Luis Rubiales Trial: World Cup Kiss Haunts Spanish Football Legend

In a landmark trial, Jenni Hermoso revealed how the kiss from former football chief Luis Rubiales tarnished her World Cup celebration, as the case of sexual assault and coercion unfolds in Madrid.

Jenni Hermoso, the 34-year-old Spanish football player, took the stand as the first witness in the trial against Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spain Football Federation, regarding the controversial kiss he planted on her during the 2023 World Cup celebrations. Hermoso expressed that this act "stained one of the happiest days of my life," emphasizing the inappropriate nature of the incident which occurred when the team received their medals in Australia.

The trial commenced in Madrid, with Rubiales facing accusations of sexual assault and coercion. Hermoso recounted the moment, stating, "My boss was kissing me, and this shouldn't happen in any social or work setting," highlighting her discomfort with the unsolicited kiss. The surprising incident provoked widespread outrage, leading to demands for Rubiales' resignation after the public learned he had kissed Hermoso on the lips without her consent.

"I didn't hear or understand anything," Hermoso testified, recalling how Rubiales grabbed her by the ears before kissing her. She firmly stated, "A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so," underscoring her assertion that the act was entirely non-consensual.

Prosecutors are pushing for a one-year prison sentence against Rubiales for sexual assault, as well as an additional year-and-a-half for coercion, alleging that he pressured Hermoso into claiming the kiss was consensual. Rubiales has publicly denied these allegations, initially characterizing the kiss as consensual and decrying what he referred to as a witch-hunt fueled by "fake feminism," before stepping down from his position.

Supporting Hermoso’s case, three of Rubiales' former colleagues—Jorge Vilda, coach of Spain's World Cup-winning team; Rubén Rivera, the federation’s former marketing head; and Albert Luque, the former sporting director—also face trial, with charges of coercing Hermoso into publicly altering her stance on the incident.

The trial is set to continue until 19 February, making headlines not only in Spain but across the global football community. The implications of this case have raised critical questions about consent, accountability, and workplace conduct in sports.