Jenni Hermosoin front of the Spanish national team and the Mexican Tigers player was honored with the prestigious Socrates Prize during the gala Golden Ball held in the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
The Spanish footballer was honored for her role in the movement #It’s overa campaign that went beyond the boundaries of football and became a symbol of the fight for equality and respect for women in sport.
“I share a field where equality is not always a reality. Today I woke up remembering the words of a girl who told me: ‘I dream of being a footballer like you ‘. This girl deserves a women’s football free of prejudice and gender violence, it is for this reason and for all women that I will not stop being courageous, supporting myself from my family and my people, and from those who have the conviction to make the world of sport better,” she commented. Jenni Hermoso.
Jenni Hermoso and Rubiales, during the Women’s World Cup medal ceremony
Cord press
“We are in a unique position to use sport to generate change, I ask you not to stop inspiring on and off the pitch and together we will achieve something we will be proud of. This goes for everyone between you,” he concluded.
He #SeAcabó Movementled by Jenni Hermosowas born from an unprecedented incident in world football. After the triumph of Spanish national team inside 2023 Women’s World CupHermoso was the subject of an inappropriate and disrespectful gesture by the time president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubialeswho gave her a non-consensual kiss in the middle of celebration.
This act triggered a wave of indignation that shook not only Spanish football, but society in general. Hermoso, along with several colleagues, raised their voice against the culture of abuse of power in sport, which led to Rubiales’ resignation and sparked a change in the structures of Spanish women’s football.
The hashtag #SeAcabó, which quickly became a symbol of the rejection of abusive and sexist behavior, marked the beginning of a profound change. The campaign not only advocated for justice in Hermoso’s case, but established itself as a movement for equality and dignity for all women in sports.
This effort was documented in the film ‘#SeAcabó: Journal of Champions’which will come out on November 1st on Netflixand which explores the players’ journey to the world title and the challenges they faced before and after this milestone.
Socrates Prize: an award with a purpose
Since his creation in 2022The Socrates Prize is recognition of footballers who, through their influence and dedication, contribute significantly to social causes.
Named in honor of legendary Brazilian footballer and political activist Sócrates, the award highlights the work of those who use their platform to fight for a more just and inclusive world. During its first two editions, the prize was awarded to renowned personalities: in 2022, the Senegalese Sadio Mané, and in 2023, the Brazilian Vinicius Junior.
Manethe first winner, was honored for his humanitarian commitment in his hometown of Bambali, Senegal. The then Liverpool striker financed the construction of hospitals and schoolsthus offering a more promising future to their community. This award was a sign of recognition for his selfless efforts to improve the lives of his countrymen.
In 2023the Socrates Prize was awarded to Vinicius JuniorReal Madrid player, for his fight against racism and its contributions through the Vini Jr. Institute.an organization dedicated to providing educational and technological resources to underprivileged children in Brazil.
Vinicius Jr wins the Kopa Trophy
REUTERS
The Brazilian not only invested millions of euros in his foundation, but also used his voice to speak out against racism in football, a deeply rooted problem in the sport.
He Socrates Prize It differs from other prices in Ball of I pray that you focus on actions off the field. At a time when football has enormous global influence, this award recognizes the commitment of athletes who not only excel in the game, but also dedicate their resources and visibility to humanitarian causes.
The figure of Socrateswho in the 80s promoted the Corinthian democracy – a democratic movement within its Corinthians team aimed at defending players’ rights and their participation in club decisions – continues to be a source of inspiration for athletes fighting for a fairer society.
This award therefore not only rewards players for their sporting talent, but also for their ability to generate positive change in society.
