Irene Paredes, captain of the Spanish national football team, recently testified at the trial of former RFEF president Luis Rubiales, who is accused of sexual assault and coercion against fellow player Jenni Hermoso. The trial, which began on February 3, 2023, has captured national attention after Rubiales kissed Hermoso without consent during the Women's World Cup victory ceremony on August 20, 2023.
Paredes' testimony sheds light on the tense atmosphere surrounding the team during their return to Spain from Australia. During the flight, she recounted how Rubiales sought her out, stating, "It's incredible, they're calling me a rapist." This interaction occurred shortly after the allegations surfaced, demonstrating Rubiales' apparent detachment from the seriousness of the situation.
Initially, Paredes learned of the kiss after returning to the locker room, where Hermoso was visibly upset and sharing her account of the event. Paredes immediately recognized the gravity of what had transpired, exclaiming, "That's not okay." Her leadership role was apparent both on and off the field, as she urged her teammates to refrain from making jokes about the incident. "For me, this is not something we should joke about," she told them on the bus ride to the airport, highlighting her concern for Hermoso's well-being.
Rubiales' conduct seemed to create a strange and uncomfortable atmosphere aboard the flight. Alongside Paredes, players like Alexia Putellas and Laia Codina also recounted their experiences, noting how Hermoso's emotional state fluctuated. Putellas observed, "She was very distressed; it was not the moment to celebrate this victory." Codina reiterated the collective anxiety as the team faced pressure from Rubiales' entourage to publicly support his narrative.
Throughout Paredes' testimony, the theme of victimization emerged, as both she and other players recognized the troubling dynamics at play. They described the numerous attempts by Rubiales and his associates to pressure Hermoso, emphasizing how troubling it was to witness their friend being put under such duress during what should have been a festive occasion.
While Rubiales faced allegations of assault, the camaraderie exhibited by Paredes and her teammates illustrated the strength of their bond and commitment to one another. Codina noted, "We could see how upset Jenni was. It was haunting to see our teammate go through such turmoil because of someone else's actions.”
Paredes concluded her testimony by emphasizing the need for accountability and respect, stating, "What's happened to Jenni could happen to anyone, and we must talk about it so it never happens again." Her remarks not only encapsulated the essence of the trial but also highlighted the broader societal issues surrounding consent and women's rights.
The trial continues, with the next session scheduled for Monday, and the testimonies from nine additional witnesses expected to reveal even more about the internal dynamics of the Spanish women's football team during this turbulent period. Irene Paredes has not only served as a witness but has also emerged as one of the leading voices advocating for change within sports, solidifying her role as both captain and confidante for her teammates.