‘I deserve it’ - Jenni Hermoso dedicates Spain’s Nations League triumph to herself amid Luis Rubiales kissing scandal as she opens up on ‘long process’ since World Cup controversy

The 33-year-old forward found herself at the centre of a sporting storm following a non-consensual clinch with former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales during the medal ceremony which accompanied the capturing of a global crown in Australia.

With a legal and social battle now over, Hermoso – who currently plies her club trade in Mexico for Tigres – is free to focus on her football once more. She has another major honour for the collection, with Spain seeing off France 2-0 in the final of the inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League.

Hermoso told El Larguero after that contest when asked who she would like to dedicate the title to: “I'm going to be very honest. It has been difficult for me to stay strong all this time and I continue to improve myself. Of course I remember my mother, my brother... but I have fought a lot and I am going to dedicate this victory to myself no matter what. Because I think I deserve it.”

Hermoso added on the long-running Rubiales saga that she hopes will deliver positive change in Spanish football: “It has been a long process but the most important thing is that the player knows that she comes only to enjoy football.”

After claiming global and continental honours, Spain – with Hermoso potentially forming part of their plans – are now preparing for the start of Euro 2025 qualification and a bid for gold medal glory at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.