A week ago the Spanish team was declared world champions. The moment left a lasting echo as the controversial kiss incident involving Luis Rubiales, the head of the RFEF, and the ensuing condemnation dominated headlines. Across seven days, the global football community shifted its attention toward Jenni Hermoso, rallying in support and debate alike.
Hermoso reappears in the Women’s Cup
The Spanish international made a public appearance this Saturday at the Wanda Alcalá de Henares Sports Center in Madrid, attending the Women’s Cup final between Atlético and Milan women’s teams. Hermoso was met with applause, and the players entered the field behind a banner reading: “With you, Jennifer Hermoso”.
In league action, Cadiz led the way with visible support for the player. Before their match against Almería, fans organized a banner declaring solidarity with Hermoso. During the Sevilla versus Girona game, Olga Carmona, who scored the national team’s goal in the World Cup final, observed a moment of silence to honor the situation. Sevilla players also entered the field wearing jerseys bearing a message of support. The initial spark for these gestures came from Alexia Putellas after Rubiales’ public statements, followed by a broader wave of reactions from other champions after the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
“A punch to Rummenige and Rubiales”
Responses extended to the coaching staff in Spain, with Jorge Vilda stepping away from the men’s team along with coach Luis de la Fuente. The actions reflected a wider social shift, and FIFA’s decision to temporarily suspend Rubiales further intensified the global conversation. In the United States, players from San Diego Wave and Orlando Pride wore armbands bearing the message “You and Jenni” as a show of solidarity.
Vilda turns away from Rubiales: regrets over the perceived inappropriate behavior
In the broader scene, the Bundesliga witnessed a public display by Freiburg supporters who unfurled a banner calling for accountability from Rubiales and his counterpart in Germany, Rummenige. A few days earlier, a former German international and former Bayern chief executive defended Rubiales in public discourse, arguing that emotional reactions following a world championship triumph could blur judgment. The sentiment, though controversial, highlighted how comments can be interpreted in different cultural contexts.
One message circulating on social media framed the controversy as a moment to reassess gestures of celebration, urging fans to consider the impact of actions on the sport’s image. A post from a football community account echoed the mood of many fans who saw the moment as a misstep that deserved scrutiny rather than dismissal.
Iniesta: “There is no acceptance of unacceptable behavior”
In the wake of the congress and FIFA’s ruling, many professional players shared their perspectives on Rubiales’ conduct. Andres Iniesta, speaking through his official channels, addressed the matter with measured emotion. He spoke about his concern for the players, families, and supporters who shared in the country’s football journey, stressing that what happened affected the broader football community. Iniesta urged a clear stance that places the well-being of the players and the sport above personal or political interests.
Iniesta, reflecting as a former national and club captain, emphasized the need to protect the integrity of the national team and the sport’s public image. He underscored the importance of learning from the episode and moving forward with renewed focus on fair play and respect for all participants in the game.
Trejo: “Jenni, we stand together in this community”
Rayo Vallecano, one of the few La Liga clubs that has remained quiet on the Jenni Hermoso incident, saw its captain voice a strong message. He asserted that certain attitudes and behaviors cannot be ignored and expressed unity with Hermoso, stressing that teammates defend the same values and stand with her. A prominent Argentinian figure in La Liga, Diego Pablo Simeone, also offered critique of the incident in a preview match, describing the conduct as inappropriate for a federation president and acknowledging the need for global progress in how such matters are addressed and resolved.