Title: Megan Rapinoe Criticizes Misogyny and Backlash Against Women in Spanish Football Federation
Date: [Date]
In a recent interview with the Atlantic, Megan Rapinoe, former player of the US Women’s National Team, spoke out against the “deep level of misogyny and sexism” in the Spanish football federation. Rapinoe’s comments were in response to a controversial incident during the World Cup final, where the president of the Spanish football federation, Luis Rubiales, kissed forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips after her team’s victory.
Rapinoe criticized Rubiales’ actions, stating, “On the biggest stage, where you should be celebrating, Jenni has to be physically assaulted by this guy.” She also pointed out another image where Rubiales was seen grabbing his crotch, signaling a “deep level of misogyny and sexism” within the federation. She questioned, “What kind of upside-down world are we in?”
Since the incident, Rubiales has issued an apology for his actions. However, Spain’s acting prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, deemed the incident “unacceptable” and expressed dissatisfaction with the apology.
Rapinoe’s comments come after her final World Cup campaign ended in disappointment, with the USA losing to Sweden on penalties in the last 16. This led to celebration on social media by US President Donald Trump, with whom Rapinoe has had public disagreements in the past. In her interview, Rapinoe dismissed Trump’s comments, calling them a “compilation of hit words and hot-button words that don’t actually make any sort of sense or square with reality at all.”
Rapinoe believes that the reaction to the US women’s team World Cup defeat is indicative of a larger issue in America: a backlash against women. She cited the overturning of Roe v Wade and the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes in sports as examples of this backlash.
She also addressed criticism that the team’s refusal to sing the national anthem before games is unpatriotic, stating, “We do love America. It’s just more in a James Baldwin kind of way, not in a bald-eagle-on-your-shoulder kind of way.”
Despite missing a penalty in the shootout with Sweden, Rapinoe expressed her willingness to step up to the spot again if given the chance. As a two-time World Cup winner and an Olympic champion, the 38-year-old will be retiring from the US national team. She stated that she will miss the atmosphere at World Cups, describing it as a special experience that brings out the best in players and teams.
Megan Rapinoe’s outspokenness and her fight against misogyny and sexism in football have brought attention to the issues faced by women in the sport. Her comments serve as a reminder that there is still work to be done in achieving equality and respect for women in all aspects of the game.