Aitana Bonmatí expressed her belief that meaningful change must happen following the conviction of Luis Rubiales for sexual assault. She emphasized that the fight led by Jenni Hermoso and Spain’s players had a purpose and should not be in vain.
Speaking ahead of Spain’s match against England at Wembley, their first meeting since the World Cup final in Sydney, Bonmatí stated that this case has highlighted the need for greater respect for women. She hopes it will serve as a turning point, ensuring such incidents no longer occur.
Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish football federation, was recently found guilty of sexual assault for kissing Hermoso without consent during the 2023 World Cup medal ceremony. The court ordered him to pay a €10,000 fine, though he was acquitted of coercion charges. Bonmatí echoed the surprise of her teammate Irene Paredes regarding that aspect of the ruling. Despite this, she acknowledged the case’s significance, recognizing that progress has been made.
She expressed hope that the outcome would lead to change in Spain and the football industry. However, she also pointed out that the issue extends beyond football, affecting women in various workplaces. Her goal is for the case to contribute to broader respect for women’s rights.
Highlighting the resilience of the Spanish team, she stated that their efforts on and off the pitch have not been in vain. She emphasized their ongoing fight for equality, stating that their determination makes them stronger.
England’s head coach, Sarina Wiegman, commended Hermoso’s bravery in pursuing justice and reiterated support for the Spanish players. She also praised their recent comeback victory against Belgium, describing it as a testament to their strength.
Alessia Russo, an England forward, also voiced her support, hoping the case would lead to lasting change. She acknowledged the courage of the Spanish players in speaking out while continuing to perform at the highest level. She noted that women’s football has a strong sense of unity, with players standing together through challenges.
Bonmatí expressed gratitude for the support from England’s players and staff. She appreciated Wiegman’s comments, as well as those from Lucy Bronze and Russo, recognizing that the issue extends beyond Spain.
Ahead of their Nations League clash, both Spain and England trained at Wembley, with England confirming the availability of all squad members. Bronze, who was substituted at halftime in the recent match against Portugal, was deemed fit to play.
Wiegman urged critics to consider the evolving competitiveness of women’s football, emphasizing the importance of consistency and adaptation. She reaffirmed the team’s commitment to improving and focusing on performance rather than external criticism.
