Netflix announce documentary on the kiss that shamed Spanish women’s football following World Cup win
Original documentaries have always been among the most popular offerings on Netflix, and the streaming service is returning to the world of sports to explore one of the most controversial moments in modern sporting history.
Serial killers and true crime might be the first thing that comes to mind when anyone thinks of the streamer’s exclusive docs, but titles including Simone Biles: Rising, The Last Dance, Beckham, Break Point, Untold, Captains of the World, and many more have seen the platform extensively cover some of the biggest sports – and highest-profile athletes – on the planet.
Continuing on in that vein, Netflix has announced a November 1st premiere date for It’s All Over: The Kiss That Changed Spanish Football, which examines the before and after of Spain’s victory at the 2023 World Cup, a victory which was completely overshadowed by football association president, Luis Rubiales.
As the women’s team celebrated a hard-fought victory over England in the final, Rubiales handed the players their winner’s medals and kissed Jennifer Hermoso on the lips. When the player publicly decried his actions as unwanted and unwelcome, it became a source of nationwide – and eventually global – concern.
Initially refusing to resign, Rubiales and coach Jorge Vilda made repeated requests to Hermoso, asking the player to disavow her criticism and offer public support before he was effectively ousted from his position after players from both the men’s and women’s teams showcased their support for Hermoso and demanded that Rubiales vacate his post.
A serious misconduct charge was filed against him to facilitate a suspension, the entire World Cup-winning squad threatened to boycott the national team until he was gone, he was suspended for 90 days, his mother went on a hunger strike inside of a church, and a criminal complaint was made against him by Hermoso as the situation continued to spiral.
“The players recount the experiences they have lived over the past year from a place they’ve never spoken from before,” director Joanna Pardos shared in a statement. “It’s the first time they’re discussing this for many of them. It’s a privilege to have such personal testimonies of a milestone that has marked a before and after in the sports and social history of our country.”
As well as Hermoso, The Kiss That Changed Spanish Football will also feature Alexia Putellas, Irene Paredes, Aitana Bonmatí, Olga Carmona, Teresa Abelleira, Ivana Andrés, Laia Codina, Sandra Paños, and Lola Gallardo, shining a spotlight on an unsavoury moment that eventually led to genuine and much-needed change.