The Kiss That Shook Spanish Football - Inside #SeAcabó

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Good morning, The Football Newsletter readers! Today, we’re diving into the story that goes far beyond the football pitch—a story of resilience, empowerment, and the fight for respect within women’s football in Spain. As many of you may recall, last summer’s Women’s World Cup saw Spain triumph on the field, only for the celebrations to be overshadowed by a scandal that sparked a nationwide conversation on gender dynamics in sport. The new Netflix documentary, #SeAcabó: Diario de las campeonas (It’s All Over: The Kiss That Changed Spanish Football), revisits these events in detail.

Spain’s World Cup Journey: Victory Amidst Turmoil

Spain’s Women’s World Cup campaign in Australia and New Zealand was already under a cloud before a ball was kicked. Leading up to the tournament, “Las 15”—a group of 15 players—had made themselves ineligible, citing mental health concerns and protesting against the treatment of women’s football by the Spanish football federation (RFEF). The resulting squad was a fractured mix: some players returned after months away, while others stayed out in protest. It seemed like the tensions would sabotage Spain’s chances—but instead, they rallied, made history, and ultimately lifted the trophy after a hard-fought final against England.