England stands by Jenni Hermoso amid controversy

In August 2023, the FIFA Women’s World Cup final took place in Sydney, where Spain triumphed over England. However, the celebration was marred by controversy when Luis Rubiales kissed Spanish forward Jenni Hermoso without her consent, leading to immense public outcry. Over 18 months later, Rubiales was found guilty, but the incident continues to resonate within the women's game. At a recent match at Wembley, England manager Sarina Wiegman and her players expressed their ongoing support for Hermoso, acknowledging the trauma she faced and the significance of standing in solidarity with her and the Spanish team. England's Lionesses not only celebrated their victory against Spain but also recognized the importance of using their platform to advocate for change in the sport. During the match, players from both teams reflected on how off-field events have impacted their careers and highlighted the challenges women face in football. While the Lionesses secured a narrow win with Jess Park scoring the decisive goal, the message conveyed was about resilience, community, and the ongoing fight for equity and respect in women’s football. Sarina Wiegman emphasized that conversations about these issues must continue to influence change. Her counterpart, Montse Tome, although focused on football, acknowledged the gravity of the circumstances that surrounded Hermoso, indicating a shift in the culture of women's sports. Spain’s star player Aitana Bonmati welcomed the solidarity, insisting that the struggle for women's rights in sports is far from over. This incident has significantly impacted not only the involved players but also the trajectory of women's sports at large, showcasing the pressing need for discussions on consent and respect. Ultimately, while victories on the pitch are celebrated, the underlying social issues resulting from Rubiales's actions remain a crucial topic, signifying the need for society to continue fighting for change. Both England and Spain are determined to keep the conversation alive, ensuring that the legacy of the harmed players directs future actions within women's sports and beyond.