Jennifer Hermoso Opens Up About Receiving Threats Following Luis Rubiales' Unwanted Kiss
Spanish Women's World Cup star Jennifer Hermoso speaks out about the disturbing aftermath of the unwanted kiss she endured from former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales, revealing that she has been subjected to threatening behavior
Spanish Women's World Cup star Jennifer Hermoso revealed on Monday that she has received threats following the unwelcome kiss from former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales. In an exclusive interview with GQ Spain magazine, where she was titled "Woman of the Year," Hermoso expressed the significant disturbance caused and the personal harm inflicted upon her.
I have faced the repercussions of an action that I did not instigate, select, or plan. I have been subjected to threats, and it is something that one can never become accustomed to.
Rubiales forcibly kissed Hermoso during the medal ceremony following Spain's victory in the Women's World Cup in August.
He subsequently stepped down as president of the country's federation and was recently handed a three-year ban from "all football-related activities" by FIFA, the global governing body. Following the announcement of the decision, Rubiales expressed his intention to challenge the ban.
Alexia Putellas, Hermoso and Irene Paredes celebrate winning the Women's World Cup.
Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
In her GQ interview, Hermoso refrained from providing specific information about the threats she had received. However, she acknowledged that these past few weeks have been extremely difficult for her. Repeatedly discussing the situation has been detrimental to her well-being.
Nevertheless, Hermoso recognized the importance of sharing her experience, and she continues to address it with the support of her psychologist, whom she has been seeing for many years.
Mental health holds the same significance to me as my daily training regimen and the amount of sleep required to perform on the field. It empowers me, preventing any setbacks or thoughts of quitting football. The excitement still remains, and I embrace it.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 20: FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura engages in a handshake with Salma Paralluelo from Spain during the award ceremony following the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia on August 20, 2023 in Sydney / Gadigal, Australia. (Photo by Alex Pantling - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
The unwanted kiss on Jennifer Hermoso by Rubiales has dampened the celebration of Spain's victory in the Women's World Cup, according to FIFA Secretary General. Since the incident, Hermoso, who is 33 years old, has been receiving widespread international support. However, she has admitted to struggling with thoughts about soccer since then.
Hermoso, who rejoined the Spanish women's team at the end of last month, made a remarkable comeback by securing the winning goal in a 1-0 triumph over Italy. Reflecting on the challenging period, she admitted, "During these past months, amidst all the events that took place, I occasionally lost touch with football. There were moments when I momentarily forgot my identity as a football player."
"But I return to training, to the field, to don my uniform, and I strive to bring out my utmost abilities once again. Throughout my career, be it the Olympic Games, my Mexican team, or the national team, I will continue to derive joy from this sport."
When asked about how she wishes to be remembered, Hermoso replied, "As someone who aspired to elevate Spain to greatness, but more importantly, as an individual who sought to challenge established beliefs and norms. Whether fortunate or not, this is my story, and I will embrace it positively as I strive for what I believe is beneficial for society."
Rubiales is currently being investigated by Spain's National Court for "charges of sexual assault and coercion," as per the Spanish prosecutors. In September, Rubiales attended court and the Spanish Prosecutors' office confirmed that he responded to inquiries from the judge and all involved parties, vehemently denying the allegations.
