Jenni Hermoso Breaks Silence: Navigating the Spotlight and Advocating for Change

Spain and Pachuca star Jenni Hermoso has granted her first public interview since the World Cup, shedding light on the tumultuous past few months. Despite being a central figure in Spain’s women’s football success in August, Hermoso’s face became internationally recognized due to an unwanted kiss from former Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales.

This incident catapulted her into the limelight as Rubiales offered varying accounts of the events and eventually accused Hermoso of falsehood when she stated her lack of consent. Currently, Rubiales faces trial for sexual assault and coercion.

Hermoso, as reported by Diario AS, expressed the challenging nature of the past few weeks, stating, “These weeks have been very difficult. Having to recount the incident repeatedly took a toll on me. But I knew I had to address it somehow.” She emphasized the importance of mental health support, explaining her commitment to overcoming the ordeal with the assistance of her psychologist, who she has been consulting for many years.

Moreover, Hermoso clarified that her advocacy for equality and addressing the incident were not driven by personal gain. She is prepared to make sacrifices to advance the cause of more dignified conditions for women.

“I will never do anything just to make more money. Being able to fight for this [more dignified conditions] is another source of pride and that is where I really want to be noticed. If I have to put my face forward to achieve change, go ahead,” she asserted.

Hermoso’s courage in speaking out about the incident and Rubiales’ subsequent reaction triggered a social backlash and a movement to amplify women’s voices in Spain. However, not all of the media coverage has been positive.

“With everything that has happened, I think many of us have become more aware of what the word ‘feminism’ really means, including many friends and family,” Hermoso noted. The battle for equality in women’s football has been a central focus, and the players’ demands were clear: a minimum wage, respect, and opportunities to achieve something remarkable.

Hermoso highlighted the immense reactions generated by these efforts, including the challenges she has personally faced. She received threats and acknowledged the emotional toll it took, emphasizing that such experiences are never something one can become accustomed to.

Jenni Hermoso’s story serves as a reminder of the struggle faced by the Spanish women’s team, who raised concerns about their environment and professionalism long before the World Cup. It is a cautionary tale about how they were initially labeled ‘traitors’ by major sports papers, and their journey towards recognition and respect has been an arduous one.