Spanish soccer star Jenni Hermoso testified Monday that the unwanted kiss from former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales "stained" what should have been one of the most joyous moments of her life at the 2023 Women's World Cup.
Appearing as the first witness in Rubiales' trial in Madrid, where he faces charges of sexual assault and coercion, Hermoso delivered powerful testimony about the incident that sparked international outrage. "My boss was kissing me, and this shouldn't happen in any social or work setting," she told the court.
The controversy erupted when Rubiales, then president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, kissed Hermoso on the lips during the World Cup medal ceremony in Australia. Hermoso testified that she never consented to the kiss, stating firmly, "A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so." She described how Rubiales "grabbed me by the ears and kiss me on the mouth," leaving her feeling "disrespected" as a woman.
The aftermath of the incident has taken a severe toll on Hermoso's life. She testified that she felt "completely abandoned by the federation" and received no support following the incident. The situation became so dire that she was forced to leave Madrid with her family due to death threats. She has since relocated to Mexico to continue her soccer career.
Prosecutors are seeking a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales - one year for sexual assault and an additional eighteen months for allegedly attempting to pressure Hermoso into publicly stating the kiss was consensual. Rubiales, 47, has maintained his innocence and previously dismissed the controversy as a campaign by "fake feminism."
The trial, which runs until February 19, also includes three of Rubiales' former colleagues who are accused of coercion: Jorge Vilda, the World Cup-winning coach; Rubén Rivera, the federation's former marketing head; and Albert Luque, the former sporting director. All have denied the charges.
The case has become a landmark moment in Spanish soccer, highlighting issues of power dynamics and consent in sports. As Hermoso told the court, her life has been "on stand-by" until the commencement of this trial, underscoring the profound impact of what transpired during what should have been a celebration of Spanish women's soccer's greatest achievement.
