In brief
Former soccer official Luis Rubiales claims his kiss with player Jennifer Hermoso was a sign of affection, while Hermoso describes it as non-consensual, igniting discussions around consent and gender norms in Spain.
Luis Rubiales, the former president of Spain's soccer federation, is facing serious allegations after a kiss with player Jennifer Hermoso during the 2023 Women’s World Cup celebrations. Testifying in court, Rubiales insisted that the kiss was meant as a celebratory gesture, stating, “You don’t win a World Cup every day.” He described it as a casual peck and claimed he sought Hermoso's permission beforehand. “I asked her, ‘Can I give you a little kiss?’ and she said, ‘OK,’” he asserted.In stark contrast, Hermoso testified that she never consented to the kiss and felt it was inappropriate. “My boss was kissing me,” she noted, highlighting the power imbalance in their relationship. This incident has sparked widespread debate in Spain, reflecting ongoing struggles against a culture of machismo and the fight for gender equality in sports. The case has since turned into a national conversation about consent and respect in the wake of changing societal attitudes.
