The stars of Spain’s historic Women’s World Cup victory enjoyed the sunshine and a well-deserved rest after their success.
La Roja broke England’s hearts with Sunday’s final whistle at Stadium Australia and clinched their first world title thanks to captain Olga Carmona’s first-half goal.
Unfortunately, most of the talk following their triumph revolved around the actions of Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales, who snapped Spain’s all-time leading scorer Jenni Hermoso and kissed her on the lips as the side accepted their winners’ medals.
The unwelcome move was the latest in a long line of questionable actions by the FA before and after the tournament.
But on Wednesday, Hermoso revealed in an Instagram Story that following their triumph, some members of the squad had retired to Ibiza to rest and soak up the sun.
Spain striker Jenni Hermoso (right) escapes controversy over the actions of FA President Luis Rubiales
Alexia Putellas (centre left), Hermoso (turned back) and Aisa Rodríguez (far right) take a moment on the yacht during the celebrations in Ibiza
Hermoso revealed members of the squad had retreated to Ibiza to celebrate the historic win
Putellas (left) and Rodríguez (right) relax while their teammates take a dip in the water
Hermoso, who scored three times in the tournament, is seen doing her best to stay in the air on a paddle board.
While two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, after overcoming the disappointment of not competing in the final, relaxes on the yacht with her teammates.
Stopper Misa Rodriguez, who played three times during Spain’s run, can also be seen on the magnificent ship.
Spain became only the second nation after Germany to win the World Cup in both men’s and women’s football. And due to intense disagreements with football authorities, they managed to forgo several of their key players.
Head coach Jorge Vilda picked just three of the 15 players who had initially refused to play if he remained in charge, leaving the likes of Barcelona trio Mapi Leon, Patri Guijarro and Claudia Pina and Atlético Madrid goalkeeper Lola Gollardo, out.
Alexia looked effortlessly stylish in a blue bikini and patterned sarong
Misa showcased her toned figure in a red two-piece suit
The girls posed for a photo
The entire team headed out for a refreshing swim
Jennifer Hermoso enjoyed a drink on the paddleboard
Jennifer showed off her impressive balancing skills
Alexia Putellas and Misa Rodriguez chatted while enjoying the sun
Fun: The group seemed to be having a lot of fun
Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales was charged with sexual assault on Wednesday
As for Sunday’s incident, Rubiales, who reluctantly apologized despite initially defending his behavior, was faced with demands to step down and was charged with sexual assault.
He also grabbed his crotch in what US legend Megan Rapinoe described as a “signal of a deep level of misogyny and sexism,” who insisted his kiss was a “physical assault.”
Spanish football boss Miguel Ángel Galán has now also filed a complaint with the Madrid Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Attorney General’s Office, alleging that Rubiales’ actions amounted to sexual assault.
Making one appearance for Spain, young midfielder Maria Perez (left) was also part of the celebration in Ibiza with Cata Coll (right).
Hermoso insisted she didn’t like being kissed by Rubiales on the medal podium
Spain became only the second nation to win the World Cup in both men’s and women’s football
On Wednesday, Rubiales was rocked by new damaging claims about his behavior.
According to the Spanish newspaper El Confidencial, Rubiales has now been accused of taking a Mexican woman on a six-day work-funded vacation to New York.
He is also said to have harassed and humiliated a colleague who claimed he asked her about the color of her underwear and whether to wear “knee pads” in meetings when they worked together.
El Confidencial reports that they have heard dozens of audio messages proving that a Mexican woman and painter with whom Rubiales had a close relationship was employed at DDP SL, having also worked in the Spanish Football Federation (AFE) under Rubiales’ president. They also confirm that the couple traveled around Manhattan, New York together.
Former colleague Tamara Ramos Cruz accused Rubiales, 46, of constant workplace harassment and said he asked her what color of underwear she was wearing in front of Spain men’s players Gerard Pique, Iker Casillas and Sergio Busquets. Mail Sport have reached out to the Spanish Football Federation for comment.