Jennifer Hermoso gets a hero's welcome and a huge banner upon her return to Mexico

Hermoso played for the first time since winning the World Cup. Photo: Getty Images/Hector Vivas

Jennifer Hermoso was named a hero. Welcome as she returned to play for her Mexican club Pachuca on Sunday for the first time since Luis Rubiales kissed her on the lips after the Women's World Cup final.

The same night Rubiales resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), the Spain striker was given a guard of honor ahead of the Liga MX Femenil match. Hermoso came on as a late substitute as her side beat Pumas UNAM 2-1.

Behind the goal hung a huge flag with Hermoso's picture of her World Cup winner's medal, and the fans cheered her name throughout the warm-up and for much of the match itself.

This banner was created in honor of Spain's victory at the World Cup. Photo: Reuters/LUIS CORTES

🇪🇸🇲🇽Jenny Hermoso is an honorary son who returned to the Mexican club Pachuca. Saluée aussi par les joueuses des Pumas pour sa victoire en Coupe du Monde and perhaps aussi pour son of a militant feminist.🙌pic.twitter.com/2eD1wc06ZF

— Diego Tonatiuh (@diegotonatiuh) September 11, 2023

Last week, Hermoso accused Rubiales of sexual assault, filing a legal complaint alleging an unwanted kiss after the World Cup final. On Friday, a Spanish prosecutor filed a complaint against Rubiales in the High Court.

Rubiales initially refused to resign following the incident in Sydney following Spain's victory over England, but on Sunday evening he announced his resignation in an interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan.

He also wrote a letter in which he wrote a letter. shared on his social media accounts, explaining that he made the decision to leave after he was confident that his departure would help Spain's hopes of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA Men's World Cup, and because he felt it was «clear» , he won't be able to return. to his position, citing «actual powers that will block my return.»

Hermoso did not comment on Rubiales' resignation. The RFEF confirmed his resignation in a brief statement that simply said: “[RFEF] confirms that Luis M. Rubiales Bejar submitted his resignation this evening.”

“He informed the federation in a letter to Pedro Rocha Hunko. . In addition, he also resigned as UEFA vice-president. With the resignation of Luis Rubiales, the procedure described in Article 31.8 of the current statutes of the federation is initiated.»

Eighty-one Spain players declared themselves unavailable for selection for the Spanish national team while Rubiales remained at the helm.