As Spain won the 2023 Women’s World Cup, head of Spanish football Luis Rubiales kissed striker Jenni Hermoso on the lips, sparking global outrage. He was tried in Madrid for sexual assault and coercion. His actions reflect a deeper culture of misogyny in Spanish football. Speaking to the football stars who were there on the night, including Ballon d’or winner Alexia Putellas and Arsenal star Laia Codina, they describe their ‘bittersweet’ victory. “It was supposed to be our moment as a team”, remarks Codina. Fellow teammate Vero Boquete concurs the terrible ubiquity of this instance: “It was a cultural fear. We’ve had so many experiences like that”. Alexia Putellas’ slogan “Se acabo” (‘it’s over’) made waves as a denunciation of the toxic culture, as protestors took to the streets. “It was a tsunami. The fans understood that the players needed their help”, reflects sports journalist Danae Boronat. The players hope this trial will improve the appalling way women have been treated in the sport they love.