On Monday, Jenni Hermoso testified against Luis Rubiales in Madrid regarding the controversial kiss at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where Rubiales faces trial for sexual assault and coercion.
“I felt disrespected,” Hermoso said in her testimony Monday. “I think it was a moment that stained one of the happiest days of my life.” This incident has become a focal point for discussions on consent and the treatment of women in sports, igniting a broader dialogue about sexism and the culture surrounding athletes.
Spain took home its first Women’s World Cup in 2023, a moment that should have been celebrated. However, the joy of victory quickly turned into a controversy when Rubiales forcibly kissed Hermoso on stage during the trophy ceremony. The behavior sparked outrage across Spain and beyond, raising significant questions about sexism throughout the nation and the treatment of female athletes. In response to the incident, the Spanish women’s national team courageously boycotted international play, a move that highlighted their solidarity with Hermoso and their refusal to partake in an environment that tolerates such behavior.
Rubiales, facing immense pressure in the wake of the kiss, resigned as president of the RFEF just three weeks later. Despite the growing tide of criticism against him, he has consistently denied the charges, claiming he is a victim of a witch hunt led by “false feminists,” an assertion that has drawn ire and further scrutiny.
In her testimony, Hermoso, 34, firmly stated that the kiss was not consensual. She recalled the moment in vivid detail, emphasizing how the incident was completely unexpected. “I couldn’t react,” Hermoso recounted. “I didn’t hear or understand anything.” She described how he grabbed her by the ears and kissed her on the mouth—an act that violated her autonomy and turned a moment of celebration into one of deep discomfort.
Hermoso continued her testimony by revealing that Rubiales attempted to speak with her during the flight back to Spain from Sydney, Australia, where the final took place. He urged her to help him publicly smooth things over, attempting to downplay the backlash he was receiving, which labeled him “an aggressor.” However, Hermoso remained resolute and refused his plea. She prioritized celebrating the triumphant World Cup win with her teammates, despite the incident casting a shadow over the festivities.
Since returning to Spain, Hermoso expressed that her life has been “on standby” due to the media frenzy surrounding the incident. Currently playing for Tigres in Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil, she finds some solace away from the relentless attention, though that respite diminishes each time she returns to Madrid. “I have not been able to really live freely,” she lamented in court on Monday, underscoring the emotional toll the entire episode has had on her life.
Under Spanish law, Rubiales, if found guilty, could face a fine or a prison sentence ranging from one to four years. Prosecutors representing Hermoso are advocating for a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence, compensation in the form of 50,000 euros ($51,400), and a ban prohibiting Rubiales from working as a sports official in the future. Meanwhile, FIFA already imposed a three-year ban on Rubiales from participating in soccer, a suspension that is set to lapse in 2026. Hermoso has also secured a restraining order against him and has requested that the court mandate his distance from her.
Adding to the complexity of the trial, three other men from the federation are similarly on trial: former women’s national team head coach Jorge Vilda, former men’s national team sports director Albert Luque, and RFEF’s former head of marketing Rubén Rivera. These individuals are implicated for allegedly attempting to coerce Hermoso into publicly supporting Rubiales after the fallout from the incident started to gain traction.
The trial is anticipated to last a minimum of ten days, with Hermoso’s teammates and additional Spanish federation officials expected to testify as witnesses. This case not only highlights the specific incident involving Rubiales but also taps into the broader issues of gender equality and the treatment of women in sports, presenting a critical opportunity for meaningful discussions and potential changes in the sporting landscape.
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