A gripping new Netflix documentary has shed light on the tumultuous journey of the Spanish women’s national football team, exposing the scars left by years of alleged abuse and control under the leadership of former Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales. “It’s All Over: The Kiss That Changed Spain” gives a voice to the players who have long been silenced, revealing the depths of their struggles both on and off the pitch.
A History of Mistreatment
The documentary traces the team’s hardships back to the 27-year tenure of former manager Ignacio Quereda, who allegedly subjected players to infantilization, body-shaming, and vulgar comments. Despite complaints dating as far back as 2011, the players’ concerns went unheard, with those who spoke out branded as troublemakers.
The appointment of Jorge Vilda as Quereda’s successor brought little relief, as he reportedly perpetuated a controlling environment, policing players’ personal lives and media interactions. According to midfielder Vero Boquete, Vilda’s insecurity about his coaching abilities drove him to exert excessive control over the team, fearing they would expose his shortcomings.
‘Las 15’ and the Fight for Change
Tensions reached a boiling point when a group of 15 players, dubbed ‘Las 15’, signed a letter requesting better coaching and conditions. The letter’s publication in the press, allegedly leaked by the RFEF, sparked accusations of mutiny and unpatriotic behavior, with Rubiales and Vilda praised for their hardline response.
The price we have to pay is very high, and I don’t want to miss a World Cup.
– Ivana Andrés, Spain midfielder
The players’ accounts reveal the immense pressure they faced to withdraw their support for the letter, with some expressing regret for not speaking up and others, like Ivana Andrés, citing the fear of missing out on a World Cup as a reason for their silence.
The Kiss That Sparked Outrage
The documentary’s climax centers on the infamous kiss Rubiales forced upon Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony after Spain’s victory in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final. The players recount Rubiales’ erratic behavior throughout the tournament, from inappropriate touching to crude gestures, painting a picture of a man “out of control.”
The film exposes the RFEF’s attempts to downplay the incident, using selective clips of Hermoso smiling to suggest the kiss was consensual. Hermoso herself refutes this, stating:
Why wouldn’t I smile? Why should I stop living life? Because they made me feel bad?
– Jenni Hermoso, Spain forward
The players’ unified condemnation of Rubiales’ actions, despite past divisions, serves as a powerful testament to their resilience and solidarity in the face of abuse.
Healing the Scars
“It’s All Over” lays bare the deep wounds inflicted upon the Spanish women’s national team by those entrusted with their care and development. The players’ emotional testimonies serve as a rallying cry for change, demanding accountability, respect, and a future free from the shadows of their past.
As the documentary draws to a close, the resilience and unity of these remarkable athletes shine through, offering hope that their scars will not define them, but rather serve as a reminder of their strength and the battles they have won both on and off the field.
