Luis Rubiales, the president of Spain’s soccer federation, has expressed regret and issued an apology after an incident where he kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the Women’s World Cup medal ceremony. The incident occurred after Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup final against England.
As players and coaches individually received their medals on stage, Rubiales offered congratulatory gestures that typically involved bear hugs, kisses on the cheek, and neck. However, his interaction with midfielder Jenni Hermoso was perceived as excessively enthusiastic. After a standard bear hug, Rubiales pulled her in and kissed her on the lips.
Criticism swiftly followed the incident. Spain’s acting minister for sports and culture, Miquel Iceta, stated, “It is unacceptable to kiss a player on the lips to congratulate her.” Irene Montero, the Spanish government’s equality minister, characterized the gesture as a form of sexual violence that women endure daily and should not be normalized.
The Spanish soccer federation attempted to mitigate the situation by quoting Hermoso in a statement where she described the kiss as a spontaneous mutual gesture fueled by the joy of winning the World Cup. She also emphasized her positive relationship with Rubiales and labeled it a natural expression of affection and gratitude.
Hermoso later addressed the incident on the radio program “El Tiempo de Juego,” acknowledging that she did not expect the kiss on the lips but attributing it to the emotional intensity of the moment. She downplayed the incident, considering it an anecdote that would not be blown out of proportion.
Rubiales defended the gesture, dismissing the backlash as the words of “idiots.” He emphasized the natural and affectionate nature of the moment, indicating that the incident had no harmful intentions.
However, a day later, the Spanish soccer federation released a video in which Rubiales publicly apologized for his actions. In Spanish, he acknowledged making a mistake, admitting that the incident had caused a reaction outside the context in which it occurred. He clarified that the gesture had been perceived as normal within the event but acknowledged that it had unintentionally sparked controversy and offended people.
