Jenni Hermoso Tells Court She Never Agreed to Luis Rubiales’ Kiss
World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso has told a court in Madrid that she never agreed to be kissed on the lips by former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales. She said the incident “tainted one of the happiest days” of her life.
Rubiales, 47, is on trial for kissing Hermoso after Spain won the Women’s World Cup in August 2023. He is accused of sexual assault and of trying to pressure Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensual. He denies the charges.
“I Felt Disrespected”
Speaking in court on Monday, Hermoso, 34, said she “felt disrespected” and never gave permission for the kiss.
“I didn’t hear or understand anything,” she said. “The next thing I knew, he grabbed my head and kissed me on the mouth.
“I knew I was being kissed by my boss, and that should not happen in any social or work environment.”
She added, “It ruined what should have been one of the best days of my life. I couldn’t even enjoy being a world champion when we returned to Madrid.”
Pressure to Stay Silent
Hermoso said she first realised how serious the situation was during the flight home when she saw Rubiales’ daughters crying and people gathered around his seat.
She told the court that Rubiales later asked her to record a video with him to defend himself from online criticism.
“I said no, that I wasn’t going to do anything. It wasn’t my fault,” she said.
Prosecutors say Hermoso was also pressured by other football officials. They claim Spain’s former women’s team coach Jorge Vilda warned her brother that her football career could suffer if she refused to back Rubiales.
The Fallout
Rubiales lost his job after initially refusing to resign. FIFA later banned him from football for three years.
The incident led to protests in Spain and a boycott of both the women’s and men’s national teams. Players demanded a safer and more respectful environment in football.
The prosecution is seeking a prison sentence of more than two years for Rubiales. In Spain, those sentenced to less than two years can sometimes avoid jail by paying damages.
The trial is expected to last at least 10 days, with Rubiales and other key witnesses set to testify soon.
