Jennifer Hermoso Wins Prestigious Sócrates Trophy and Speaks Out on Gender Equality and Harassment

Jennifer Hermoso, a standout player for the Spanish women's national football team and Tigres de la UANL Femenil of Mexico, has been honored with the prestigious Sócrates Trophy at the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony. This award, jointly organized by France Football and UEFA, recognizes her significant social impact and commitment to promoting a more equitable and inclusive world.

Hermoso’s recognition comes amidst a tumultuous period for Spanish women’s football. Her recent involvement in a high-profile case against former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales has brought attention to issues of harassment and gender inequality in the sport. Rubiales was accused of giving Hermoso a non-consensual kiss during the celebrations of Spain’s World Cup victory in August 2023, an incident that has led to ongoing legal proceedings and widespread social and political backlash.

The incident is featured in the upcoming Netflix documentary ‘#SeAcabó: Diario de las campeonas,’ which details the struggles and discrimination faced by the Spanish women’s national team. Hermoso, along with teammates Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes, has been at the forefront of the #SeAcabó movement, which seeks to challenge the entrenched machismo and discriminatory practices within the RFEF.

In her acceptance speech for the Sócrates Trophy, Hermoso emphasized the importance of creating a better future for women’s football. She highlighted the need for more female role models and the ongoing efforts to ensure that the sport becomes more inclusive and equitable for future generations. Hermoso also expressed her pride in the growing participation of women in various sports, noting the positive impact it has on society as a whole.

The Sócrates Trophy, established in 2022, has previously been awarded to players like Sadio Mané and Vinicius Junior for their significant social contributions. Hermoso’s award underscores her dedication not only to her sport but also to broader social causes, particularly in the fight against gender-based harassment and discrimination.