The president of the RFEF stood at center stage after La Roja claimed World Cup glory, turning the moment into a defining moment of the tournament.
Jenni Hermoso stepped into the spotlight following intense discussion after a kiss on the mouth from RFEF president Luis Rubiales at the Women’s World Cup awards ceremony as Spain celebrated winning the title against England.
As Hermoso later clarified, the moment was described as a spontaneous gesture of friendship and gratitude stemming from the joy of lifting the trophy. Earlier, during an Instagram Live, the former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid star had expressed uncertainty about the scene, saying she did not appreciate the kiss at the time.
Hermoso later issued a statement through the RFEF describing the moment as a totally spontaneous mutual expression of happiness. She noted the strong bond she shares with Rubiales and praised the support and positive behavior shown by the federation’s leadership during the campaign and celebrations at Accor Stadium in Sydney. She pointed out that the gesture reflected affection and gratitude rather than anything inappropriate, and emphasized that the focus should stay on the achievement of winning a World Cup for Spain.
The kiss occurred during the medal ceremony as Rubiales greeted the Spanish players, including the team captain, amid a flurry of congratulations. In a moment that quickly drew global attention, Rubiales clasped Hermoso’s face with both hands, and their embrace ended with a kiss that traveled far and wide across the internet as fans shared the clip widely.
Rubiales comments during Ibiza celebration remarks
During an Instagram live broadcast from Barcelona, Rubiales hinted at a celebratory trip for the squad, mentioning a getaway to Ibiza as a reward for the World Cup triumph. The exchange sparked a playful line from a teammate about what was being celebrated, followed by a lighthearted remark about a wedding between Hermoso and Rubiales in Ibiza.
Following the victory, Rubiales spoke to the media about the effort behind the success, noting that the team faced scrutiny and skepticism from some quarters but that perseverance and hard work paid off. He urged Spaniards to recognize positive achievements and to allow people to perform their roles without undue criticism. He also highlighted the broad support visible in the public squares across the country, underscoring the pride tied to Spain becoming world champions against formidable opponents.
Later, Rubiales addressed the incident on another platform, acknowledging that opinions about the moment varied and that respectful discourse should prevail even in moments of celebration.