Borrell’s controversial remark
The EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, has sparked outrage with his sexist comment on the Spanish women’s football team, who won the World Cup for the first time on Sunday. Borrell said he was happy that “our women are learning to play football as well as men, and that in itself is already very good news.” He made the remark while recalling Andrés Iniesta’s winning goal for the Spanish men’s team in the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa.
Borrell’s statement was widely criticized on social media and by politicians, journalists, and activists. Many pointed out that the Spanish women’s team had shown more skill, talent, and passion than the men’s team, who failed to qualify for the World Cup this year. Some also accused Borrell of being patronizing, condescending, and ignorant of the achievements and struggles of women’s football in Spain.
Rubiales’ unwanted kiss
Borrell’s comment came just days after another sexism scandal involving the Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales, who kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent after she scored the winning goal in the World Cup final against England. The kiss was captured on camera and broadcasted live to millions of viewers around the world.
Hermoso looked visibly uncomfortable and tried to pull away from Rubiales, who also hugged and kissed other players and staff members. The incident sparked a backlash from fans, media, and politicians, who condemned Rubiales for his inappropriate and disrespectful behavior. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for an urgent investigation into the matter and said that Rubiales had violated Hermoso’s dignity and autonomy. Spanish media reported that Hermoso had no part in an initial statement that exonerated Rubiales and that she felt humiliated by his actions.
Women’s football in Spain
The sexism controversies have overshadowed the historic achievement of the Spanish women’s football team, who won their first World Cup title after a thrilling final against England. The team scored three goals in the last 15 minutes of the match to secure a 4-3 victory. The players celebrated with joy and emotion, holding up a banner that read “Somos historia” (We are history).
The World Cup win was the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance by the Spanish women’s football team, who faced many challenges and obstacles along the way. The team had to deal with low salaries, poor facilities, lack of media coverage, and discrimination from the football establishment. Last year, 15 players wrote letters to the federation announcing their resignation from the national team over its approach to running it and amid a dispute with coach Jorge Vilda. Some of them returned to the squad this year, while others continued to strike and missed the World Cup campaign.
The World Cup triumph has boosted the popularity and recognition of women’s football in Spain, where it has traditionally been overshadowed by men’s football. The final match was watched by more than 10 million viewers on Spanish television, setting a new record for women’s sports in the country. The team also received praise and congratulations from celebrities, politicians, and sports stars, including King Felipe VI, who called them to express his admiration and gratitude.
