Angel City FC co-owner and Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman has praised the resilience of Spain’s World Cup-winning players. In her speech at the European Clubs’ Association General Assembly, Portman commended the team for their ability to perform at the highest level despite facing “harassment, abuse, and assault.”
The victory of the Spanish team in the World Cup was unfortunately marred by the controversial behavior of Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales. During the medals ceremony in Sydney, Rubiales grabbed player Jenni Hermoso’s head and kissed her on the lips, without her consent. This incident has ignited a national debate on women’s rights and sexist behavior in Spain.
In response to Rubiales’ actions, Hermoso has filed a criminal complaint. The incident is not only under investigation by Spain’s top sport court and FIFA, but Rubiales could also face criminal charges. Despite the controversy, Rubiales has shown no intention of stepping down and has labeled himself as a victim of “false feminism.”
Natalie Portman, who is not only an actress but also a co-founder of Angel City, a women’s soccer team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), expressed her admiration for the Spanish team. She highlighted their ability to persevere and advocate for change both on and off the field, given the unfair and unjust conditions they have faced.
Portman acknowledged that the Spanish team’s fight for equality is not unique. In her speech, she mentioned that other teams in the past have also had to battle for equal pay. However, in this instance, the Spanish team was not only demanding equal treatment but also fighting against harassment, abuse, and assault.
Jenni Hermoso’s club in Mexico, Pachuca, released a statement confirming her return to the team. However, they made it clear that she will not be speaking with the media, emphasizing the importance of respecting her privacy during this challenging time. Pachuca also assured Hermoso of their full support, both institutionally and emotionally, as she continues her activities.
While the controversy surrounding Rubiales has dominated the headlines, Spain’s men’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, tried to divert attention during a press conference. He avoided directly addressing Rubiales’ behavior and focused on the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia, stressing the team’s need to win and qualify for the European Championship.
The Unpleasant Situation
Spain midfielder Rodri revealed that the players and Coach De La Fuente addressed the issue together, acknowledging the uncomfortable situation they found themselves in. While Rodri did not elaborate on the specifics of the meeting, he emphasized that both the players and the coach had a responsibility to express themselves appropriately as representatives of the Spain men’s team. He acknowledged that these recent weeks have been challenging for the coach.
The Spanish team’s World Cup victory has been overshadowed by a controversial incident involving the Spanish soccer federation president. However, amidst the controversy, Natalie Portman has drawn attention to the players’ resilience and ability to advocate for change. The Spanish team’s fight against harassment, abuse, and assault serves as an inspiration to others and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by women’s teams in the world of soccer. As the investigation into Rubiales’ actions continues, it is evident that the impact of this incident extends beyond the realm of sports, sparking a national debate on women’s rights and sexist behavior in Spain.
Leave a Reply