Se Acabó: Luis Rubiales GUILTY of sexual assault.

Photo Credits: FIFA

In a historic ruling that surpasses beyond the courtroom, disgraced former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Manuel Rubiales Béjar, known as Luis Rubiales, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting Spanish women’s national team all-time top goal scorer, World Cup champion Jennifer Hermoso Fuentes, commonly known as Jenni Hermoso. The verdict delivered 550 days after the kiss that ignited a worldwide movement, on February 20th, 2025, following a two-week trial, beginning on February 3rd, 2025, and ending February 14th, 2025, marks not only a moment of legal reckoning yet a profound cultural shift within Spanish football—a system that has long been embroiled within catastrophic controversies and institutional resistance to reform.

Judge José Manuel Clemente Fernández-Prieto of the Spanish High Court (titular judge of the Single Central Criminal Court of the National Court) declared that Rubiales is guilty of sexual assault for the non-consensual kiss enforced unwillingly on Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony following La Roja’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup victory in Australia. Declaring in his verdict "This action of kissing a woman on the lips has a clear sexual connotation and is not the way people greet those with whom they are not in an emotional relationship.” Mirroring the words of the Spanish high court to propose the trial, ruling the kiss “unconsented and carried out unilaterally and in a surprising fashion” as of January 25th, 2024. However, Fernández-Prieto acquitted him of coercion, allowing a depletion of the alleged prison sentence that he could supposedly have faced of 2 ½ years- 1 year for sexual assault and 1 ½ years for coercion if the prosecution requests were fulfilled. The prosecutions’ sought after prison sentence was supported by the Madrid-native Hermoso and the Spain players’ association. Additionally, asking for a payment of €50,000 (£41,400) for damages and the banning of Rubiales from working in the capacity of a sports official-further restricting his employment eligibility following his enforced resignation (announced with immediate effect on September 10th 2023) and banning (a provisional ban was implemented August 26th 2023 prevailing to an official ban on October 30th 2023 for 3 years) by FIFA, who previously cited, upon opening their investigation in the aftermath of the event on August 24th 2023  “The events may constitute violations of article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The FIFA disciplinary committee will only provide further information on these disciplinary proceedings once it has issued a final decision on the matter. FIFA reiterates its unwavering commitment to respecting the integrity of all individuals and strongly condemns any behaviour to the contrary.” These exact sectors of FIFA’s disciplinary code encompass “offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play.” 

Despite denying any wrongdoings by describing the kiss as consensual and in fact he is the victim of the situation due to being subjected to a “witch hunt” figure headed by the notion of “false feminism.” during his speech at the Extraordinary General Assembly held August 25th, 2023, with widespread belief at the time that this speech would be an announcement of resignation and possible repentant apology. Public to contrary belief, this didn’t occur, and Rubiales strengthened his stance of authority by repeating “No I am not going to resign.” Declaring “It was a spontaneous kiss. Mutual, euphoric, and consensual” also “We live in a country of laws, is a consensual kiss enough to remove me? I’m going to fight until the end. I hope the law is followed, and that as there’s no reason [for my removal]” against a supposed “social assassination” yet he is “ready to be vilified to defend my ideals.” Through his speech Rubiales said he apologises “unreservedly” and further referenced an apology to the Spanish Monarchy, more specifically Queen Letizia and Infanta Sofia, who at the time was 16 years of age by announcing “I want to apologise unreservedly for something that happened in the presidential box, when in a moment of euphoria, I grabbed a part of my body,” “Look, I got very excited, and I lost control. I have to apologise to the royal family because it is a very unedifying gesture.” (referencing his indecent act of clasping his private parts during the match whilst stood next to Queen Letizia and then 16-year-old Infanta Sofia- the second in the Borbón line of succession behind her father King Felipe VI and heir to the throne Leonor, Princess of Asturias). This speech gained a standing ovation from the members of the federation attending, who were met with high scrutiny for this response.

Responding to the speech, two Spanish men’s national team players, Real Betis teammates Héctor Bellerín and Borja Iglesias, took to social media to denounce Rubiales, Borja Iglesias heightening the severity of the situation from his perspective by announcing his refusal to represent his country until the resignation of Rubiales was announced. Spain was in the finalisation stages of bidding for the role of co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup (that has now been proven successful and announced by FIFA alongside Morrocco and Portugal primarily) however as a result of the speech, it was widespread understanding that Spain wouldn’t be awarded the tournament if Rubiales, who introduced these plans and talks, remained. Internally within the women’s division of Spain’s footballing sector, Liga F president Beatriz Alvarez told RTVE that she was shocked over his speech despite the fact Rubiales “ego is above his dignity.”

Speaking in an interview with GQ Men of The Year 2023, Jenni chose to highlight the positivity of the male players’ support rather than lamenting upon the lack of public support from the masses in the male footballing community. “I’m grateful to Borja Iglesias, Héctor Bellerín and Isco, who were among the first to speak out. Our philosophy as a team is to always be united and do as we feel. This is how we've achieved everything so far.”

Among those in attendance was the head coach of the Spanish men’s national team Luis de la Fuente, who would soon lead La Furia Roja towards greatness at the UEFA European Championship Germany 2024, triumphing against England in the final by a single goal deficit similar to the Women’s World Cup final between the women’s delegations of both countries, days before this assembly was held. His attendance at both the assembly and the preceding final would prove sufficient for the case, leading to him being called to testify in court on February 4th 2025, where he insisted that he didn’t get involved amidst discussions relating to Jenni Hermoso with “nobody talked to me or asked me about a possible statement” and that in the wake of the kiss, he visited the federation however solely “talked about football” and business affairs regarding his positioning as the men’s team manager. Continuously distancing himself away from scandal. His insistence of separation away from the alleged events coinciding with attempted dictation of the discussed matters during his testimony, incredibly frustrated the judge enabling the judge to annoyedly declare “You don’t choose what you’re going to talk about, you come to answer what you’re asked…” The incessant lack of clarity led the prosecution to believe that de la Fuente may have been misleading and not adhering to factual honesty involving two occasions in his testimony. The first occasion in the testimony of de la Fuente, he testified that during a meeting between Rubiales for discussions of crisis management, he was “in another part of an office” contrary to witnesses, who say he was in attendance. The second instance is prior to the trial, embedded in his statement given to police, he admitted that he was aware of Rubiales and plans to exonerate him on the flight home to Spain from Australia nevertheless de la Fuente testified that he was asleep whilst this was happening. These discrepancies may have proven costly by alluding to Cadena SER-Diario AS previously reporting afterwards that the prosecution was considering charging the Haro native with perjury.

Contrasting a period incarcerated, Rubiales has instead been fined €10,800 (exceeding minimally £8,275) across 18 months, equating to €20 daily, and the Canarian has also been prohibited from approaching Hermoso within a 200-metre radius whilst being prohibited from communication with Hermoso for a year. Judge Fernández-Prieto opted against sentencing him to incarceration as he believed the “sporadic act” assault –despite it being “always reprehensible” – was deemed as an act of lesser intensity according to Spanish law as there was no intimidation nor violence. Partially aligning with the prosecutors’ requests of financial reparations, he was also ordered to pay €3,000 (£2,486.10) to Jenni Hermoso for “moral damages”.  Similarly, former Spain head coach Jorge Vilda, former RFEF head of marketing Rubén Rivera and former director of the Spanish men’s national team delegation Albert Luque have all been acquitted of coercion (all of whom, the prosecutor requested 1 ½ year prison sentences for coercion).

Throughout the sessions conducted within the National Court of San Fernando courtroom, the magistrate, and the multitude of accredited media present, adhered to hearing Vilda, Luque and Rivera individually and collectively defer and distance themselves separating away from the idea and allegations of coercion towards Hermoso, her teammates, and relatives. Albert Luque denied allegations that he attended the Ibizan hotel accommodating the world champions to enact the word and request of Rubiales. Supported by Rubén Rivera detailing that he was the only representative of the organisation located within the Balearic, Spanish archipelago as he had connections and mutual acknowledgment with the island’s authorities. Claiming both pure intentions and actions by being a self-labelled “admirer, friend, slave and servant” of the internationals during their time in Ibiza, meanwhile denouncing and denying claims from the players that he insisted with Hermoso to charge his phone. Vilda admitted to having a conversation “that doesn’t go beyond five minutes.” with Rafael Hermoso, the brother of Jenni, where Vilda and Rafael Hermoso “talked about football, about how good his sister had been.” outlining “I asked if they had seen the kiss and what they thought, and he calls it anecdotal and something unimportant.” Furthermore “What I told him is that if we could find a formula to normalize the situation and talk about what was really important, which we thought at that time was the championship." Discrediting Rafael Hermoso’s prior testimony supporting the word of his sister, claiming that Vilda approached him on the flight back developing a point over the president fearing for the survival and security of his employment and additionally communicating that Jorge Vilda coerced and pressured his sister into recording a video alongside Rubiales to downplay the situation in its entirety. Moreover, warning Rafael himself that Jenni would face “professional and personal consequences” in the situation of no cooperation from the 34-year-old. Rafael recognised his judgement of the supposed “unimportant” nature of the kiss, reasoning that “I said nothing happened to protect my sister, I lied, clearly." "She told me it disgusted her and later mentioned it to Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes. I found her disoriented and angry; she told me he planted a kiss on her full on the mouth without her wanting it."

Jenni Hermoso’s distress and deep emotion has been apparent not solely through her testimony, prior statements, verbal communication via her social media networks yet also via the recollections of her teammates. Her accounts emphasized that the kiss was immensely unexpected and entirely non-consensual “I did not give my consent.”This simple but powerful declaration set the tone for the case and became the cornerstone for critics who argued that a celebration should never override personal boundaries.

The ultimately deciding exchange instilling the confusion but also intensifying the reality of the kiss occurred almost immediately after the kiss had occurred when Hermoso informed Alexia Putellas that “Rubiales just kissed me.” Bringing light to the situation beyond her and Rubiales. Putellas stated in her remote testimony from Barcelona, (where she and fellow club and country teammate Irene Paredes also testified from) February 6th that she believed the incident was “fortuitous” and a “misunderstanding”, yet Hermoso subsequently showed her the video later on and told her that she was unaware of how it occurred to Rubiales to kiss her.

Irene Paredes testified about her immediate reaction citing “I told Rubiales, this is very serious, because I knew instantly that what happened wasn’t just part of a celebration.” The attempts of Rubiales and Vilda to downplay the situation towards a direction of humour were originally seemingly successful with the world champions making light-hearted jokes over the situation before Paredes whilst en route to the airport for their flight home instructed her teammates, to cease their humorous outlook of the event and stop joking about the kiss as it was “serious", the court heard. Holding such a deep level of severity that Jenni soon “started crying from exhaustion.”

February 6th saw the virtual testimonies of Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes and also the physical testimony of Arsenal defender Laia Codina from the capital. “What do I do? He kissed me—what do I do?” Jenni questioned encapsulating and underscoring the profound disorientation and hurt she felt at that moment. Within her testimony, Laia Codina described the moment when Jenni’s distress became unmistakable: “When Jenni asked, ‘What am I going to do?’ it was clear she felt completely overwhelmed by the situation.” Alexia Putellas recalled her instantaneous shock and concern for her teammate, articulating, “She was overwhelmed and kept saying, ‘They wouldn’t leave me alone, they wouldn’t stop.’” Illustrating the federation official’s aggressiveness in order for their requests to be fulfilled and their urgency for Jenni to abide by their rulings, not caring for the means to enable her to succumb to the rules of self-preservation of Rubiales through having Jenni “come out” and “deny that there was no consent”. Attempting to distort Jenni’s reality to “normalise” and justify the kiss, “She was angry, and she said that there was no need for him to explain the facts to her because she had experienced it, that she wasn’t going to do it.” Putellas informed the court. Her public statement, released through her union FUTPRO reiterated “I felt vulnerable and like a victim of aggression” encapsulating her feeling that beyond the physical act, there was an ongoing, systematic effort to silence her by pressuring her to downplay what had happened.

Laia Codina expressed to the trial that during the celebratory trip to Ibiza, Hermoso was “not enjoying herself, far from it” despite the notion it “should have been the best moment” of her life, or at least secondary to the moment of being crowned world champion, the natural enjoyment and sensations of pure bliss experienced by Codina and most of her teammates deepened by their memories to recollect in the future cannot be experienced or related to by Hermoso who said the circumstance had “tainted one of the happiest days of my life”  and despite being surrounded by teammates on their Ibizan adventure “I felt completely alone. Even though I was surrounded by teammates, no one from the federation reached out to support me” emulating that the issue was not singularly based upon one act but about a culture that “completely abandoned” her. Her inability to celebrate what should have been a historic win was a recurring somewhat weaponised theme in the media coverage and especially by those defending Rubiales.

Hermoso’s actual direct recollection of the exact moment her superior kissed her outlines “I didn’t hear or understand anything. The next thing he did was to grab me by the ears and kiss me on the mouth.” “I knew I was being kissed by my boss and that should not happen in any social or work environment. All this meant I couldn’t enjoy at all being a world champion after I landed back in Madrid.” Jennifer’s acknowledgement that this “should not happen in any social or work environment” emphasises the true judicial and morally correct manner to present yourself with proper manners and basic human regard as this is unacceptable both in employment, as her and Luis Rubiales connection was, and socially, as presumably Rubiales deemed the situation to be. “A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so” and that it left her feeling immensely “disrespected” She informed the court.

Hermoso’s testimony resonated far beyond her personal experience. By clearly articulating she had not consented and detailing her emotional response, her words served as a catalyst for a broader anti‑machismo movement in Spanish sport. Her account has helped fuel the #SeAcabó movement—a call for an end to abuse and for structural change within football institutions. In effect, Hermoso’s testimony not only documented an instance of sexual aggression but also highlighted how the governing body’s subsequent actions further harmed her.

In summary, Jenni Hermoso’s testimony is marked by three interlocking elements: a firm declaration of non‑consent, an emotional testimony of being overwhelmed and victimized, and a stark illustration of the institutional pressures that compounded her distress. “I did not give my consent,” “What do I do? He kissed me—what do I do?” and “I felt vulnerable and like a victim of aggression” capture the essence of her account. These words have become emblematic of the call for greater accountability and reform in Spanish football, symbolizing a turning point in the fight against systemic abuse in sport.

The Jenni Hermoso and Luis Rubiales case is not the first showcase of evident disparities within the federation towards its female players.

Following La Roja’s disappointing departure from the UEFA Women’s Euro’s 2022 in the quarterfinal stage due to a 2-1 loss to hosts and eventual champions Sarina Wiegman’s formidable Lionesses, senior players believed “a fresh start” was a necessity, due to the culmination of the favourites disappointingly early exit from the competition and the rising discontent and tumultuous tension regarding aspects of inadequate conditions,  managerial incapacity and tactical deficiencies resulting for uncharacteristic poor performances and futility of the situation. With Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas expressing the hopelessness of the situation from April 2022 through her documentary series Alexia: Labor Omnia Vincit. Alexia unfortunately was sidelined from the Euros due to sustaining an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury on the eve of the tournament rendering Spain with no Alexia nor Jenni with Jenni suffering from a grade 2 sprain of her right knee’s Internal Lateral Ligament in the initial stages of the international break. Having Alexia sidelined, allowed Patricia “Patri” Guijarro to collaborate and join the captaincy contingent in the Spain delegation. In the first camp post-Euro’s Patri and 2015 World Cup squad members and current captains Irene Paredes and Jennifer Hermoso spoke with Jorge Vilda representing the collective team, expressing the players unified complaints over his over authoritarian ways —where the players felt that his dismissive and controlling attitude undermined their autonomy and well-being- and “believed a change was needed in both training and tactics.” There were players amidst the concentration who believed and argued that training methods, regimens and facilities didn’t meet the standards of their club level training. An unfair disadvantage compared to expectations. Beyond singularly Vilda, the captains presented their concerns to President Luis Rubiales.

Uncertainty remained, with a sense of unease clouding the atmosphere with the possibility of these issues entering the media space, the September camp involved Patri and Paredes communicating at a press conference they trusted and believed in the team, releasing the fact they had conversed with the manager to “convey a general message of unease”.

Manchester City’s Leila Ouahabi and Laia Aleixandri, Manchester United’s Lucía García and Ona Batlle, Club América’s Andrea Pereira, Real Sociedad’s Nerea Eizagirre and Amaiur Sarriegi, Atlético Madrid’s Ainhoa Moraza and goalkeeper Lola Gallardo, FC Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí, Mariona Caldentey, Patricia “Patri” Guijarro, María Pilar “Mapi” León, Clàudia Pina, and goalkeeper Sandra Paños. These players bravely sent the exact same letter via email to the federation, communicating their concerns surrounding conditions and expressing their requests to not be selected to represent Spain. Subsequently, aspects of the email were leaked to Spanish media outlets, with some reporting that the players demanded Vilda’s resignation- this was denounced and disputed by the three captains, stating the leaks were inaccurate and that the letter detailed the improvements the team could make to deliver favourable and better results, with collective action being the only possible manner to be listened to by the RFEF. In the wake of the leak, “Las 15” and Putellas all posted a reiterative statement of their desire to not be selected.

Despite not actively engaging within “Las 15” Jenni Hermoso and Irene Paredes distanced themselves away from the national team dynamic. The original captain trio uniting with the fifteen players, relayed a strong front against the federation with 18 players not in positions to represent on their own accord. The RFEF published a response, enacting a stance of complete support to Vilda, sharing that the players must rescind their complaints and issue an apology to be allowed to return to the squad. The players disagreed, proclaiming "We will not be part of this system unless it changes fundamentally.” “We refuse to be part of a system that treats us as second-class citizens.”

4 of the 15 players resided in England such as Manchester City’s defensive summer signings Leila Ouahabi and Laia Aleixandri, with The Guardian reporting that the federations response utilising “belligerent tone and language” stipulated resolve would be strenuous. This concept was later supported upon the revelation that the RFEF produced the leak. The squad for the October 2022 friendlies against Sweden and the United States did not include any of “Las 15” nor those who officially supported them. Presenting himself as a victim, Vilda described the treatment he was receiving from the players as unjust and unfair yet went on to ignore their existence and didn’t discuss the absences of the group or the individuals. Vilda’s ignorance mirrored that of the RFEF, so the apparent “flame of las 15” extinguished. Relevo outlined the dynamic shift posing that the most principal effect of the “flame of las 15” was transforming a unified group towards simply 15 individuals with close morals and similar principles.

Jenni returned to the squad for the 2023 Cup of Nations in February- returning to the lineup in Spain’s 2nd game versus Australia in a 3-2 loss 19th February at the CommBank stadium. Scoring her first goals back in red during a 4-2 victory over Norway in Ibiza and getting her first assist back to Alba Redondo to mark the third goal in a 3-0 win over China in Ibiza. Paredes returned to the squad in March 2023 for Spain’s April friendlies. Returning to the lineup in a 4-2 victory over Norway.

The protest led to significant divisions within the national team. Even prior to the resurgence of players under the jurisdiction of the RFEF representing their national team again, the national team schism, enveloping mainly FC Barcelona players opposing the outright lack of Real Madrid involvement (reported to be allegedly resultant of administrative pressure), created an air of seriousness upon the Women’s El Clásico, that has not previously been a serious rivalry or affair compared to the men. At the first Women’s El Clásico after the dispute started Aitana Bonmatí refused to shake hands with Real Madrid goalkeeper María Isabel “Misa” Rodríguez (who later testified in court supporting Jenni Hermoso). When FC Barcelona won the Supercopa de España Femenina final 2023 against Real Sociedad, with the two teams squads making up 8 out of the 15, No RFEF officials arrived for the medal presentation with media sources citing that officials didn’t want to be seen with the members of the 15. This was met with dispute from the RFEF and alleviation from Barcelona management of this appearing unlikely with the lack of tense atmosphere during the game.

 In the preparation journey leading to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Australia, New Zealand, Spanish press reported “most” of “Las 15” had discussed their return with the RFEF, which was swiftly denied, prevailing afterwards that 7 had not engaged in these talks. June 2023 saw three of the group: Aitana Bonmatí, Mariona Caldentey and Ona Batlle announced in the preliminary selection for the World Cup alongside Alexia Putellas, who had acted in a mediator role between the national team and the 15 to resolve the differences, freshly back to fitness following her recovery from an ACL injury. Alexia Putellas returning to the Spain squad and lineup in a 7-0 win over Panama June 29th, 2023, in Aviles, scoring her first international goal since 2022 to make it 2-0.

Aitana Bonmatí credited the RFEF internally appearing to be medial in a reformation process making positive, according to the Sant Pere de Ribes native, sufficient changes. Aitana Bonmatí, was welcomed back into the ranks for the World Cup, in the lineup in a 0-2 win against Denmark. Scoring her first goal back in a 9-0 training friendly vs Vietnam, marking the 7th from Spain’s 9 goals. Mariona Caldentey and Ona Batlle returned for the friendly against Denmark, with Batlle scoring to make it 1-0 in the 2-0 win. Surprisingly and unexpectedly defying the widespread media belief, Spain’s all-time record (most women’s clean sheets) goalkeeper Sandra Paños, was excluded from the concentration despite reportedly holding talks with the RFEF, further reportedly being omitted by Vilda deciding Misa Rodríguez was his definitive number 1. Rather than Paños, her uncapped Barcelona teammate Catalina “Cata” Coll was selected. Debuting in the Round of 16 knockout game against Switzerland after a disastrous goalkeeping performance by Misa against Japan in Spain’s Group C decider.

“Las 15” was not just a dramatized performance for aesthetic benefit as critics claim. “Las 15” divulged systemic disparities concerning restrictions of basic human rights, not just as footballers but as women of the 21st century, battling against the authoritarian patriarchy inflicting severe marginalisation whilst diminishing potential and wellbeing. Striving for preservation when their superiors failed. The dispute centred around advocacy for equality not only spotlighting the failings of the past but also paving the way for a future where respect and equality are non-negotiable.

Their collective voice remains a reminder that momentous change often begins when those directly affected refuse to remain silent. Irene Paredes remarked "This isn’t just about us—it’s about every woman who has ever been told to be quiet about the abuses she faces. We had to stand up because silence only perpetuates the problem.” Such statements resonating with the feminist movements across the country, inspiring urgent calls for cultural shifts in otherwise traditional patriarchal sectors and underscoring how "Las 15" transformed personal grievances into a powerful collective movement, bringing international attention to the systemic issues plaguing Spanish football, demonstrating these occurrences were not isolated incidents. Retrospectively, “Las 15” played a pivotal role in redefining relationships between governing bodies and players in the Spanish footballing regard. These noble actions forced the broader sports establishment, enveloping the RFEF to confront issues concerning respect, rights and gender inequality whilst being forced to face reality over their existential ignorance. The impact of this dispute is still continuously felt in Spain, across Europe and the globe, forming as the cornerstone and benchmark for how athletes can demand accountability against the institution to strive for structural shifts.

This issue was not new. It is woven as part of a broader history of disputes involving the Spanish women’s national team. Earlier controversies, including disputes over selection policies and the handling of player welfare, had set the stage for this bold stand. The protest led to significant divisions within the national team. While some players eventually reconciled and returned under new conditions others-those who remained under the banner of "Las 15," became symbols of resistance against an entrenched system. In an interview with GQ, Jenni Hermoso was questioned about the controversies and criticism faced by the team for standing up for their beliefs before the world cup. Responding with “It has always been said that we wanted to be paid the same as the male players, but that’s not true.” debunking and falsifying claims that the players argument was financially driven in aid of closing the gender-pay gap (especially with the RFEF spending less than 1% of the budget on women’s football in 2014). “We simply wanted the basics, to have a minimum wage, to be respected, and to be given the opportunity to be able to do something big.”

Preceding the “Las 15” protests, Spain women’s national team faced extreme adversity spanning nearly three decades. In 1988, María Teresa Andreu, the president of the National Committee for Women’s Football (CNFF), appointed Ignacio “Nacho” Quereda as manager of the Spanish women’s national team becoming only the second manager in the team’s history. In the early days of his tenure there was uncertainty and unrest within the team, partially as a result of Spain’s lack of qualification for any major international tournament until 1996, when they gained qualification for the 1997 UEFA Women’s Euros. The team, in their qualification campaign for the 1997 Euros drew 1-1 against Sweden in what was a must- win match May 12th, 1996. Irritated and increasingly frustrated, the players convened in a hotel room, drafting a 5-page letter denouncing the manager requesting his dismissal on “humane” and “sporting” grounds. This letter was kept in a scrapbook belonging to an anonymous player, first becoming public knowledge after the 2015 FIFA Women’s world cup with the requested removal of Quereda. Andreu claimed that the players showcased their letter of request to the manager who relayed it forward to his close friend and RFEF President Ángel Villar and Andreu herself. Villar showed loyalty to his friend dismissing the team’s complaints and staying with Quereda in charge. The dismissals that did occur were for Begoña Jáuregui, the letter writer and captain Beatriz García following the completion of the 1997 Euros campaign.

Surrounding the tournament due to Quereda’s marginalisation and machismo tendencies, multiple national team players voluntarily walked away or even in certain cases, retired from football entirely. In addition to the players, in 1998 Andreu rescinded her role in the CNFF after several unsuccessful persuasion attempts to President Villar to terminate Quereda. Though detailed public records are sparse from the 1990s, anecdotal evidence and later testimonies suggest that early complaints began emerging as women’s football started to gain recognition in Spain. Players recalled that even then, the conditions under which they were expected to train and compete were starkly inferior to those provided to their male counterparts. They were often forced to practice in inadequate facilities and with outdated equipment. These initial murmurs of discontent laid the groundwork for a broader critique of the system.

Transferring into the dawn of the 21st century, frustrations of the players began to crystalize into organised dissent. As the years passed, his leadership style became more solidified and defined the team’s culture in a higher degree, the approach evolved perhaps ossified into a rigid authoritarian regime in which he expected players to obey his instruction unquestioned. “We were treated like children, expected to obey without room for our own ideas,” one former player recalled in interviews. Quereda’s unchangeable methodologies involved strict discipline and a paternalistic attitude, barely leaving space for player autonomy. The coach’s tendency to micromanage every aspect of training and match preparation, collated with his dismissive treatment of opposition, nurtured a climate of fear and resignation. Furthermore, players registered that training regimens, facilities and support structuring provided by the RFEF were both outdated and didn’t meet the standard of their clubs, causing evident hypocrisy with one player later noting “We were expected to perform at a world‑class level, yet our conditions did not match that ambition.”. The institutionalised dehumanisation and affirmative action of being treated alike disposable assets rather than full-fledged athletes held dire psychological consequences for the players being forced to perform “at a world-class level” under such dreadful conditions with the relentless and innate lack of respect for their status as professionals and most importantly humans, severely taking its toll.

Due to the withstanding discontent coupling a continued poor qualification record for major international tournaments led by unchanged staff spanning two decades, players were unwilling to continue under the prevailing conditions and publicly accused the RFEF of indifference towards the women's team in 2011. This year some began to voice their concerns publicly building the foundations for an official, organised challenge to Quereda’s methods, Former international Oviedo’s Irene del Río speaking to Equalizer Soccer stated that she and multiple others refused to continue in the national team if Quereda continued. In an interview with Diario AS 2014, Mar Prieto expressed that herself and Bristol’s Laura del Río left on the same grounds.

The marginalised dehumanisation delved deeper than surface level ignorance by presenting Quereda’s substantial misogyny and anti-LGBTQ perspectives. Quereda has been described as frequently depicting his wants to “eradicate” the supposed sickness of homosexuality according to Verónica Boquete (who was further surrounded by institutionalised degradation and abuse at club level with the later uncovered 2021 National Women’s Soccer League abuse scandal happening at Boquete’s affiliated clubs however she affirmed that the abuse of Quereda had been occurring long before she played for these clubs in the early-mid 2010s prior to her stint at Utah Royals 2019-2020) and Victoria “Vicky” Losada-an openly LGBTQ player. Nurturing a hostile atmosphere encompassing “an alleged culture of rampant fear, bigotry, sexism and homophobia” through his 27-year tenure, which was marred by his megalomaniac persona and rhetoric reflecting deep-rooted gender biases, elevating the tactical insufficiencies and technical mismanagement.

Objectification and utter disregard for the personal boundaries of the players was rampant within his time, instilling terror with his excessive behaviours and implementation of harsh anticipatory regulations including prohibiting the women from closing their hotel room doors without inspection before proceeding to close the door for them once he was finished. Despite the concerns from the players being voiced to President Ángel Villar, he singlehandedly commissioned Quereda’s views. “We felt that every time we tried to speak up, we were met with indifference or outright hostility.” one revealed encapsulating a widespread sentiment. All outlined and released due to the publication of 2021 documentary “Romper el silencio” or Breaking the silence.

La Roja qualified for their first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 in Canada. Spain finished last in Group E, only accomplishing a single point from the opening 1-1 draw against Costa Rica, despite having world class players such as Jennifer Hermoso and Alexia Putellas involved in the concentration. With qualification for their historic inaugural World Cup, the team’s performance was perceived as symptomatic of deeper internal issues, with the underwhelming results being not solely tactical yet a manifestation of the toxicity clouding their environment nurtured by unrelenting years of neglect and authoritarianism. In a bold, uniting moment of collective defiance, a statement was issued by the entire World Cup squad calling for a refreshed and revitalised system in the federation’s women’s football partition, most attainable through Quereda’s resignation, allowing improvement in cultural and morale aspects amongst the national team. Believing that Ángel Villar’s enabling of Quereda’s actions and viewpoints, prevented internal changes so the public nature of the statement published was the only available way to force the RFEF alongside wider national society to confront previously ignored issues yet still with the thought that only forced change due to mounting public pressure. Marking not only the end of Quereda’s era but also the beginning of an ongoing struggle for reform, laying the fundamental foundations for future movements alike “Las 15” caused by the actions of Jorge Vilda, who during the early stages of his tenure underwent a process of elimination by phasing out several players away from the selection, believed to be a retaliation method for speaking out.

The Quereda saga, originating with the earliest murmurs of discontent in the mid‑1990s to the dramatic revolt during the 2015 World Cup, is a profound narrative of struggle and resistance. It exposes how a system built upon foundations of abuse and authoritarianism can erode the confidence, dignity, and performance of its athletes. The collective voice of the courageous players in 2015 demanding to be treated justly, refusing to be treated as “second‑class citizens” served as a catalyst for a long-overdue cultural transformation depleting the schism of the age. Today, the legacy of Quereda’s era continues to influence the ongoing fight for equity and respect in Spanish football, reminding us that systemic change is born from the courage and bravery to speak out and the refusal to be silenced by the oppressive institutions. This saga remains a stark reminder that when the determination to stand up for your rights and those of your peers when they are in most need is expressed, inspired by trailblazers, they not only reclaim their dignity but also pave the way for a more just and equitable future. Overall, the case underscored tangible change requires incremental improvements together with a fundamental overhaul of the culture governing women’s football in Spain and worldwide.

The environment of accumulated grievances following Luis Rubiales’ actions, the pressures administered on Jenni by the federation and the erratic occurrences during the Extraordinary General Assembly created the perfect breeding ground for a unified stand. That same day- August 25th, 2023- Alexia Putellas tweeted “Esto es inaceptable. Se acabó. Contigo compañera” translating to “This is unacceptable. It’s over. With you teammate.” An intended simplistic response of support to an unimaginable and traumatic incident, encapsulating the composite frustration and urgent rallied exclamation to end the abusive philosophy ingrained into Spanish women’s football, rapidly evolved into an omnipresent societal movement, synonymous with the refusal to accept nor tolerate discrimination in every locale where women are forced to conform to stereotypical nuances surrounding them, subverting expectations of remaining silent. The power of “Se Acabó” abides with national cultural resonance, with nationwide public protests including in Motril as a counterattack to Ángeles Béjar, the mother of Luis Rubiales, isolating and locking herself within the sanctuary space of the Church of the Divine Shepherdess on August 28th, 2023, vowing to undertake a hunger strike until the “inhuman, bloodthirsty witch hunt which my son is being subjected to” concludes. Only lasting for mere days after a forced hospitalisation. Further discussion through the political sphere adopted the phrase as emblematic of empowerment, facilitating later governmental campaigns echoing the statement such as the initiatives for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (designated as November 25th by the United Nations General Assembly). Hermoso was questioned about her engagement toward feminism before the “Se Acabó” movement by GQ answering “With everything that has happened, many of us have become more aware of what the word 'feminism' really means. Feminism is a movement for equality between men and women. Machismo, on the other hand, is an attitude. I think we have the responsibility to make people understand that we don't have to continue doing things as we have done all our lives.”. The “Se Acabó” movement enlightened the public alongside deepening the understanding of the heroines leading the way. Conclusively, “Se Acabó” necessitated the dissolving of a legacy of systematic failings and persecution.

In solidarity with Hermoso, catalysed by the “Se Acabó” movement 81 players, with the incorporation of all the World Cup champions, signed a statement of refusal of participation in national team activities until significant changes were effectuated in federation leadership. Controversially, in the face of the boycott, new national team head coach and former player and part of Vilda’s coaching staff Montserrat “Montse” Tomé released her selection for the inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League fixtures, the first international break after the victory in Australia, containing several of the “surprised” current players embedded in the 81 challengers “forced to react to another unfortunate situation caused by the people who today continue to make decisions within the RFEF” yet excluding Jenni Hermoso, according to Tomé being "the best way to protect her”. Countered by Jenni in a statement posted on social media "Protect me from what, or from whom?", criticising the excuse as her and her compatriots had been “searching for weeks-months even-for protection from the RFEF that never came.” The selected players enhanced and reiterated their right of refusal and “desire not to be called up" echoing the "Las 15" protest, accentuating persistent grievances regarding the federation's handling of internal matters and treatment concerning the players. The players were summoned to Madrid by September 19th and in the instance that they didn’t arrive, they risked being fined heavily with contention of having their federation licenses suspended for 2-15 years. Jenni, in her statement, accused the RFEF of using “intimidation and threats” as "The players are very clear that this is another strategy of division and manipulation to intimidate and threaten us with legal repercussions and economic sanctions.” Subsequently, the group convened for a meeting at the concentration to hold discussions and negotiations with the RFEF over necessary reforms. All of the players except Patri Guijarro (who returned in 2024 to compete in the Paris Olympics) and Mapi Leon, agreed to stay citing they were unprepared to return and were maintaining their values after still not reversing their positions within “Las 15”.

Lioness Lucy Bronze, who participated in that final, reacted to the verdict commending the “incredibly brave” Spanish players, with her being “good friends with a lot of the players that have been involved in it” “it’s been incredible that these players have had to go through that”. Stating “Not just winning the World Cup, but they’re in the court case, they’re speaking out.” “We want them to get what they deserve and to just enjoy their football as well. I’ve been there and my last year at Barcelona, watching their ordeals after the World Cup, I think it was challenging for them. It would be nice for them to get back to their football and focusing on that because they are incredible people and unbelievable players as well.” Communicating a high mutual respect between Bronze and Hermoso with Hermoso previously expressing gratitude to her supporters and those who believed her including the England team. “I’m very grateful for the fact that so many people were on my side, on our side., footballers, some of our rivals at the World Cup like the England team” crediting them for giving her the “the strength to carry on….” 

Luis Rubiales continuously remains solidified in his addresses and mannerisms, maintaining his innocence and the fact that Jenni consented to the kiss before he kissed her. Regardless of his alleged self-proclaimed undeterrable innocence, Rubiales recognised in court that he made a mistake “It’s obvious now that I made a mistake,” he said. “It was spontaneous. I behaved like a sportsperson, like I was one more member of the team. I should have been more cold-blooded and adopted a more institutional role.” This statement of acknowledgement may provide an insight into a sensation of growth for the shamed former president yet it simply is insufficient to equate for the severity of the situation and the foregone implications still prevalent in Jenni Hermoso’s life and collective Spanish society, exceeding the white lines of a football pitch, behind the blinding flashes of mobile phones and professional accredited cameras, behind closed doors, away from the spotlight and eyes of the world but something remains. The Jennifer Hermoso and Luis Rubiales case isn’t simplistically a storyline, a circumstance for the ages yet the woeful reality for Jennifer Hermoso. Disconnected from the football pitch and the awe-striking trophy cabinet she possesses including esteemed accolades at club level such as UEFA Women’s Champions League 2021 with squad of the season participation 2019-20 and 2020-21 winning the golden boot and forward of the season in 2020-21, multiple Liga F’s with Rayo Vallecano, FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid winning golden boots in 2015-16, 2016-17,2018-19 2019-20 and 2020-21, 5 Copas de La Reina, 2 Supercopas de España, Coupe de France Féminine with Paris Saint-Germain, Campeón de Campeonas with Tigres UANL after departing Europe to conquer Mexico. Accompanied by accomplishments with Spain including the Algarve Cup 2017, Cyprus cup 2018, UEFA Women’s Nations League 2023-2024 (gaining Olympic qualification for the first time in history) and the pinnacle of football- FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and the competitions Silver Ball. Gaining worldwide acclaim and plaudits leading to recognition of Forbes Spain 100 most influential women in Spain 2023 beside historical Spanish heroines of the age alike herself. To exemplify, Queen Letizia and Leonor, Princess of Asturias, and Georgina Rodríguez. As well as being recognised by Time magazine, labelled as one of the 100 most influential people 2024. Ballon d’Or 2024 witnessed a magical night for Spain with Spaniards Aitana Bonmatí and Rodrigo Hernández winning their respective Ballon d’Or’s, Lamine Yamal claiming the Kopa Trophy, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona claiming men and women’s club of the year respectively and Jenni Hermoso winning the humanitarian Sócrates award being the first woman to achieve this feat, awarded to players to commend them for their social and charitable projects. Awarded to Jenni for her projects in raising awareness of sexual assault and dedication for gender equality. The Sócrates award reflects the importance of footballers’ commitment to the promotion of equality and respect, making the accolade a unique honour encompassing the global sports landscape.

Centre stage as the Théâtre du Châtelet Hermoso affirmed “this award is not just mine; it belongs to all my colleagues. We work for women's football and the new generations. Today I woke up with the words of a girl who told me she wanted to be like me. That girl deserves football to be free, without gender violence. As footballers we are in a unique position. I ask you not to stop inspiring on and off the field. That is the dream that this girl and all of them deserve." Following her dream Parisian night, (although not her first Ballon d’Or ceremony attendance following her 2nd place finish to close friend and Spain teammate two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas in 2021) she spoke with the media, admitting "at first, I had a hard time realizing that I was a symbol. It was a bit difficult, but now I want to continue fighting so that women’s football grows and is even more beautiful in the future. The fight continues. You have to dare to speak out loud, raise your voice. I am ready to take on this fight, I will not remain silent." Linking to her prior comments to GQ about the legacy she is forming, “Having the voice that I have now is a real responsibility. I want to make the most of it.”

Jennifer Hermoso Fuentes has established herself as an immaculate, advocating representative of feminism exceeding her acquired acclaim caused by her artistic style and superb technicality on the field, with the personal and collective team accolades to prove that. Transcending her presence as Spain’s all-time top scorer, Jennifer Hermoso with her undeterrable determination to battle against oppression and subvert stereotypical gender standings against a patriarchal regime, effortlessly solidified herself as a global phenomenon in a higher regard and inspires the future generations to challenge oppression and defend your rights.

Testifying in front of the court “Until today, it seems that my life has been on standby; honestly, I have not lived freely,” Hermoso has been granted this freedom that was brutally stolen from her and can now continue to live her life with enjoyment and content with the knowledge she was believed, fighting an egotistical subjugator and reigning victorious fuelled by truth and factual evidence opposed to the falsified storylines attempted to be manipulated as the truth but never her truth.

A true legend of the game constantly striving for personal and societal growth to assist the beloved game. Imploring that “for the next World Cup, from now until it’s held, we need to keep pushing the sport’s visibility so that it’s even more groundbreaking.” In a Brazilian tournament that she “hopes” to compete in (commentary during an interview with FIFA).

Commenting on the verdict via her official Instagram account Jenni wrote “After all, this will set an important precedent in a social environment in which there is still much to be done. My heart is full of every single person who has been, are and will continue to be with me in this fight. And now yes, it’s over”

Quoting Jenni once more “despite everything, we were champions”.

For the pioneers of the past, trailblazers of current modern times to the heroines of tomorrow’s age. “Se Acabó”.

Eternally.