Megan Rapinoe Criticizes Spanish Football Association President for Kissing Player
Megan Rapinoe, the two-time World Cup winner and former USWNT player, has spoken out against the president of the Spanish football association (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, for kissing player Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s World Cup victory. Rapinoe described the incident as reflecting a “deep level of misogyny and sexism.”
The incident occurred during the presentation ceremony at Stadium Australia following Spain’s 1-0 win over England. Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips, which sparked controversy and criticism. Rubiales later apologized for the act, stating that it was “normal, natural, and not at all with any bad faith.” Hermoso also downplayed the incident in a statement released through the RFEF.
However, Rapinoe, known for her outspokenness on social issues, condemned Rubiales’ actions. In an interview with The Atlantic, she expressed her reaction to the incident and highlighted the challenges that women in sports often face. She said, “It made me think about how much we are required to endure. Think how much that Spanish team had to shoulder… Maybe that was something that galvanized them, but you shouldn’t have to have that.”
Rapinoe also pointed out another incident involving Rubiales that she considered a sign of misogyny and sexism within the federation. She referred to a picture of Rubiales grabbing his crotch at the final whistle, stating, “What kind of upside-down world are we in? On the biggest stage, where you should be celebrating…”
Rapinoe’s criticism of Rubiales comes after her retirement from professional soccer ahead of the World Cup. Her tournament and USWNT career ended in disappointment with a shootout defeat to the Netherlands, where she missed her penalty.
Throughout her career, Rapinoe has been an advocate for gender equality and has often used her platform to speak out against injustice. She has faced criticism and backlash, including from former US President Donald Trump, who publicly taunted Rapinoe and her team-mates. Rapinoe dismissed Trump’s comments as “fake” and disingenuous, stating that there was no way for the team to win or lose in the eyes of their critics.
The criticism faced by Rapinoe and the USWNT during the World Cup extended beyond Trump’s taunts. Former player turned FOX pundit Carli Lloyd was also vocal in her criticism of the team’s performances and body language during the tournament. Rapinoe addressed these criticisms, saying, “The way that our team was spoken about over the course of the tournament, it was fake… There’s no way for us to win, and there’s no way for us to lose.”
Rapinoe’s comments shed light on the challenges faced by female athletes, both on and off the field. The incident involving Rubiales and Hermoso serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality in sports. Rapinoe’s outspokenness and advocacy continue to inspire and empower athletes around the world.
In conclusion, Megan Rapinoe has criticized Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish football association, for kissing player Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s World Cup win. Rapinoe described the incident as reflecting misogyny and sexism within the sport. Her comments highlight the challenges faced by female athletes and the ongoing fight for gender equality in sports. Rapinoe’s outspokenness and advocacy continue to make a significant impact on and off the field.