Spain forward Jenni Hermoso testified at Luis Rubiales' trial on Monday that she did not consent to being kissed by the country's former top soccer official after winning the 2023 Women's World Cup. On the first day of the trial, held at Madrid's High Court, Hermoso also said she felt pressured to publicly exonerate Rubiales, the former president of Spain's Football Federation, following the incident in Sydney.
"I felt disrespected," Hermoso told the court. "It stained one of the happiest days of my life." Her testimony delivered a poignant start to a trial that has captivated Spain and reignited a nationwide conversation about sexism in sports.
What Happened at the World Cup Celebration
The incident occurred on August 20, 2023, during the medal ceremony after Spain defeated England 1-0 in the Women's World Cup final in Sydney. As Hermoso approached the podium to receive her winner's medal, Rubiales, then president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), grabbed her head with both hands and kissed her on the lips. The moment, captured live on television, sparked immediate outrage across Spain and around the globe.
In her testimony, Hermoso described the suddenness of the act. When asked if Rubiales had asked for permission to kiss her, she answered no. "I didn't hear or understand anything," Hermoso said. "The next thing he did was to grab me by the ears and kiss me on the mouth."
She added that she chose to celebrate the trophy victory with her teammates in the moments following the kiss, despite the discomfort she felt. "For me, it was important to be able to celebrate this moment," she explained. "I wanted to enjoy it like any footballer would."
A Trial That Shook Spanish Football
Rubiales, 47, is accused of sexual assault and of allegedly coercing Hermoso to publicly defend him in the aftermath. Prosecutors, along with Hermoso and the Spain players' association, are seeking a prison sentence of two and a half years, a payment of 50,000 euros ($51,800) for damages, and a ban from working as a sports official. If convicted, Rubiales could face a fine or a prison sentence of one to four years, according to court officials.
Rubiales has denied all charges, insisting the kiss was consensual and occurred in a "moment of jubilation." He resigned from his position three weeks after the incident, following intense public pressure and a statement from Hermoso's union, FUTPRO, which called for accountability. He was subsequently banned by FIFA for three years. Rubiales has characterized the legal proceedings as a "witch hunt" orchestrated by "false feminists."
The Coercion Allegations
Beyond the kiss itself, the trial is examining allegations that Rubiales and several colleagues tried to pressure Hermoso into making a public statement that would minimize the incident and support the former federation boss. Hermoso testified that after the controversy erupted, her life was effectively put on standby. "I have not been able to really live freely," she told the court. She said she eventually sought refuge in Mexico, where she plays professionally for Liga MX Femenil club Pachuca, to escape the intense media scrutiny.
Also on trial are former Spain women's national coach Jorge Vilda, former sports director of the Spain men's team Albert Luque, and the federation's former head of marketing, Rubén Rivera. All three are accused of allegedly pressuring Hermoso to release a statement defending Rubiales, which she refused to do. They deny the accusations.
A Watershed Moment for Women's Football
The Rubiales case has come to symbolize a broader struggle against sexism and abuse of power in Spanish sports. The scandal overshadowed Spain's first Women's World Cup triumph and triggered waves of protest across the country. In the aftermath, players on the national team publicly expressed their solidarity with Hermoso, and many called for deep structural reforms within the RFEF.
The incident led to a significant overhaul of the federation's leadership. Rubiales' resignation was followed by the appointment of interim officials and, eventually, a new president. Yet the trial has kept the spotlight on the culture of impunity that critics say has long persisted in Spanish football.
The testimonies expected in the coming days will include high-profile figures such as Spain men's national coach Luis de la Fuente and several of Hermoso's teammates on the women's national team, including former world player of the year Alexia Putellas. Their statements could provide further insight into the pressure that Hermoso allegedly endured.
Hermoso's Career and Resilience
Jenni Hermoso, 34, is one of Spain's most accomplished footballers. She has scored over 50 goals for the national team and has had successful club stints in Spain and abroad, including at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and, most recently, in Mexico's growing women's league. Alongside teammates like Putellas, Hermoso has been a vocal advocate for women's sports and has spoken openly about the need for equality in football.
During her testimony, Hermoso detailed how the kiss and its aftermath have had a lasting impact on her emotional well-being. She described feeling "stained" by the moment and said the experience had changed her life. "It took away a moment that should have been pure celebration," she said.
Trial Details and What Comes Next
The trial is expected to last at least 10 days, with nearly 20 witnesses scheduled to appear. Rubiales is required to attend only the first and the last day of the proceedings, according to court rules. His defense team is expected to argue that the kiss was a spontaneous act of joy, but prosecutors and the accuser's legal team have framed it as a violation of sexual autonomy.
The case has also prompted legal debates in Spain about the definition of sexual consent. Under the country's so-called "only yes means yes" law, which was passed in 2022, non-consensual acts such as unsolicited kisses can be criminalized even if they do not involve physical force or explicit resistance. Legal experts say this trial could set a precedent for how such cases are handled in the future.
Hermoso's lawyer described her client's testimony as "clear and firm," emphasizing that she did not give permission and immediately made her discomfort known. Observers in the courtroom noted that Hermoso appeared composed but emotional as she recounted the events.
The outcome of the trial will hinge on whether the court believes Rubiales' or Hermoso's account of what happened in the seconds after the final whistle. While video footage and photographs from the ceremony are expected to be reviewed, the case ultimately rests on the credibility of those involved.
For now, Hermoso remains focused on her career and on moving forward. "I want to continue playing football and be happy," she said after the first day of testimony. "I hope this process brings some justice, not just for me, but for everyone who has experienced something similar."
The trial is scheduled to resume on Tuesday, with more witnesses expected to take the stand. As the proceedings unfold, the eyes of the football world remain on Madrid, where questions of power, accountability, and the right to personal dignity are being decided.
Source: Yahoo News News