjoy that kiss.”
Initially, Rubiales defended his actions, calling the kiss “spontaneous” and “mutual,” arguing that it was a moment of pure joy. His statements, however, only deepened the outrage. Hermoso publicly rejected Rubiales’ version of events, emphasising through the players’ Union FUTPRO, “At no moment did I consent to the kiss he gave me, and I did not seek to initiate or encourage it in any way.”
This clear contradiction between Hermoso’s account and Rubiales’ defence ignited a nationwide and international debate, with the incident quickly transcending the football world. What should have been a celebration of Spain’s achievements on the global stage quickly became a flashpoint in discussions about consent, power dynamics and sexism in sports.
A Unified Response:
The incident exposed deep-rooted issues within Spanish football, where women’s teams have historically fought for equality and respect. The backlash against Rubiales quickly escalated, with calls for his resignation echoing across the sporting world. Spain’s Minister of Equality, Irene Montero, was among those who condemned the kiss as an act of “sexual violence,” urging for accountability at the highest levels of Spanish Football.
In an unprecedented show of solidarity, 81 players, including the entire World Cup-winning squad, signed a letter stating that they would not represent the national team whilst Rubiales remained in his position. Their statement read,
“This is not an isolated incident, but a reflection of systematic issues within the Spanish Football Federation. We demand respect, accountability, and cultural change.”’
The players’ protest was not just about the kiss; it was a broader statement about the long-standing inequalities and mistreatment that female athletes face. Spain’s World Cup-winning team, instead of celebrating their hard-earned victory, found themselves at the heart of a movement demanding justice and reform.
International Repercussions:
The incident quickly gained international attention. FIFA, football’s governing body, suspended Rubiales for 90 days whilst they launched an investigation into his behaviour. FIFA’s swift action signalled the severity of the situation, as it sought to protect player welfare and address the allegations of misconduct.
International players and advocates for women’s rights also spoke out in support of Hermoso and her teammates. U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe criticised Rubiales’ actions, stating:
“It was a display of power and entitlement that we see all too often in our support. It wasn’t just about a kiss – it was about disrespecting everything these players had worked for.”
The global outcry highlights how the incident had come to symbolise more than just a personal violation – it represented the challenges women face in male-dominated sports environments, where issues of respect, consent, and equality are often overlooked or dismissed.
Rubiales’ Resignation and the Path Forward:
Under immense pressure from players, fans, and political figures, Rubiales eventually resigned from his position as President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation. However, his resignation did not come without resistance, and the process exposed deep fissures within Spanish football governance.
Hermoso, meanwhile, became a central figure in the fight for change, using her platform to speak out not just for herself but for future generations of women in sport. “This isn’t just about me,” she said in a public statement.
“It’s about the culture that allows this kind of behaviour to continue. We are fighting for a future where women are treated with the respect and dignity we deserve.”
A Historic Win Tainted by Controversy:
Spain’s 2023 Women’s World Cup victory should have been remembered as a crowning achievement for a team that showcased skill, determination, and unity on the world stage. Yet, the fallout from the Rubiales incident has forever altered the legacy of that triumph. Instead of celebrating one of the greatest moments in Spanish football history, the conversation has shifted to the fight for respect and equality in sport.
While Spain’s players have been praised for their courage both on and off the field, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges women continue to face in male-dominated spaces. As Hermoso said:
“We’re not just athletes – we’re women who deserve to be treated with respect.”
Spain’s World Cup win may be etched in history, but the fight for dignity, equality, and accountability has just begun.
Photo – https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/jenni-hermoso-luis-rubiales-fifa-world-cup-final-opinion
