Spain's victory in Sunday's Women's World Cup final was a triumphant one. It should have been a solely joyous one for players who'd "grown up thinking football didn’t belong to us," as captain Irene Paredes said Saturday; players who'd braved Spain's infamous machista culture, dedicated their lives to soccer, and elevated their country to the pinnacle of the sport.
But instead, it triggered complicated feelings. Then, in the aftermath, Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales triggered controversy.
During the World Cup's traditional on-field medal ceremony, he kissed veteran midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips.