Jenni Hermoso: Overcoming Adversity and Promoting Change

In a shocking turn of events, Spain forward Jenni Hermoso recently revealed that she “received threats” following the controversy surrounding Luis Rubiales kissing her on the lips during the World Cup trophy presentation. Hermoso, who claims that the kiss was not consensual, disclosed the emotional toll this ordeal has taken on her. Despite the challenges she has faced, Hermoso remains resilient and dedicated to both her mental health and her football career.

Hermoso has spoken about the difficulty of repeatedly recounting the incident, stating that it deeply wounded her. However, she emphasized the importance of addressing the issue and acknowledged the support she has received from her long-time psychologist. According to Hermoso, mental health is just as crucial as physical training and rest to excel on the field. Thanks to her psychologist, she is able to remain strong and maintain her passion for the game.

Following Hermoso’s legal complaint, Rubiales was banned from approaching her within a 200-meter radius. In a court case in Madrid, the former president of the Spanish football federation denied the allegations of sexual assault and coercion. As a consequence, Rubiales has been banned from all football-related activities for three years by Fifa.

While Hermoso has tried to move on from the incident, she revealed that she has been subjected to threats. This is a distressing experience that no one should ever have to endure, and it highlights the importance of addressing and combatting the issue of harassment in sports.

The repercussions of this incident have extended beyond Hermoso and Rubiales. Spain’s World Cup-winning manager, Jorge Vilda, was subsequently sacked in September and is currently under investigation as part of the criminal case against Rubiales. Vilda has since taken on the position of manager for the Morocco women’s national team. Montse Tome has assumed the role of the new Spain manager and chose to exclude Hermoso from the Nations League fixtures in September to “protect” the player. However, Hermoso made a triumphant return to the squad in October, scoring a last-minute winning goal against Italy.

The actions of Rubiales have inspired the creation of the hashtag #SeAcabo, which translates to ‘It’s over.’ This movement serves as a show of solidarity for Hermoso and condemnation of the sexism that the incident represents for some individuals. Hermoso hopes that this movement will usher in a new era that promotes equality and eradicates such conduct.

When asked how she wants to be remembered, Hermoso expressed her desire to be recognized as someone who aimed to improve societal attitudes and leave Spain at the pinnacle of her career. She acknowledges that her story, for better or worse, exists and believes that she can use it as a platform to fight for what she deems as good for society. Despite the tumultuous past few months, Hermoso is determined to refocus on her football career and give her all on the field.

The bravery and resilience demonstrated by Jenni Hermoso in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to many. Her determination to bring about positive change and fight against injustice should be commended. As a society, we must support and protect our athletes, prioritizing their well-being and ensuring that incidents of harassment and misconduct are not tolerated. Only then can we create an environment that fosters inclusivity, equality, and the opportunity for all athletes to excel.