Luis Rubiales, once the powerful head of Spain‘s soccer federation, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting midfielder Jenni Hermoso by forcibly kissing her after the 2023 Women’s World Cup final. Hermoso testified that she never consented to the kiss, saying, “I knew I was being kissed by my boss and that should not happen in any social or work environment.”
The incident overshadowed Spain’s historic triumph over England. It should have been a moment of collective celebration, yet Hermoso felt the joy slip away in a single, shocking instant. “I think it was a moment that tainted one of the happiest days of my life,” she said. Instead of basking in victory, Hermoso found herself at the center of a controversy that sparked protests across Spain and ignited global conversations about sexism in sports.
Public outcry and the ongoing debates
Rubiales’ punishment has drawn harsh criticism. He was fined around $10,400 and ordered to stay at least 650 feet away from Hermoso for one year. Hermoso will also receive $3,000 in moral damages. Many believe the penalty is too light, especially given that prosecutors initially sought prison time and more severe restrictions. Rubiales insists the kiss was “spontaneous” and claims Hermoso consented, but she has consistently denied any mutual agreement.
The case also included coercion charges against Rubiales and three former federation members, including ex-women’s coach Jorge Vilda, who were all acquitted. Hermoso testified that pressure was placed on her to publicly downplay the kiss, but the court found insufficient evidence of intimidation. Some fans and activists see these acquittals as part of a broader issue in which women in sports struggle to find institutional backing against high-profile figures.
Hermoso has described her life as being “on standby” since the incident. She moved abroad to focus on her professional career and escape the media glare. “Until today, it seems that my life has been on standby; honestly, I have not lived freely,” she said when asked about the emotional burden of taking legal action against someone she once considered a key figure in her career.
As Spain’s women’s team moves forward, many hope the federation will enact reforms to protect players from abuses of power. The conversation around consent in sports, especially when it involves people in authority, has never been more urgent. For Hermoso, the aftermath continues to unfold, yet her testimony has become a rallying cry for those demanding a safer and more respectful sporting culture.
