Spanish FA President Sparks Controversy After Kissing and Grabbing Jennifer Hermoso on World Cup win
The victorious Spanish stars stepped onto a podium after their triumph over the Lionesses at Stadium Australia to collect their gold medals from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, after they beat England 1-0 in World Cup final.
Spanish star Jenni Hermoso and her teammates were congratulated by dignitaries including Queen Letizia, dressed all in red in support of her compatriots, who gave players a warm embrace.
Also on the stage was Spanish Federation boss Luis Rubiales, who threw his arms around striker Jenni Hermoso, and gave her a strong hug while whispering in her ear.
He then put both his hands on the back of her head head and kissed her on the mouth.
Hermoso was asked about the embrace after the match. Appearing somewhat uncomfortable, she told them: ‘Eh… yeah, I did not enjoy that.’
She said the same thing when asked on a livestream on her Instagram from Spain’s dressing rooms.
Footage of the kiss has gone viral online since it was seen on air, with some supporters hugely critical of Rubiales’ behaviour.
One infuriated fan said: ‘The behaviour of Rubiales on that podium was absolutely grim. Highly highly inappropriate!’
Another added: ‘This is just awful, there’s absolutely nothing justifying Rubiales behaviour.’
A further angry individual highlighted their disdain at the attitude of a senior figure in Spanish football. They said: ‘The concerning fact here is the nonchalant manner Rubiales behaves towards Hermoso. The FA president does this on the biggest stage of the sport with royalty and officials near him, surrounded by cameras. Very disturbing, and frankly, concerning.’
One individual even insisted it was a worrying sign for the future of the sport as they added: ‘It’s sad to think that women’s football is not going to progress very far if men like Rubiales, Vilda, and Infantino remain in powerful positions.’
She was successful at top Spanish football clubs Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano. Hermoso has also played for prestigious European teams, Swedish team Tyreso, Paris Saint-German.
She currently plays for Pachuca, a Mexican team.
Over her career Hermoso has won seven Spanish league titles with there seperate clubs as well as eight club trophies.
She played for Barcelona when the team won the 2021 Champions League.
Queen Letizia of Spain couldn’t resist joining in with her team’s celebrations after they won the women’s World Cup final today.
The glamorous royal, 50, dressed in a scarlet trouser suit (in honour of her team the Rojas – which means red), was filmed jumping for joy with her daughter Infanta Sofía, 16, alongside the triumphant footballer players.
Prior to kick-off, Letizia, who travelled to Sydney to cheer on the squad, said: ‘It’s a joy and it’s exciting to be here to support the Spanish Football team. They are already champions.’
Indeed, after winning the tense match, which ended 1-0 in Spain’s favour, the team were true world champions, and they celebrated in style, dancing on the pitch – with even the Spanish Queen joining in, as she jumped and pumped her fist into the air.
But while the Spanish team’s efforts (and ultimately victory) were keenly watched by the country’s royals, no member of the British Royal Family went to Australia to cheer on the Lionesses.
Spain secured a final 1-0 victory in Sydney on Sunday, following Olga Carmona’s first-half goal, however, Sarina Wiegman’s side still achieved a best-ever second-place finish.
Crying players were consoled on the pitch in Australia after suffering the agonising defeat, but having inspired millions of fans to tune in up and down the country.
The Lionesses, ultimately sunk by Olga Carmona’s first half strike, were given a lifeline when Mary Earps – who won the Golden Glove award for the tournament’s best goalkeeper – made a terrific penalty save.