Jenni Hermoso was thrown into the spotlight after the FIFA Women’s World Cup final when Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales kissed her on the lips without her consent.
Recently, the Spanish football player spoke to GQ Spain about how the ongoing controversy has affected her, saying she has had to talk about it “over and over” which had been difficult, and that she’d also received threats.
Rubiales’ choice to kiss Hermoso without her consent sparked months of media attention that Hermoso had not chosen to be a part of, but was thrust into the centre of. Rubiales was eventually banned by FIFA for three years.
In September, Hermoso was not selected as part of Spain’s squad. The new coach of the women’s team, Montse Tome, said it was to “protect” the Spanish midfielder.
Despite it all, Hermoso said she has prioritised her mental health, and thankfully, has managed to keep her enthusiasm for football alive.
“I have had to assume the consequences of an act that I did not provoke, that I had not chosen or premeditated. I have received threats, and that is something you never get used to,” she said in an interview with GQ.
“These weeks have been very difficult. Also having to tell it over and over again was hurting me a lot. But I know I had to let it go somehow.
“I continue working on it with the help of my psychologist, who I have been with for many years. For me, mental health is as important as daily training, like the hours I have to sleep to be able to go out on the field.
“Thanks to her I feel strong and I am not broken down or thinking about not wanting to play soccer anymore.
“I have not lost my enthusiasm.”
While it is unfortunate that Hermoso ever had to deal with this situation, she said she’d like to use the spoltlight to pursue positive change. She is also determined to continue enjoying football, especially in the lead up to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Asked how she’d like to be remebered, Hermoso said: “As a person who has wanted to leave Spain at the top but, above all, as someone who has tried to change many mentalities.”
“Fortunately or unfortunately, there is this story, but I am going to learn to take advantage of it positively to fight for what I believe is good for society. The #SeAcabó movement must bring a new era,” she said.
“These months, with everything that has happened, my mind has wandered a little from football. At times I didn’t remember that I was a footballer. But I go back to training, to a field, to put on the uniform, and I want to give my best version again. In the race to the Olympic Games, in my team in Mexico, in the national team. I will continue enjoying this sport.”