Spain’s women’s national team received overwhelming support after winning the FIFA World Cup Final on August 20.
Normally, heads of state and soccer officials congratulate the winners during the post-game ceremony. However, it was unusual for Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales to kiss Spanish midfielder Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth, as reported by CNN.
The unexpected kiss made headlines around the world, leading Rubiales to issue an official apology, according to ESPN.
Jennifer Hermoso expressed her discomfort with the kiss during a live stream
At first, Rubiales didn’t see anything wrong with the kiss and even called those who were bothered by it “idiots.” However, he later apologized in a video, acknowledging his mistake.
It’s worth mentioning that the apology came after Spanish Minister for Culture and Sport, Miquel Iceta, labeled Rubiales’ actions as “unacceptable,” ESPN reports.
But how did Hermoso feel about the kiss?
Spanish journalist Irati Vidal shared a video from Hermoso’s Instagram live, where the 33-year-old midfielder can be seen celebrating with her team and expressing her disapproval of the kiss, saying “I didn’t like it.”
Despite the backlash, Hermoso and her mother defend Rubiales
In a surprising turn of events, Hermoso changed her perspective. The Hindustan Times reports that she released a statement to the Spanish press, calling the kiss a gesture of “affection and gratitude.”
“It was a totally spontaneous mutual gesture because of the immense joy that winning a World Cup brings,” Hermoso stated, emphasizing her good relationship with Rubiales.
Hermoso’s mother, Marisol Fuentes, also indirectly defended the situation, stating that the focus should be on Spain’s victory rather than the controversy surrounding the kiss, according to La Opinion.
Debate about the kiss has sparked on the internet
Predictably, the internet has not reacted positively to the kiss. Some questioned whether it would have happened if the roles were reversed.
Others suggested that Rubiales should be fired from his position, claiming that allowing him to remain would enable predatory behavior.
However, some people did not find the kiss offensive and were surprised that it became an issue. They viewed it as a friendly gesture.
There were also questions raised about Hermoso’s response to the kiss. Some wondered why she kissed Rubiales back.
