Jenni Hermoso, a key player in Spain’s women’s football team, testified in the trial of former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales, stating that the kiss he gave her during the 2023 World Cup medal ceremony "stained one of the happiest days of my life." Hermoso was the first witness in the trial, which is taking place in Madrid, where Rubiales faces allegations of sexual assault and coercion.
During her testimony, Hermoso described the moment Rubiales kissed her on the lips without her consent, emphasizing that such an act should never occur in any professional or social setting. She recounted the events of that day, explaining that after celebrating the team’s victory in Australia, Rubiales suddenly grabbed her by the ears and kissed her. "A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so," she asserted, highlighting her feelings of disrespect and violation.
The incident sparked widespread outrage and protests, leading to calls for Rubiales’ resignation. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming the kiss was consensual and labeling the backlash as a "witch-hunt" fueled by "fake feminism." Following the incident, Hermoso expressed feeling abandoned by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, stating that no one checked on her well-being after the kiss.
Hermoso also revealed that she was pressured to downplay the incident and was asked to record a video with Rubiales on their flight home, which she refused. She described the emotional toll the incident took on her life, noting that she had received death threats that forced her to leave Madrid with her family. Currently, she plays club football in Mexico while continuing to represent the national team.
Prosecutors are seeking a one-year prison sentence for Rubiales for sexual assault, along with an additional 18 months for coercion, due to allegations that he attempted to persuade Hermoso to publicly state that the kiss was consensual. Rubiales, 47, is not the only one facing scrutiny; three of his former colleagues are also on trial for allegedly coercing Hermoso.
The trial is expected to continue until February 19, and it has drawn significant attention, reflecting broader societal issues regarding consent and respect in sports and professional environments. As the proceedings unfold, the impact of this case on the future of women’s sports and the culture surrounding them remains to be seen.