Victim of the highly publicized case, Spanish World Cup champion Jenni Hermoso, testified at the Madrid court against Luis Rubiales, the former president of Spain's Football Federation. The case revolves around Rubiales allegedly kissing Hermoso without consent after Spain's Women’s World Cup victory over England on August 20, 2023.
During her testimony on February 3, 2025, Hermoso stated bluntly, 'Never,' when asked if the kiss was consensual. She recalled how Rubiales, 47, had 'grabbed me by the ears and kissed me on the mouth' without her agreement. The kiss occurred just as the players were on stage receiving their medals, and Hermoso emphasized, 'A kiss on the lips is only ever appropriate when I say so.'
Rubiales stands accused of sexual assault, with the prosecution seeking two and a half years of imprisonment. He is also charged with attempted coercion, where he and three other officials allegedly pressured Hermoso to label the kiss as consensual. Rubiales, who lost his job after the incident, denies any wrongdoing, claiming it was simply 'a peck between friends celebrating.'
This trial has become emblematic of the broader systemic issues of sexism within Spanish football. The outrage stemming from the incident led to waves of protests demanding 'a sport free of sexist violence,' and has sparked public debate on the treatment of women athletes.
The fallout from the scandal extends beyond Rubiales, affecting his co-defendants, including former women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda, who is also accused of pressuring Hermoso indirectly. The prosecution described how Hermoso faced 'constant and repeated pressure to justify and publicly approve the kiss' against her will and even attempted to manipulate her through her family.
Despite the legal proceedings, significant changes have already begun within Spanish football as players, influenced by the incident, have pushed for reforms to address sexism and increase visibility for women's sports. The federation has experienced leadership changes, including the appointment of women to pivotal roles.
The trial is set for nine days, with Hermoso being the first witness to take the stand. Several of her teammates, including Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, are expected to testify, potentially providing key insights on the culture of the federation and the pressures they have faced.
Throughout her testimony, Hermoso's statements have highlighted the personal impact of the experience. She vividly described how the kiss stained what was meant to be one of the happiest moments of her life, saying, 'It was totally out of place, and as a woman, I felt disrespected.'
Rubiales had initially referred to his critics as 'idiots' but later attempted to apologize, framing the kiss as innocent. Nevertheless, Hermoso’s account contradicts his narrative vehemently.
This landmark case, rooted deeply within the contexts of consent and respect, is being closely monitored by both the Spanish public and the international community as it sheds light on the urgent need for reforms within sports organizations.
Public interest has surged, as the scandal not only overshadowed Spain's World Cup triumph but also sparked conversations about the treatment of female athletes and sexism within sports on large platforms.
Experts anticipate potential outcomes affecting not only Rubiales but the future legal approach toward similar incidents in the sports world. Even with the dramatic developments, the core of Hermoso's assertions remains clear: the kiss was non-consensual, and her testimony plays a pivotal role not only for justice but for changing the narrative surrounding women in sports.
The trial is set to conclude with Rubiales expected to take the stand himself, and as the court hears from witnesses, it remains to be seen how this historic moment will redefine the future of football governance and the treatment of women athletes alike.