The soccer community stands with Jenni Hermoso
The GIST: While Rubiales refuses to step down, players across the soccer world are standing strong with Hermoso, unifying across gender lines and leagues in solidarity.
Women’s soccer community: Every single NWSL team issued a statement backing up Hermoso this weekend, either on X (formerly known as Twitter) or on the field. Multiple players, including USWNT forward Alex Morgan and goalie Alyssa Naeher, showed their support by writing “Contigo Jenni” (With you, Jenni) on their wristbands.
- Across the Atlantic, Atlético de Madrid’s Leicy Santos celebrated her game-winning goal in The Women’s Cup by holding up a Hermoso jersey and pointing to the Spanish forward, who was watching from the stands. Tonight, supporters in the city of Madrid will host a rally for Hermoso and for a sport “free of sexist violence.”
Men’s soccer community: Two teams in La Liga, Spain’s top soccer league, rallied around Hermoso on Saturday. Cádiz CF set the tone, holding up a banner that read “We Are All With Jenni” before their match, while Sevilla FC players wore t-shirts reading #SeAcabó (It’s over), echoing calls for Rubiales to resign.
- FC Barcelona manager and Spanish soccer legend Xavi condemned Rubiales’ behavior, while forward Borja Iglesias, who has made a few appearances for Spain’s men’s national team, said he would refuse to play for his country “until things change.” Stronger together.
