Hermoso spoke to GQ magazine where she admitted having gone to counseling after the ordeal which tainted Spain’s Women’s World Cup, Hermoso also admitted that he received threats during her disclosure of Luis Rubiales.

Rubiales is currently facing criminal charges over forcing a kiss on Jenni Hermoso, who opened up for the first time.

Jenni Hermoso on Luis Rubiales

“I have had to suffer the consequences of an act that I did not provoke, that I did not choose and that was not premeditated. I have received threats, and this is something that you never get used to”, Hermoso told GQ.

“These past weeks have been very difficult but thanks to my psychologist, I feel strong, and I am not defeated, and I don’t have thoughts about quitting football. I am not disenchanted.”

“I don’t know if life had this in store for me or not, but it has made me see everything in a different way and realize that although I have reached the top in my sports career, there is much more.

“I’m going to learn to take advantage of this story positively to fight for what I believe is good for society.”

Jenni Hermoso’s career

Jenni Hermoso, 33, began her career at Atlético Madrid, and had stints at various clubs such as Rayo Vallecano, Barcelona, PSG, and currently plays in Mexico for Pachuca.

With Spain Hermoso has 52 goals in 106 caps and she has won 18 titles in her career between club and country.

The 33-year-old, who plays for Pachuca Femenil, was kissed by Rubiales after winning the Women’s World Cup with Spain. Hermoso stated the kiss wasn’t consensual, which is why her teammates stood up for her. The midfielder also got support from other personalities in world soccer, but she wishes the Spanish women’s national team had received more support from male colleagues.

“I understand that everyone thinks the way they think and I would also love to focus only on my sport, but when you see unfair situations, you have to be on one side or the other. People will hate or love me, but I have my way of thinking and I don’t mind saying it openly: I don’t know if their support would have made everything easier, but it certainly would have helped us a lot,” Hermoso told GQ Spain.

However, she was grateful with Borja Iglesias, Hector Bellerin, Oscar Trejo, and Isco, who were the first to take a stand. Even so, Hermoso said she would love to see more unity between male players. “We have the philosophy of being united and doing what we feel, and that is how we have achieved everything we have achieved so far.”

Jenni Hermoso says she received threats

Before Rubiales got suspended by FIFA, Hermoso and company had to wait for months for the RFEF to take action against its chairman. In fact, the world champion said she received threats all these months.

“I have had to face the consequences of an act that I did not provoke, that I had not chosen or premeditated. I have even received threats, and that is something you can never get used to,” she said.

Following Rubiales’ kiss, the Spanish women’s national team called on the RFEF to make significant changes. But their battle didn’t sit well with everyone, as they faced backlash from certain people who didn’t take their request seriously. Hermoso said speaking to a psychologist helped her not to quit the sport.

Returning to the national team

Hermoso was overlooked by coach Montse Tome in the first international break after the Women’s World Cup. But she returned to the team in her second call-up. “For a player, there’s nothing better than playing for your country,” Hermoso said.

Though it has tough returning to the national team after the Rubiales incident, she’s relieved to have spoken out. When asked how she would like to be remembered, 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 history, but I will learn to use it positively to fight for what I believe is good for society.”

One of those was Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas. However, in the last few weeks, Hermoso remained silent even as her name was all over social media as the scandal grew.

Now, during the induction ceremony at the World Soccer Hall of Fame in Mexico, Hermoso finally decided to talk about the situation. It was an extraordinary message.

Jenni Hermoso delivers emotional speech at World Soccer Hall of Fame

Jenni Hermoso received a special award at the induction ceremony of the World Soccer Hall of Fame at Pachuca. In her acceptance speech, she made her first live public statement regarding the big controversy with Luis Rubiales.

“I want to tell the world: it’s over. I’m Jenni Hermoso, soccer player and I’m that girl who became World Champion. We sacrificed joy and some celebrations and, without deserving it, we suffered too much in a historic moment for all of us. However, I’m convinced we have a big responsibility with the new generations.”

According to Hermoso, their triumph at the World Cup was the only way to show the terrible situation lived by female players of the national team. That’s why it will serve as an example.

“We weren’t champions just to lift a trophy. We were World Champions because that was the only way to be heard, respected and valued. I’m sure millions of girls around the world have identified themselves with us and feel protected thanks to this courageous group of players.”

Furthermore, Jenni Hermoso admitted there are a lot of challenges ahead. “To all those who haven’t been heard, I want to tell you that this is everyone’s fight. We win on and off the field to make sure we have an inclusive sport and society which protects all of us.”

FIFA had already suspended Rubiales for his behavior and Hermoso filed charges for the incident. Jorge Vilda was fired as coach and Montse Tome took over, but, the reigning champions aren’t happy.

Now, in a very controversial statement, Alexia Putellas spoke for the first time about some examples of the bad treatment they had to endure during the last years.

Alexia Putellas explodes against the Spanish Football Federation

Though many players didn’t want to be called to the Nations League by Montse Tome, they showed up and got a win on the road against Sweden. After that victory, and before the next matchup with Switzerland, Alexia Putellas had a strong message for all the critics.

“Zero tolerance for what the entire world saw. Zero tolerance for the things which haven’t been seen because they weren’t live and we cannot talk about them as there’s an ongoing legal procedure. The system failed. The Federation failed, The country failed.”

Furthermore, Putellas gave some examples about the terrible conditions they suffered under Luis Rubiales. She guaranteed this bad treatment isn’t new at all and just got exposed thanks to Jenni Hermoso’s controversy.

“They made us travel six or seven hours by bus while the rival comfortably flew. We had to wake up at three in the morning to catch a plane and those schedules are not suitable for elite athletes. You have just seen this, but we have been for years in this situation.”

Rubiales’ justification has sparked outrage in Spain to the extent that several female and male players are still considering to leave the national team as a demonstration of support for Hermoso. One of those is Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas.

Now, amid the ongoing investigation, FIFA has delivered one of the strongest statements in recent history to condemn all that Luis Rubiales has produced with his actions.

What did FIFA say about Luis Rubiales?

Fatma Samoura, Secretary General of FIFA, has become one of the most important women in the sport. That’s why, as an authorized voice in the matter, she took a stance about Luis Rubiales and the controversial kiss he gave to Jenni Hermoso after winning the World Cup.

“To me, it was the biggest disgrace in the world of soccer. All we heard about for a month was a leadership behavior issue within the Spanish Federation. The country and the players were not allowed to savor that success, to enjoy it with their families, with the fans, with the soccer industry in general.”

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee already suspended Luis Rubiales for 90 days until the procedure and investigation are closed. Though there are no conclusions yet, Samoura believes there’s no way to justify Rubiales’ actions.

“This type of behavior cannot be accepted in soccer or in society. As soccer authorities, we have to show respect to all players and treat them as equals. As human beings deserving of our respect, even in private.”

As an authorized voice in Spanish soccer, Alonso couldn’t stay aside of the massive scandal between Jenni Hermoso and Luis Rubiales after he gave her a controversial kiss after the Women’s World Cup final.

As a consequence, Rubiales was suspended by FIFA facing legal charges and Jorge Vilda is was fired as coach. Montse Tome took over, but, many players like Alexia Putellas are not happy with her decision to leave out Hermoso of the Nations League in order to protect her. Xabi Alonso spoke about it too.

Xabi Alonso supports the Spanish women’s national team

Before the Europa League match between Bayer Leverkusen and BK Häcken, Xabi Alonso was asked about the controversy around the Spanish women’s national team with Jenni Hermoso and Luis Rubiales.

“Sometimes from the uncomfortable and unpleasant situations, good things come. I’m sorry for what they’ve had to experience. After being world champions, we have been talking more about other issues than about the big achievement they got.”

Alonso admitted that, though their performance at the World Cup seems to be forgotten amid all the scandal, the younger generations will definitely take notice of all their efforts.

“In the long term, they will be well remembered as they fought for a good cause. My daughters, they will remember them in the future because of what they fight for. These women that were champions. It’s an important topic and, when that happens, it becomes an international cause.”

As a consequence, Rubiales has been suspended by FIFA and faces legal charges in Spain. Furthermore, Jorge Vilda was fired as coach and Montse Tome took over.

Nevertheless, in a shocking turn of events, Tome left Hermoso out of the Nations League to ‘protect’ her and many players were not happy with that situation. Alexia Putellas has been one of them. Now, two big names have decided to leave the squad.

Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro leave the Spanish national team

Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro left the Spanish national team claiming that they were not in the best mental condition to face the next matches of the Nations League. Spain will play against Sweden this Friday and Switzerland on Tuesday.

Following a meeting that concluded early this morning, it was officially announced that 21 out of the 23 players remained in the national team’s squad with only two players leaving. However, at that moment, it was not disclosed which players were leaving. Now, Leon and Guijarro confirmed it.

These were the reasons which led to the decision explained by Mapi. “It is a reality that the situation for Patri and me is different from that of the rest of our colleagues. It hasn’t been the way or the timing to return.”

It’s important to remember that Mapi Leon was one of the few players who didn’t play at the 2023 Women’s World Cup as she was clearly against bad treatment and old training methods by former coach, Jorge Vilda. That complicated the current situation.

“We’re not in a position to say, ‘No, you come back now.’ This is a process. We are pleased because changes are taking place; changes are happening gradually, and we are fully supporting our colleagues in this, as we have been doing from the outside all this time.”

Montse Tome did not call up Jenni Hermoso, who also released a statement regarding the tactic she feels the federation is using to leverage the players, who could face a fine and ban of up to five years according to Spanish sports law. According to Spain’s Law of Sport and the RFEF Disciplinary Code, the players could receive a fine of between 3,006 euros ($3,213) and 30,051 euros ($32,125) and have their playing licenses suspended for two to five years,

The call ups come after Alexia Putellas spoke on behalf of the players understanding that the players stance was clear regarding call ups until their demands are met to clean house and restructure the Spanish soccer federation.

Jenni Hermoso left off Spain roster

In a statement issued on Twitter, “We have been searching for weeks – months, even – for protection from the RFEF that never came,” said Hermoso. “The people who now ask us to trust them are the same ones who today disclosed the list of players who have asked NOT to be called up.

“The players are certain that this is yet another strategy of division and manipulation to intimidate and threaten us with legal repercussions and economic sanctions. It is yet more irrefutable proof that shows that even today, nothing has changed.”

Hermoso was not called up to the team as a way to “protect” her by new coach Montse Tome.

Alexia Putellas statement

Alexia Putellas released a statement on social media making it clear the stance of the 30 players who resigned from the Spain women’s national team hasn’t changed.

“What was expressed on September 15 makes clear and without any option to another interpretation, our firm will not to be called up for justified reasons. These statements remain in full force and effect“, the players’ statement reads.

Rubiales is being investigated for sexual assault, although the former Spanish FA president continues to profess that the kiss was consensual. Hermoso continues to maintain that the kiss was forced.

After public outcry for what occurred and damning character statements from Joan Laporta, Javier Tebas, and even his own uncle Juan Rubiales , Luis Rubiales was stated to have not only forced a kiss from Hermoso, he also touched Letizia Ortiz, Queen of Spain, in a direct violation of protocol, lastly an image of Rubiales grabbing his crotch during a Spain’s Women’s National Team game at the World Cup also surfaced.

Restraining order placed on Luis Rubiales

As a measure to not contaminate the testimonies of all involved the Spanish high court ordered Rubiales to have no contact with Hermoso or come within 200 meters of her. The Judge also denied a request made by the prosecution that Rubiales should report to the court every two weeks.

The Spanish Women’s team have boycotted playing for the country until this matter is resolved and there are substantial changes in the Spanish soccer federation.

At the start of September, Rubiales’ character was further damaged by statements made by his uncle Juan, calling him a “cowardly man” and that Luis Rubiales would host parties with women, and would drink heavily during working trips.

However, Luis Rubiales surprised everyone with a defiant press conference in which he justified his actions and delivered the phrase which made headlines: “I’m not going to resign. I’m not going to resign. I’m not going to resign.”

Luis Rubiales’ speech sparked outrage in Spain to the extent that several female and male players considered leaving the national team as a demonstration of support for Jenni Hermoso. Another consequence was that FIFA immediately suspended him. Now, a historic announcement has been made.

Luis Rubiales resigns as president of the Spanish Football Federation

Luis Rubiales has finally decided to resign as president of the Spanish Football Federation. In an official statement, he pointed out again that there’s a big campaign against him.

“After the swift suspension carried out by FIFA, along with the rest of the proceedings opened against me, it is evident that I will not be able to return to my position. Insisting on waiting and holding on to it will not contribute to anything positive, neither for the Federation nor for Spanish football. Among other things, because there are powerful forces that will prevent my return.”

Furthermore, Rubiales guaranteed his decision will help Spain to become host of the World Cup in 2030. “I don’t want Spanish football to be harmed by this disproportionate campaign, and above all, I am making this decision after ensuring that my departure will contribute to the stability that will allow both Europe and Africa to remain united in the dream of 2030, which will bring the world’s biggest event to our country.”

Now, Luis Rubiales declared himself ready to legally defend his case. “I must look forward, look to the future. There is something that occupies my mind firmly now. I have faith in the truth, and I will do everything in my power to make it prevail.”

Why is Luis Rubiales being prosecuted?

It’s important to remember that the government in Spain already initiated a legal case against him and, a few days later, Jenni Hermoso reinforced that filing a criminal complaint. All was a direct consequence of Luis Rubiales’ first controversial statement.

“Is it so serious that I should leave, having overseen the best management in the history of Spanish football? Do you all think I should resign? Well, I’ll tell you something. I’m not going to resign. I’m not going to resign. I’m not going to resign. And let me tell you more, I have faced a lot of pressure.”

What happened between Luis Rubiales and Jenni Hermoso?

In the moment which outraged the world, Luis Rubiales explained two weeks ago what happened with the controversial kiss to Jenni Hermoso. “I want to apologize unreservedly. She was the one who lifted me up and brought me close to her body. And I said to her, ‘a little peck?’ and she said to me, ‘okay’.”

Now, with Rubiales out of the Spanish Football Federation, the big battle will be on court. According to many experts, the possible sanctions could be a fine or even some time in prison if he’s found guilty.

Luis Rubiales was universally criticized for forcing a kiss from Hermoso during the Women’s World Cup trophy ceremony, only to have videos appear of a misogynistic pre match speech in the Spanish team’s locker room and according to eyewitnesses grabbing his crotch during the World Cup final.

Now his uncle and former Chief of Staff Juan Rubiales isn’t taking it and has stated that “The Rubiales family is on the side of Jenni Hermoso” and stating that the Spanish FA president spent his days drinking and partying while on “work meetings”.

Luis Rubiales’ uncle slams the Spanish FA president

In speaking to El Confidencial on Wednesday, Juan Rubiales stated, “[Luis Rubiales] is a proud, arrogant person and his great enemy is himself. … He doesn’t have the slightest dignity to get out of this trance in an honorable way. And what he has done is to embarrass this situation more and more every day. He is a person with a tendency to cowardice. He is a cowardly man.”

Juan Rubiales joined his nephew when he became president of the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) in 2018. Later Juan Rubiales left the FA over “irregularities” with the RFEF’s Super Cup negotiations with Saudi Arabia.

Jenni Hermoso has stated on several occasions that she did not consent to the kiss with the disgraced Spanish FA president. Meanwhile Rubiales’ mother, Ángeles Béjar (the sister-in-law of Juan Rubiales), had locked herself in a Spanish church and going on a hunger strike in the defense of her son. Three days into the strike she had to be admitted to a hospital.

Juan Rubiales has even gone as far as stating that Luis Rubiales had even gone to parties that were passed off as work meetings with girls boarding on 18 years of age, “There were no work meetings. One would go to the beach with I don’t know who, another, “I’m going to town, I’m going to eat with I don’t know how many”, “see you this afternoon”, “hey, we have to buy (alcohol) for drinks tonight “, I do not know what. And one day, he announces to us that in the afternoon there is going to be a party and girls are going to arrive. That his friend Nene (a former soccer player)… “Hey, guys, there’s going to be a party this afternoon, Nene called me, that she’s going to throw a party for us here and that some girls are coming and what’s up?” .

“When I saw the girls, who were 18, 19, 20-year-old girls, I locked myself in the room. Several people from the Federation came in and said to me: “What’s wrong with you, Juan?” “That I do not want to participate in this.” He (Rubiales) even came in and said to me: “Uncle, what’s wrong with you?” “This seems crazy to me. That we are losing our minds, that you are here with 18-year-old girls who could be your daughters.”