A moment of unwanted contact during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup victory celebrations has ignited a firestorm in Spain, bringing long-simmering issues of misogyny in football to the forefront. Foreign Correspondent on ABC and ABC iview, premiering Tuesday, February 18 at 8:00 PM, investigates the incident and its far-reaching consequences.
What Just Happened: Following Spain’s triumphant World Cup win, witnessed by over 200 million viewers globally, Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales kissed star player Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent. This act, caught on camera, led to swift public outcry. Rubiales has subsequently been charged with sexual assault and coercion, and his trial is currently underway in Madrid. The program features interviews with key figures, including two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and Arsenal’s Laia Codina.
So What: The kiss was not simply a fleeting moment of poor judgment. Former players and staff reveal a deeply ingrained culture of toxic misogyny within Spanish women’s football, one that has persisted for years. This incident has brought that hidden abuse into the harsh light of public scrutiny. The “bittersweet” victory, as described by the players, highlights the complicated emotions surrounding the triumph.
Why It Matters: The Rubiales trial represents a potential turning point, a chance for genuine reform in how women are treated within the sport. The players are hoping this high-profile case, and the associated media attention, will force lasting change and bring an end to the unacceptable behavior that has plagued women’s football in Spain.
