The trial of Luis Rubiales, former president of the Spanish football federation, began in Madrid on Monday with testimony from Jennifer Hermoso, who described how an unwanted kiss during the Women’s World Cup medal ceremony “tainted the happiest day of my life.”
Rubiales faces charges of sexual assault and coercion following the incident, which took place after Spain’s victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final in August 2023. Prosecutors are seeking a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for the 47-year-old.
Speaking in court, Hermoso, 34, recounted the impact of the public incident. “I knew I was being kissed by my boss, and that should not happen in any social or work environment,” she said. “I think it was a moment that tainted one of the happiest days of my life.”
Hermoso revealed that the incident had taken a long-lasting toll on her, saying, “Until today it seems that my life has been on standby. Honestly, I have not lived freely.”
The kiss, which was captured on camera during the medal ceremony, quickly went viral, sparking outrage and protests in cities across Spain. Demonstrators called attention to the broader issue of misogyny in sport and society.
Rubiales has consistently claimed that the kiss was “mutual,” an assertion Hermoso has firmly denied.
During her testimony, Hermoso explained how Rubiales had attempted to pressure her into publicly downplaying the incident in response to growing public backlash. “He asked me to make a statement, and I told him no, that I wasn’t going to do anything,” she said. “I told him I was sorry, but I wasn’t going to do it.”
Rubiales is scheduled to testify on 12 February, with the trial expected to conclude by 19 February. The case has become a focal point for discussions around power, consent, and the treatment of women in sport, and its outcome could have significant ramifications beyond the footballing world.
