‘Nothing has changed’ and Spanish footballers continue to have the ‘same problems’, says Aitana Bonmati

Aitana Bonmati insisted that things “haven’t changed” for women’s football players in Spaindespite public attention on the issues that followed Spain’s victory in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Jenni Hormoso, who was kissed on the lips per Luis Rubiales in the final in Sydney, and has since filed a legal complaint against the former president of the Spanish football federation. She then went tolead the fight against sexism in the country’s football and led to the departure of former coach Jorge Vilda.

Bonmati revealed to BBC Sportthat, in addition to the well-documented problems at national level, the same issues extend to the domestic context.

“Nothing has changed,” said the Ballon d’Or winner.

“I would like to say that everything changed and the World Cup gave us more things – but I can’t say that. [it to] when England won the Euro – everything changed.

“But we won the World Cup, which I think is bigger than winning the Euros and no, that has never changed, especially in the league. We are having the same problems as always.

The issues surrounding the Spanish women’s team have at least been documented, from the players’ boycott of the team in the year of the World Cup, as well as the high-profile lawsuits and dismissals as a result of events after the final.

Rubiales is expected to stand trial for his non-consensual kiss, although he has consistently denied any wrongdoing in that case.

Several Spanish players have moved to England to play in the fully professional Women’s Super League in recent years.

“Firstly, I think people are thinking about playing in England because you guys in England are doing things really well. women’s football good. You give power to the players and the league,” Bonmati added.

“For example, here in Spain, I cannot say the same. I also see that the league in England is competitive and every year they are investing more money to develop it.