The sports world was shaken as Luis Rubiales, former president of the Spanish Football Federation, was found guilty of sexually assaulting Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso. This high-profile case, stemming from an unwanted kiss after Spain’s Women’s World Cup 2023 victory, has sparked global discussions about consent, sexism, and abuse of power in sports.
Rubiales’ Verdict: Guilty of Sexual Assault
On February 20, 2025, a Spanish court ruled that Rubiales’ actions constituted sexual assault, ordering him to pay a fine of over €10,000 and prohibiting him from contacting Jenni Hermoso or coming within 200 meters of her for a year. However, he was acquitted of coercion. Despite the ruling, Rubiales retains the right to appeal the verdict.
This verdict follows a turbulent period in Spanish football, where the kiss on Hermoso’s lips became a global controversy, overshadowing Spain’s historic World Cup victory. The incident ignited worldwide conversations about gender-based violence in sports, with many calling for greater accountability.
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Jenni Hermoso: A Champion Silenced
For Jenni Hermoso, the events following the incident turned her life upside down. Despite winning the biggest title in women’s football, she found herself at the center of an unwanted controversy.
“I felt disrespected. One of the happiest days of my life was tarnished,” she testified in court. Hermoso revealed that the pressure from officials and media scrutiny made it impossible for her to fully enjoy her team’s triumph.
She described how her personal and professional life suffered after the unwanted kiss, stating, “Even to this day, my life has been on standby.”
Rubiales’ Defense: “A Spontaneous Gesture”
Rubiales has consistently maintained that the kiss was consensual and spontaneous, describing it as “a mistake” but not an act of assault.
“I am absolutely sure she gave me her permission,” he claimed in court, insisting that his actions were misinterpreted. However, Hermoso’s firm testimony, along with widespread public outcry, played a significant role in the court’s ruling against him.
The Global Response: An Outcry Against Sexism in Sports
The Rubiales-Hermoso case has had a lasting impact beyond Spain, drawing international attention to gender-based violence, sexism, and abuse of power in football.
- FIFA provisionally suspended Rubiales, increasing pressure on Spanish authorities to take action.
- The Spanish Football Federation forced him to resign, marking a turning point in sports leadership accountability.
- Public demonstrations and social media campaigns supported Hermoso, emphasizing that athletes deserve respect and protection.
Coercion Allegations and Pressures Behind the Scenes
Three other individuals—former women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda, former Spanish Football Federation sporting director Albert Luque, and marketing chief Rubén Rivera—were also on trial for allegedly pressuring Hermoso to downplay the incident. However, they were all acquitted of coercion.
Hermoso’s brother testified that Vilda approached him on the flight back from Australia, urging him to convince his sister to record a video defending Rubiales. Another teammate, Misa Rodríguez, described how Hermoso broke down in tears under pressure.
The court found insufficient evidence to convict the accused of coercion, but the revelations about behind-the-scenes pressures raised concerns about systemic issues in sports leadership.
A Cultural Shift: What This Means for Women in Sports
The verdict against Rubiales is a significant milestone in the fight against gender inequality in sports. It sets a precedent that unwanted behavior will not go unpunished, no matter how powerful the perpetrator.
Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup 2023 should have been remembered as a historic achievement, but it instead highlighted how women athletes still face discrimination and harassment.
Hermoso’s case is part of a broader movement demanding better protections for female athletes, including:
- Stronger policies against sexual misconduct in sports federations.
- More accountability for leaders in positions of power.
- Support systems for victims who come forward.
Rubiales’ Future and Potential Appeal
Despite the ruling, Rubiales still has the right to appeal, which could prolong the legal battle. However, his career in football administration appears to be over. The scandal has cost him his reputation, job, and credibility, and his future in sports governance is uncertain.
Meanwhile, Jenni Hermoso’s courage in speaking out has empowered many athletes worldwide, proving that silence is no longer an option when it comes to abuse and misconduct in sports.
