Inez Callaux-Diaz (’24) was watching the Spanish women’s soccer team celebrate their win against England in the World Cup final Aug. 20 when she noticed something seemed wrong.
“As soon as I saw it on TV, I knew something was amiss,” Caillaux-Diaz said. “Minutes later, my social media was flooded with the news.”
President of the Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso as the team received their medals, according to Al Jazeera, and the Spanish Football Federation fired Spain’s La Roja head coach Jorge Vilda Sept. 5.
According to The Guardian, temporary president Pedro Rocha announced an effort to renew women’s soccer, however, no specific reason was given for the dismissal.
HS World Languages Teacher Victoria Hamadache said she was unsure what to make of the incident at first, acknowledging different levels of affection in Spanish cultural norms, and wondered how the British public would react to a similar scenario.
“Had this been the Lionesses in England, I believe the reaction would have been far more severe,” Hamadache said. “We’re not a nation known for frequent hugging and kissing.”
[The Spanish men’s and women’s team] are condemning this incident. Hopefully, this will strengthen the sport in the long run.
— Ryan Cushman ('24)
Social media erupted with accusations of sexual assault against Rubiales. The day after the incident, Rubiales apologized according to ESPN. However, according to The New York Times, when news of the kiss spread and criticism started to arise, Rubiales said that Hermoso had moved closer to him, suggesting the kiss was warranted.
The Guardian reported players worldwide have spoken out against the incident, supporting Hermoso with the hashtag “#SeAcabò,” meaning “it’s over” in Spanish.
Ryan Cushman (’24) said the support from both men’s and women’s teams for Rubiales’ removal demonstrates a unity forming within the sport.
“There’s been strong solidarity between the Spanish men’s and women’s teams,” Cushman said. “Both are condemning this incident. Hopefully, this will strengthen the sport in the long run.”
Caillaux-Diaz said it was unfortunate that the team’s achievement had been overshadowed by the incident.
“The Spanish team performed admirably and made the country proud,” Caillaux-Diaz said. “It’s sad that this moment of celebration is tainted by the controversy.”
Sophie Singer (’25) said Rubiales breached professional boundaries.
“It was unsettling,” Singer said. “His role is to represent the Spanish Football Federation, not to take liberties with the players.”
