MADRID — Jenni Hermoso, the Spanish soccer player, testified on Monday during the trial of Luis Rubiales, stating that she did not give her consent when Rubiales kissed her after Spain triumphed at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. On the inaugural day of the trial, Hermoso also expressed feeling pressured to publicly support Rubiales in the aftermath of the incident that occurred in Sydney.
“I felt disrespected,” Hermoso remarked, indicating that the incident “stained one of the happiest days of my life.” The kiss during the presentation ceremony following the Women’s World Cup final led to widespread outrage across Spain regarding the issues of sexism within sports and beyond.
Rubiales, 47, appeared in Madrid’s High Court facing accusations of sexual assault and coercion against Hermoso and others to gain public support. He has denied the allegations, asserting that the kiss was consensual and occurred in a moment of celebration. Following significant backlash, Rubiales resigned after three weeks and received a FIFA ban for three years. He has publicly claimed that he is a victim of a “witch hunt” orchestrated by “false feminists.”
The prosecution, together with Hermoso and the Spanish players’ association, is seeking a prison sentence of two and a half years for Rubiales. They are also requesting 50,000 euros (approximately $51,800) for damages and a lifetime ban from any sports-related roles.
When questioned during the trial about whether Rubiales had asked for permission before kissing her, Hermoso responded with a firm no. “I didn’t hear or understand anything,” she testified. “The next thing he did was to grab me by the ears and kiss me on the mouth.”
If convicted, Rubiales faces a potential fine or imprisonment ranging from one to four years, according to court authorities. Despite the incident, Hermoso celebrated her victory with her teammates, explaining, “For me, it was important to be able to celebrate this moment.”
The trial is anticipated to last for at least 10 days, with nearly 20 witnesses expected to take the stand, including Luis de la Fuente, the men’s national coach, and Hermoso’s teammates, such as former world player of the year Alexia Putellas. Rubiales is mandated to be present only on the first and last days of the trial.
Additionally, former women’s national coach Jorge Vilda, former sports director Albert Luque, and the ex-head of marketing Rubén Rivera are also on trial. They are implicated for allegedly pressuring Hermoso to back Rubiales publicly, which she ultimately declined to do.
Hermoso revealed that her life has been in limbo since the incident and the subsequent uproar, although she found some respite while playing for a club in Mexico. This incident has cast a shadow over Spain’s historic victory at the Women’s World Cup, igniting protests and a wave of indignation.
“I have not been able to really live freely,” Hermoso stated in court, reflecting on the impacts of the controversy.
