The latest addition to the issue of gender in sports, a rift has ensued between Spanish Women’s National Soccer players and the Spanish Women’s National Soccer Team. Twenty-three players, many of whom were on the World Cup-winning team, refused to play to promote change inside the organization. The boycott began when the then-Spanish soccer federation president, Luis Rubiales, forcibly kissed player Jennifer Hermoso after they won the 2023 World Cup Final, provoking her teammates to take a stand. 

Rubiales resigned along with Jorge Vildas, the team’s head coach, after the players demanded immediate change before they stepped on the field again. The players’ conditions didn’t stop there, as they insisted on compensation and accommodations similar to that of the Spanish Men’s National Soccer Team. Despite winning the World Cup, there is a disparity in compensation and accommodations between the men and women’s squad.“Even if they have more viewers, the better performing team should be paid more,” said one anonymous La Jolla High student. In spite of the controversy, the players’ rebellion did not prevent 20 of the 23 boycotting players from returning to training on September 19th under threat of $32,000 fines and a 15-year ban. Some anonymous students, however, disagree:  “They should play for the love of their sport, and they are probably still paid a considerable amount.”There is no doubt that the players’ fight for better conditions does not end with the players’ strike, and women in sports will continue to struggle for better pay for many years to come.