Stefany Ferrer Van-Ginkel, once a celebrated player for Tigres and the first foreign athlete in Liga MX Femenil, is now embroiled in controversy. The storm brewing around her follows an incident during a protest against the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Beverly Hills. Captured in a widely circulated social media video, Van-Ginkel was seen making a Nazi salute while uttering “Heil Hitler”.
The soccer star, of Spanish birth and Brazilian descent, was in a car passing by Israeli flag-bearing demonstrators when she made this gesture.
This incident, initially shared by StopAntisemitism on social media, led to widespread outrage once Van-Ginkel was identified. Comments ranged from “Disgusting and reprehensible” to “Stefany Ferrer’s was the last nail in the coffin of a career that was already dead”. The backlash was swift and fierce, with many pointing out the potential career-ending implications of her actions.
Beverly Hills, CA - car driving by a pro Israel rally yesterday stopped to shout “Heil Hitler” then proceeded to throw up a Nazi salute (caught on camera).
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) November 6, 2023
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In the wake of these events, Angel City Football Club, which Van-Ginkel was thought to be affiliated with, took to social media to distance themselves. They clarified that Van-Ginkel had not been part of their team since November 2022 and condemned her actions and statements. This move followed the player’s decision to delete her Instagram account, which boasted 119 thousand followers.