In the moment of her greatest triumph, Spain’s World Cup winner became the focal point of football’s battle against misogynyThe Guardian Footballer of the Year is an award given to a player who has done something remarkable, whether by...
In the moment of her greatest triumph, Spain’s World Cup winner became the focal point of football’s battle against misogyny
The Guardian Footballer of the Year is an award given to a player who has done something remarkable, whether by overcoming adversity, helping others or setting a sporting example by acting with exceptional honesty.
On 27 October 2023, 21 minutes after stepping onto the pitch with a star above the badge on the shirt of her national team for the first time, Jenni Hermoso screamed with cathartic energy. It was the talismanic two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas who had wriggled free in the box and had a shot pushed away by Italy goalkeeper Laura Giuliani, but it was Hermoso who was there to follow it up, stood unmarked a few feet to the left of the penalty spot, sweeping into the far corner. She raced away, two big low fist pumps accompanied her howl of relief, defiance, and celebration.
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