Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso marked her return to the Spanish national team on Friday after former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales kissed her in an allegedly non-consensual manner during the ceremony to crown Spain world champions.
The 33-year-old Hermoso was a substitute in the victory over Italy in Salerno (1-0) and counted for the League of Nations, after he was not called up for the September matches by Montse Tome, who decided to protect her. The player questioned the selector’s decision at the time.
Hermoso, who now plays for Mexican side Pachuca, replaced her former Barcelona teammate Mariona Caldentey in the 67th minute, at a time when no goals were scored in the match.
The attacking midfielder was in the right place at the right time to fire into the net after Alexia Putellas’ shot was saved in the 89th minute and she celebrated enthusiastically.
At her first #UWNL match Jennifer Hermoso manages to score a goal so that Spain continues with complete victories.#ITAESP pic.twitter.com/9bxUSPrGGq
– UWNL (@UWNL_info) October 27, 2023
Hermoso was later shown a yellow card for blocking Italy’s quick free-kick, helping Spain retain the win and top of League A Group 4.
“I can tell you many things (that I have been thinking about), but life sometimes gives you small gifts, and today I thought of many people who support me,” the Spanish star told TVE. “I’m happy because today, thanks to these people, I started enjoying football again,” he added.
Hermoso is Spain’s all-time top scorer, with 52 goals for her country in 102 matches. “What’s a greater joy than to come back here and feel good again and score the winning goal? Now I can only smile,” he added.
Hermoso became a symbol in the fight against sexism and received global support after Rubiales kissed her without consent following Spain’s victory over England in Sydney on August 20, although the former president of the Spanish Federation says it was consensual.
Rubiales resigned three weeks after the kiss, after much criticism, and was charged by a Spanish court with “sexual assault” and banned from coming within 200 meters of the player.
Spain’s World Cup-winning coach, Jorge Vilda, was sacked by the Spanish federation following the scandal, at a time when dozens of Spanish players, including Hermoso, were on strike demanding sweeping changes.
LaRoja wants to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games (2024) through the League of Nations.
Source: DN
