Jenni Hermoso insists it's 'much easier to come out' in women's game compared to men's - but Spain World Cup winner admits her sexuality was a 'taboo' subject growing up

The Spain star, who is gay, said she never felt the need to make an announcement about her sexuality and empathised with players who face a much less supportive environment in the men's game.

Speaking to Spanish TV show Planeta Calleja, Hermoso told host Jesus Calleja of her own sexuality: "I never went so far as to say it. I never openly said that I liked girls. It's something that was always taboo. It was never necessary to ask, people knew and my parents aren't stupid."

Agreeing that it's much easier to be openly gay in the women's game than the men's, Hermoso said: "There is a prototype of footballer who is married, has a wife and children, and several players have come out saying they were gay and in the end they have received a lot of hate. That player who feels that way does not believe that it is good for his future and they are not going to say it because in men's soccer it is unlikely that they will treat you in a way that makes you feel good".

2023 proved to be a tumultuous year for the Mexico-based star as she helped Spain to a historic World Cup win in Sydney that was grimly overshadowed by Spanish Federation president Luis Rubiales' post-match indiscretions, with Hermoso finding herself at the centre of the storm.

Hermoso is still dealing with the fallout from events in Sydney but it was heartening to see the star relaxed and philosophical during the interview filmed in Reykjavik.

Hermoso made a debut for new club Tigres UANL at the weekend after a winter move from Pachuca and she makes her home bow on Wednesday when Tigres take on Santos Laguna in Monterrey.