23 for ‘23: Spain Women’s Soccer Ushers in a New Reign

It was supposed to be the greatest day in Spanish women’s soccer history. After never having advanced past the first knockout round, Spain won its first world title with a 1–0 win over England in Sydney in August, thanks to a goal from Olga Carmona.

But as Spain’s golden generation received its medals, Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales grabbed forward Jenni Hermoso with both hands and kissed her on the lips with the world watching. The immediate fallout from that act turned a jubilant postmatch celebration into an international firestorm.

Spain’s women’s national soccer team celebrates winning its first-ever World Cup title.

Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated