On February 3, 2024, the trial of Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), commenced at Madrid’s High Court, where he faces serious charges of sexual assault and coercion stemming from his kiss of Spanish football player Jenni Hermoso during the celebrations of Spain’s victory at the 2023 Women's World Cup. The incident, which took place after Spain triumphed over England, triggered intense national debate on issues of consent and sexism within the sporting community.
Jenni Hermoso, who traveled from Mexico to testify, recounted the events leading up to the kiss, asserting it was non-consensual. “I felt disrespected,” she stated. “It stained one of the happiest days of my life.” Hermoso described how Rubiales allegedly grabbed her head with force and kissed her without seeking her permission. This moment occurred as players were receiving their medals, creating what should have been a celebratory atmosphere but instead turned contentious due to Rubiales’ actions.
Rubiales, who claims the kiss was consensual and occurred amid jubilation, has denied all accusations. He faces potentially grave consequences: prosecutors are calling for him to serve one year for sexual assault and another 18 months for allegedly coercing Hermoso to publicly state the kiss was consensual. If convicted, Rubiales could face between one to four years of imprisonment, along with fines and bans from working within sports administration.
During her testimony, Hermoso explained the pressure she felt to exonerate Rubiales following the incident, saying, “I didn’t hear or understand anything. The next thing he did was to grab me by the ears and kiss me on the mouth.” This highlights the complex interplay between status, power, and consent, particularly during high-pressure moments like major sporting events.
The scandal not only cast a shadow over Spain's inaugural Women's World Cup victory but also ignited widespread protests and demands for Rubiales’ resignation. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez remarked on the incident, calling it indicative of the long road still needed for gender equality in Spain. Following public outcry and backlash, Rubiales resigned just weeks after the World Cup final. He has since framed himself as the victim of what he describes as “a witch hunt” instigated by “false feminists.”
Alongside Rubiales, three of his former colleagues are also on trial for their alleged roles in coercing Hermoso. Among them are Jorge Vilda, the former women's national team coach, Albert Luque, ex-sports director of the men's team, and marketing head Rubén Rivera. All have denied any wrongdoing and assert they are unjustly implicated.
The trial is expected to last for at least ten days, with nearly 20 witnesses expected to testify, including Spain's men’s national coach Luis de la Fuente and Alexia Putellas, one of the standout players from the women’s team. Rubiales is only required to be present for key moments, namely the first and last days of the proceedings.
The repercussions of this case reverberate beyond the courtroom, as it surfaces larger conversations about feminism, power dynamics, and the treatment of women within sports. Hermoso emphasized how the entire episode has altered her life, stating, “I have not been able to really live freely.”
Just as the sporting world recognizes achievements, it must also confront the behaviors and attitudes of those who wield power. With Rubiales’ trial now underway, Spain finds itself at the forefront of discussions about consent and respect, broadcasting the message far beyond its borders. The resilience displayed by Hermoso serves as both a narrative of personal struggle and the broader fight for women’s rights across all sectors.