A new Netflix documentary titled *”It’s All Over: The Kiss That Changed Spanish Football”* delves into the controversy surrounding Spain’s historic 2023 Women’s World Cup victory, a moment tainted by the actions of former Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales. The film captures the celebration, the scandal, and the unprecedented unity that reshaped the landscape of Spanish football.
The controversy began moments after Spain’s triumph over England in the final when Rubiales kissed player Jennifer Hermoso on the lips during the award ceremony. Rubiales later insisted the kiss was consensual, but Hermoso has maintained it was not, a stance she shared in the documentary. The event quickly escalated as public outcry mounted, prompting the phrase *”Se Acabo”*—meaning “it’s all over”—to circulate widely on social media. This call to action, initially posted by star midfielder Alexia Putellas, soon became a rallying cry for both players and fans advocating for reform in Spanish football.
The documentary follows Hermoso and her teammates as they recount the pressure they faced from RFEF officials to downplay the incident. Amanda Gutierrez, president of the players’ union Futpro, claims Hermoso confided in her about the intense pressure she felt to protect Rubiales, which only fueled her resolve to stand firm.
Less than a week after the incident, a defiant Rubiales refused to resign in an emergency meeting, despite backlash. His stance only intensified the players’ determination. Eighty-one Spanish players, including all 23 World Cup squad members, declared they would not represent the national team until Rubiales was removed. Over time, public support for the players grew, leading to Rubiales’ eventual resignation and a three-year ban from FIFA.
The fallout has since been profound. Former coach Jorge Vilda, a Rubiales ally who was dismissed shortly after the World Cup, was the subject of criticism from players over his allegedly restrictive management style. The film portrays Vilda as a polarizing figure, with several players recounting a lack of unity within the squad and describing his methods as “controlling.”
Hermoso reflected on the difficult journey, expressing gratitude for the solidarity she received from her teammates and supporters worldwide. “It gave me strength,” she said in the film. “As a result of this, we’ve set a precedent, and there are so many women who can feel stronger.”
The RFEF, contacted by BBC Sport for comment on the allegations in the documentary, has yet to respond.
*“It’s All Over”* serves as a powerful reminder of how a single moment can galvanize a movement. With widespread support from both the football community and the public, Spain’s female players have paved the way for greater accountability and respect in sports, creating lasting change in Spanish football culture.
