2023, AUGUST 31 – Aitana Bonmatí, crowned the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year for her pivotal contributions to FC Barcelona Femeni‘s Spanish title and UEFA Women’s Champions League victories, as well as her integral role in Spain’s triumphant FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign, used her acceptance speech to address the controversy surrounding Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish football federation.
Despite the joyous occasion of Spain’s World Cup victory, it was marred by the tumult surrounding Rubiales, who forcibly kissed forward Jenni Hermoso during the celebrations on 20th August. During the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year award ceremony in Monaco, Bonmatí lamented how this incident has cast a shadow over their achievements.
In a poignant message, the 25-year-old called out “abuses of power” and emphasised that society should not tolerate such behaviour within professional relationships. She expressed her solidarity with Jenni Hermoso and all women who have faced similar situations, conveying her hope for continued efforts to improve society in this regard.
Aitana Bonmatí, not only UEFA Women’s Player of the Year but also a dedicated Spain international, affirmed her commitment to actively contribute to fostering positive societal changes by confronting and rectifying abuses of power and disrespect.
