Jenni Hermoso Overcomes Emotional Recall and Moves Forward After Luis Rubiales Controversy

World Cup, Luis Rubiales, Sonia Bermudez">

October 24, 2025

Malaga, Spain – Jenni Hermoso, the record-breaking Captain of the Spanish National Football Team, experienced a deeply emotional return to the squad following a year of immense personal and professional challenges.Her reappearance comes under the guidance of new manager Sonia Bermudez, signalling a potential fresh start for both the player and the team.

A Year of Trials and Tribulations

The 35-year-old Striker last represented Spain in October 2024, in a brief appearance against Canada. As then, Hermoso has been central to the legal proceedings surrounding the non-consensual kiss from former Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales after Spain’s historic 2023 World Cup victory. Rubiales was ultimately convicted of sexual assault in February 2025.

Despite her pivotal role in securing the world Cup title, Hermoso was notably absent from the Euro 2025 roster. Still, she was welcomed back onto the pitch as a late substitute in Friday’s 4-0 victory over Sweden in the first leg of the Women’s Nations League semi-final.

Emotional Return to the National Team

Hermoso replaced Mariona Caldentey in the 88th minute at Malaga’s Estadio la Rosaleda, a moment she described as profoundly moving. “I have to admit that I cried,” Hermoso revealed to Radio television Espanola. “It was a moment that I have waited a long time for and I’ve been working for a long time for.”

She expressed her determination to continue competing at the highest level,stating,”To continue at this level and to be able to enjoy football with the national team is the reward for all that work.” Prior to the match, Hermoso had openly expressed her excitement about rejoining the team.

Key Players Return

Alongside Hermoso’s return, Barcelona defender Mapi Leon also featured prominently, playing the full 90 minutes against Sweden. The second leg of the semi-final is scheduled for Gothenburg on October 28th. sonia Bermudez, who previously coached the Spain Under-23 team, assumed the role of senior team manager after Montse tome’s contract was not renewed in August.

Hermoso acknowledged the difficulty of the past year, stating that overcoming obstacles had been “tireless.” She conveyed a sense of pride in her resilience and determination to move forward. “Maybe at some point in my life, it woudl have been difficult for me to come back and I feel very proud of myself.”

Event	Date
Last Spain Appearance (before return)	October 2024
Rubiales Trial Outcome	February 2025
Return to Spain Squad	October 2025
First Leg vs. Sweden	October 2025
Second leg vs. Sweden	October 28, 2025

did You Know? spain’s Women’s National Team has seen a surge in popularity since their World Cup win, with a reported 30% increase in viewership for their matches according to data from La liga.

Pro Tip: Following this case, it’s more important than ever for sporting organizations to prioritize athlete safety and establish clear protocols for addressing misconduct.

The evolution of Women’s Football

The story of Jenni Hermoso resonates deeply within the broader context of the evolving landscape of Women’s Football. From decades of underrepresentation and limited resources, the sport has experienced exponential growth in recent years. Increased media coverage, rising attendance numbers, and increased investment in grassroots programs are all contributing to this positive trajectory. The challenges faced by Hermoso and her teammates highlight the need for continued advocacy for player rights and the creation of safe, inclusive environments within the sport.

The future of Women’s Football looks brighter than ever, with major tournaments consistently breaking viewership records and inspiring a new generation of players and fans worldwide.

frequently Asked Questions about Jenni Hermoso

• What is Jenni Hermoso’s role on the Spanish national Team?

  Jenni Hermoso is a Striker and the all-time leading scorer for the Spanish National team, with 57 goals.

• What were the circumstances surrounding jenni hermoso’s absence from the team?

  She was absent following allegations of a non-consensual kiss from then-Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales after the 2023 World Cup.

• What was the outcome of the legal proceedings involving Luis Rubiales?

  Luis Rubiales was convicted of sexual assault in February 2025.

• When did Jenni Hermoso return to the Spain squad?

  She returned to the squad and appeared as a substitute in a match against Sweden in October 2025.

• Who is the current manager of the Spain National Team?

  Sonia Bermudez is the current manager.

• What is the importance of Hermoso’s return for Spanish football?

  Her return symbolized a potential new chapter for the team and signaled a commitment to moving forward from a difficult period.

• Where will the second leg of the Women’s Nations League semi-final between Sweden and Spain take place?
  
  The second leg will be played in Gothenburg on October 28, 2025.

What are your thoughts on Hermoso’s return? Do you believe this marks a turning point for the Spanish National Team?

Share your opinions and join the conversation in the comments below!

How does understanding emotional recall change our interpretation of Jenni Hermoso’s initial statements following the incident?

The Immediate Aftermath: A Timeline of Events

The kiss. That single, unwanted act by Luis Rubiales, then-president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), at the FIFA Women’s World Cup final in August 2023, sparked a global outcry. Jenni Hermoso, the Spanish footballer at the center of the controversy, initially downplayed the incident, a common response in situations involving power dynamics and potential repercussions. This initial reaction, often seen in cases of sexual assault and coercion, is now understood through the lens of emotional recall – the complex process of remembering traumatic events.

Here’s a breakdown of the initial timeline:

* August 20, 2023: Spain wins the Women’s World Cup. Rubiales kisses Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony.

* August 21-24, 2023: Initial statements from rubiales and Hermoso. Hermoso’s initial comments, made in a live stream, appeared to minimize the incident.

* August 25, 2023: Hermoso releases a statement through her union, FUTPRO, stating the kiss was not consensual. This marked a pivotal shift in the narrative.

* Late August – September 2023: Widespread condemnation,investigations launched by FIFA and Spanish authorities,and Rubiales’ suspension.

Understanding Emotional Recall and Trauma Response

The delay in Hermoso fully articulating her experience highlights the intricacies of trauma response. Emotional recall isn’t a linear process. It’s often fragmented, influenced by factors like shock, fear of retribution, and societal pressures. Experts in trauma psychology explain that individuals may initially minimize or deny traumatic events as a coping mechanism.

Key aspects of emotional recall include:

* Dissociation: Feeling detached from the event or oneself.

* Memory Distortion: Memories can be incomplete or altered due to the emotional intensity.

* Delayed Processing: The full impact of the trauma may not be realized immediately.

* The Role of Power Dynamics: The imbalance of power between Rubiales and Hermoso significantly impacted her initial response.

The concept of gaslighting also played a role, with Rubiales initially claiming the kiss was consensual and attempting to discredit Hermoso’s account. This further elaborate the process of her reclaiming her narrative.

The Legal Battles and Hermoso’s Testimony

The legal proceedings were crucial in allowing Hermoso to fully express her experience. In September 2023, she filed a legal complaint against Rubiales for sexual assault and coercion. Her detailed testimony, provided to prosecutors in October 2023, was a turning point. she described feeling vulnerable, pressured, and violated.

Key takeaways from her testimony:

1. Hermoso explicitly stated the kiss was not consensual.
2. she detailed the pressure she felt to downplay the incident publicly.
3. She described the emotional distress caused by Rubiales’ actions and subsequent attempts to manipulate the narrative.

The case highlighted the importance of believing survivors and providing a safe space for them to come forward. The Spanish legal system is currently pursuing the case, with Rubiales facing potential criminal charges. The inquiry also extended to other RFEF officials accused of enabling Rubiales’ behavior.

returning to the Pitch: Hermoso’s Resilience and Sporting Comeback

Despite the immense emotional toll, Jenni hermoso demonstrated remarkable resilience by continuing her football career. She joined Pachuca in Mexico in January 2024, seeking a fresh start and a supportive environment. Her decision to return to the field was a powerful statement of defiance and a testament to her love for the game.

* Pachuca Support: the club and its fans provided unwavering support,allowing Hermoso to focus on her performance.

* On-Field Success: Hermoso quickly became a key player for Pachuca, showcasing her exceptional skills and leadership.

* National Team Return: In October 2024, Hermoso was called up to the Spanish national team for the first time as the World Cup, signaling a potential path towards reconciliation and a renewed focus on football. This decision, while controversial for some, was largely seen as a positive step towards healing and moving forward.

The Broader Impact: #SeAcabó and the Fight Against Sexism in Sport

The Rubiales-Hermoso case ignited a global movement, #SeAcabó (Enough is enough), demanding an end to sexism and abuse of power in sports. The hashtag became a rallying cry for athletes and activists worldwide, prompting conversations about:

* Gender Inequality: The systemic inequalities that contribute to a culture of abuse.

* Accountability: The need for greater accountability for perpetrators of sexual harassment and assault.

* Athlete Safety: Protecting athletes from all forms of abuse and exploitation.

* Institutional Reform: Addressing the structural issues within sporting organizations that enable abusive behavior.

The case also led to increased scrutiny of FIFA and the RFEF, prompting calls for greater transparency and reform