World Cup-winning footballer Jenni Hermoso has firmly stated in court that she “never” consented to the infamous kiss from former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales, calling it a moment that “tainted one of the happiest days” of her life. The testimony was part of Rubiales’ ongoing trial in Madrid, where he faces charges of sexual assault and coercion following the controversial incident after Spain’s historic victory at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
A Controversial Moment on Football’s Biggest Stage
The incident occurred as Spain’s national team received their medals following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over England in Sydney. Rubiales, then president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), was seen kissing Hermoso on the lips, a gesture that immediately sparked outrage across the football world.
While Rubiales insists the kiss was “mutual and consensual,” Hermoso has categorically denied this claim. “I felt disrespected,” the 34-year-old striker told Madrid’s High Court on Monday. “I never agreed to that kiss. I knew I was being kissed by my boss, and that should never happen in any workplace or social setting.”
The Aftermath: ‘I Couldn’t Enjoy Being a World Champion’
Hermoso revealed that the reality of the situation set in during the team’s flight back to Madrid. She recalled seeing Rubiales’ daughters in tears and overhearing conversations that indicated growing public backlash.
“When I went to the bathroom, I ran into Rubiales,” she told the court. “He asked me to record a video with him because he was being accused of assault online. I refused. I told him I wasn’t responsible for the situation.”
She further detailed how she was pressured on the team bus, where officials allegedly urged her to sign a statement downplaying the incident. The pressure reportedly extended to her family, with prosecutors claiming her brother was warned that her football career could be jeopardized if she did not publicly back Rubiales’ version of events.
Rubiales and Federation Officials Face Trial
The case has sent shockwaves through Spanish football, with several high-profile figures also facing scrutiny. Former women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda, ex-RFEF sporting director Albert Luque, and former head of marketing Rubén Rivera are all accused of attempting to coerce Hermoso into making a false statement.
READ MORE:
Rubiales, 47, eventually resigned in September 2023 amid mounting pressure, and a month later, FIFA handed him a three-year ban from all football-related activities. Despite this, he maintains his innocence, claiming he is the victim of a “witch hunt by false feminists.”
A Defining Moment for Women’s Football
The scandal has ignited widespread protests and calls for reform in Spanish football, with players boycotting both the women’s and men’s national teams in solidarity with Hermoso. The incident has also fueled a larger conversation about gender equality and respect in sports, with campaigners demanding a football environment free from sexist violence.
The prosecution is seeking a prison sentence of over two years for Rubiales. Under Spanish law, sentences under two years can be avoided through financial settlements, but given the case’s high profile, the final judgment could set a precedent.
Rubiales and his co-defendants are expected to testify later in the trial, with several Spanish women’s national team players also set to provide evidence. The trial, expected to last at least 10 days, could mark a pivotal moment in the fight against misconduct in football administration.
Do you think this case will bring lasting change to football governance? Should FIFA introduce stricter regulations to protect players from abuse? Share your thoughts.