Jenni Hermoso: “Undeservedly, we suffered more than necessary in a historic moment”

2023-10-11 08:48:43

Jenni Hermoso spoke again after remaining silent since the ‘Rubiales case’ broke out. The world champion participated in the investiture ceremony of the 18 new members of the Pachuca Soccer Hall of Fame (Mexico), a team in which she has been a member since last season. In addition to the Spanish, Francesco Totti, Carles Puyol, Kaká, Samuel Eto’o, Xavi Hernández and Carlos Ancelotti were honored at the event.

The soccer player referred to everything that had happened in recent weeks and, fundamentally, what happened on August 20 after becoming world champions. “Many things have happened since then, perhaps we sacrificed some joys, some celebrations, and, without deserving it, we suffered more than necessary in a historic moment for us.”

The forward read an emotional speech:

«On the night of August 20, 2023, when I lifted the Cup with my teammates, I could feel my father’s hands when he took me to train, my mother’s smile watching me play, and the joy of my entire family sharing the dream of a little soccer player who wanted to be world champion. I have played soccer all my life; I am 33 years old, but a few weeks ago, on the field of Australia Stadium in Sydney, I became a child once again. Although a short time has passed, I still wonder what we did that night. We won a title, we went around the world and became one of the best teams in history; but deep down, we achieved something much more human, more transcendental. We were not champions to lift a trophy that stays in the showcases, receive a compensation bonus or appear on thousands of covers that wrinkle over time: we were world champions because it was the only way we had left to be heard, respected and valued. My National Team changed the way many people see women’s soccer. I am sure that millions of girls around the world have felt identified and protected by this group of brave, committed and honest players, who in every step they have taken have always thought about their future. Many things have happened since then, perhaps we sacrificed some joys, some celebrations, and, without deserving it, we suffered more than necessary in a historic moment for us. I am clear that we have an enormous responsibility towards the new generations. To all those people who do not have a loudspeaker to make themselves heard, I want to tell them that this fight belongs to everyone. We win on the field and off it to ensure an inclusive sport and society that protects us all. And to everyone I want to say: It’s over! “I am Jenni Hermoso, I am a soccer player and I am that girl who managed to be a World Champion.”