Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), has told a court that he is “absolutely sure” that Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso gave her consent before he kissed her during the 2023 Women’s World Cup final. The incident, which occurred during the medal-giving ceremony after Spain’s victory in Australia, has led to Rubiales facing serious accusations of sexual assault and coercion. The case has sparked widespread protests, debates on gender inequality, and calls for his resignation from his position at the RFEF.
In his testimony, Rubiales denied any criminal wrongdoing, describing the kiss as an “act of affection” and claiming it was a spontaneous gesture during a moment of celebration. However, Hermoso’s testimony contradicted his version of events, leading to a highly publicized trial that has caught the attention of both sports fans and the global public.
The Controversial World Cup Kiss: What Happened?
The controversial kiss took place immediately after Spain’s World Cup victory, with Rubiales kissing Hermoso on the lips while celebrating the team’s triumph. This uninvited kiss triggered widespread outrage, with many seeing it as a clear violation of personal boundaries. The reaction was swift, with protests from players, fans, and women’s rights activists, leading to demands for Rubiales to step down from his role at the RFEF.
While Rubiales has consistently insisted that the kiss was consensual, Hermoso, in her testimony, made it clear that she had not given her consent and that the incident left her feeling humiliated. Hermoso described the kiss as an abuse of power by Rubiales and claimed that it “stained one of the happiest days of my life.” The events that followed, including Rubiales allegedly attempting to coerce Hermoso into publicly downplaying the incident, led to further scrutiny of his behavior and calls for legal action.
Rubiales Testifies: His Version of Events
Luis Rubiales, 47, took the stand in Spain’s National Court in Madrid, where he explained the context behind the kiss. He stated that he had known Jenni Hermoso for many years and that the kiss was a spontaneous expression of joy following Spain’s World Cup victory. According to Rubiales, Hermoso had “embraced” him during the ceremony, and he kissed her because “she was a champion” and they were celebrating together.
Rubiales described the moment as one in which both he and Hermoso were thanking each other, with Hermoso allegedly pressing him “very hard by the waist” before he asked if he could kiss her. He claimed that she said “yes,” which gave him the confidence to proceed with the kiss. Rubiales further argued that he “took hold of her so as not to fall back” during the moment.
When questioned about whether he had asked for a “little kiss” or simply a “kiss,” Rubiales admitted that he couldn’t remember the exact words but maintained that he believed he had asked for a kiss. He emphasized that he had acted in a similar way with male players and even his daughters during family celebrations.
Rubiales was also asked if he was aware of protocols surrounding sexual harassment and violence. He responded affirmatively, stating that he was well aware of the regulations and guidelines regarding such matters. However, despite this knowledge, he continued to insist that his actions were not criminal and that he did not believe he had committed any offence.
The Lip-Reading Expert: Controversy Over Evidence
As part of his defense, Rubiales’ legal team brought in a lip-reading expert who analyzed footage of the kiss. The expert claimed that, based on the video footage, Rubiales had asked Hermoso, “Can I give you a kiss?” However, the expert acknowledged that Hermoso’s response was not visible in the footage, which left the question of consent unclear.
The expert also testified that they had only analyzed a video published on TikTok, and there were concerns about the authenticity of the footage. A second expert was brought in to verify that the video had not been modified, but this evidence alone could not definitively establish whether Hermoso had consented to the kiss.
The use of lip-reading evidence in the trial raised questions about its reliability, with Hermoso’s lawyer challenging the experts’ claims. They asked whether the lip-reading expert could distinguish between the words “kiss,” “peck,” or other terms, but the expert did not provide a definitive answer, leaving further doubts about the accuracy of the defense’s evidence.
Jenni Hermoso’s Testimony: A Clear Rejection of Consent
In stark contrast to Rubiales’ account, Jenni Hermoso testified that she had not given Rubiales permission to kiss her. Hermoso described the kiss as an “unwanted act” that was “stained” by his actions. She told the court that Rubiales had kissed her without her consent and that his behavior violated her personal boundaries.
Hermoso also testified that soon after the kiss, Rubiales pressured her to publicly downplay the incident and minimize its significance. She was allegedly asked to sign a statement to this effect, which she refused. Additionally, Rubiales reportedly asked her to record a video with him on the flight home to address the growing public backlash. Hermoso claimed that she had received death threats as a result of the incident, which led her to move her family to Mexico, where she now plays.
The emotional toll on Hermoso has been evident, and her legal team has strongly supported her claim that the kiss was a violation. Her testimony, alongside the growing public support for her, has been a driving force in the case, with many rallying behind her in the wake of Rubiales’ actions.
Rubiales’ Resignation and the Fallout
The incident, and the subsequent legal proceedings, have had significant repercussions for Luis Rubiales. In September 2023, he resigned from his position as president of the RFEF following weeks of mounting pressure. This included FIFA’s suspension of Rubiales and the opening of an investigation by Spanish prosecutors into his conduct.
While Rubiales initially resisted calls for his resignation, the public outcry surrounding the kiss and his attempts to manipulate the narrative forced him to step down. His resignation marked a turning point for Spanish football, with the incident galvanizing a broader movement for gender equality and respect for women in the sport.
In addition to Rubiales, three of his former colleagues are also on trial, facing charges of colluding in the alleged coercion of Hermoso to publicly state that the kiss was consensual. These individuals, including Jorge Vilda, the coach of the World Cup-winning team, are accused of pressuring Hermoso to change her narrative. They each face over a year in prison if convicted. All of the accused deny the charges.
The Me Too Movement and the Spanish Women’s Game
The fallout from the incident has had a lasting impact on Spanish women’s football. The uproar surrounding Rubiales’ actions gave momentum to a “Me Too”-style movement within the Spanish women’s game, as players and activists demanded more respect, equal treatment, and a change in the culture surrounding women’s football.
The case has highlighted the ongoing struggle for gender equality in sports, with players advocating for better treatment, opportunities, and protections against harassment. The outcome of this trial will likely have significant implications for how similar cases are handled in the future, not only in Spain but also across the world.
Conclusion: Luis Rubiales and the Legal Battle Ahead
Luis Rubiales’ trial for sexual assault and coercion is far from over, and the outcome remains uncertain. While Rubiales maintains his innocence and insists that the kiss was consensual, Jenni Hermoso’s testimony and the broader public reaction have cast a shadow over his version of events. The case has sparked important conversations about consent, power dynamics, and the treatment of women in sports, and it will continue to shape the future of Spanish football.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case serves as a reminder of the need for accountability, transparency, and respect in all spheres of life, particularly in the world of sport. The outcome of this trial will have far-reaching implications, not only for Rubiales but also for the wider movement to combat sexism and inequality in football.
