Spain’s Supreme Court, three key players from the Spanish women’s national team testified about the impact of Luis Rubiales’ controversial kiss with Jennifer Hermoso following Spain’s 2023 Women’s World Cup victory. The incident, which triggered a national conversation about sexism in sports, has now reached the courtroom, with significant testimonies from high-profile players such as Alexia Putellas, Irene Paredes, and Laia Codina.
Emotional Impact on Hermoso Revealed
During the trial session, all three players described how the kiss left Hermoso emotionally distressed and exhausted in the days following the World Cup final. Irene Paredes, Barcelona’s captain, explained that she first noticed Hermoso’s distress as the team headed to Sydney Airport. Paredes testified remotely from Sant Feliu de Llobregat, stating that the players could not take the kiss as a joke, as it had a deeper emotional impact on Hermoso. She recalled Hermoso bringing up the kiss for the first time in the dressing room, asking her teammates for their thoughts on the incident.
Alexia Putellas, the 2021 and 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, described how Hermoso’s initial shock soon turned into anger and tears during the team’s flight back to Spain and celebrations in Ibiza. According to Putellas, Hermoso became visibly upset, pleading with her teammates not to leave her alone and to ensure that the matter was not brushed aside. Putellas further revealed that during the team’s stay in Ibiza, Hermoso considered leaving the team and returning home, underscoring the emotional toll the incident had taken on her.
Laia Codina’s Testimony
Laia Codina, now a defender for Arsenal, echoed the sentiments of her teammates, emphasizing that the kiss was more than an isolated act—it was a deeply troubling moment for Hermoso, who struggled to process what had happened. Codina stressed the importance of standing by Hermoso as the team tried to navigate the situation.
The incident has sparked widespread debate in Spain and beyond, highlighting issues of sexism and consent within sports culture. Rubiales, who was the President of the Spanish Football Federation at the time, resigned amid public pressure following the incident. His actions not only drew condemnation from players and fans but also led to strikes and protests demanding systemic change within the organization.
Legal Proceedings
The presiding judge, José Manuel Fernández-Prieto, indicated that if the trial continues according to the current schedule, Rubiales and the other accused individuals will testify on February 11. Final arguments from both sides are expected the following day, after which the trial is likely to conclude.
With such high-profile figures testifying about the incident and its aftermath, the trial is seen as a critical moment for accountability and reform within Spanish football. As the hearing progresses, all eyes remain on how the verdict will shape the future of women’s sports and the treatment of players within professional environments.
