Jenni Hermoso Testifies Against Luis Rubiales

Jenni Hermoso’s ‘Overwhelming’ World Cup Kiss Experience – Court Testimony & Legal Battle ⚖️🏆

The Luis Rubiales trial has taken a serious turn as Spain’s top football stars, including Alexia Putellas, Irene Paredes, and Laia Codina, testified in court, backing their teammate Jenni Hermoso. The case revolves around the controversial unsolicited kiss Rubiales gave Hermoso after Spain’s historic 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup victory.

Hermoso’s emotional testimony has sparked global debates on consent, power abuse, and gender equality in sports. The Spanish football federation is under scrutiny, and the legal consequences for Rubiales could be severe.

Let’s break down key developments, legal arguments, and the potential impact of this case.

⚽ The Incident That Shook the Football World

🏆 Date: August 20, 2023

📍 Event: FIFA Women's World Cup Medal Ceremony, Australia

👥 People Involved:

Jenni Hermoso – Spanish footballer, alleged victim

Luis Rubiales – Former President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), accused of sexual assault

Teammates: Alexia Putellas, Irene Paredes, and Laia Codina (key witnesses)

During Spain’s celebratory moment, Rubiales grabbed Hermoso by the head and kissed her on the lips. The incident, broadcast globally, triggered immediate backlash. Hermoso later stated she never consented and felt disrespected.

🗣️ What Hermoso & Her Teammates Told the Court

The trial, held in Madrid, has seen multiple testimonies from key players who were present.

1️⃣ Hermoso’s Testimony – “I Felt Overwhelmed & Pressured”

She never gave consent for the kiss.

Felt disrespected and humiliated as a woman and professional player.

Was pressured by Rubiales and his allies to downplay the incident publicly.

She was emotionally drained and overwhelmed, crying during the flight back to Spain.

💬 Key Quote: “A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so.”

2️⃣ Alexia Putellas (Barcelona & Spain Captain) – “She Was Crying From Exhaustion”

Initially thought the kiss was a misunderstanding but later realized it was serious.

Described Hermoso as being visibly distressed on the team flight.

Confirmed that Rubiales pressured Hermoso to say the kiss was consensual.

💬 Key Quote: “She was angry and said that she wasn’t going to lie.”

3️⃣ Irene Paredes – “We Knew This Was Serious”

Witnessed Hermoso’s discomfort immediately after the kiss.

Told teammates not to joke about the incident, realizing its severity.

💬 Key Quote: “We saw she wasn’t enjoying the celebration as she should have.”

4️⃣ Laia Codina – “Jenni Was Sad Even During Celebrations”

During the team’s post-victory trip to Ibiza, Hermoso was not herself.

Said Hermoso was upset instead of celebrating what should have been her biggest career achievement.

💬 Key Quote: “She was sad, she wasn’t enjoying herself, far from it.”

🔍 Alleged Coercion & Pressure Tactics

According to the court, multiple attempts were made to silence Hermoso and force her to publicly downplay the incident.

🛫 On the Flight Back to Spain:

Rubiales allegedly pressured Hermoso to say the kiss was mutual.

Jorge Vilda (then-Spain manager) spoke to Hermoso’s brother, urging him to convince her to defend Rubiales.

Vilda reportedly warned that Hermoso could face professional consequences if she didn’t comply.

⚖️ Legal Consequences – What’s at Stake?

🔴 Luis Rubiales Faces:

Sexual Assault Charges – Up to 1 year in prison.

Coercion Charges – Up to 1.5 years in prison for pressuring Hermoso.

A lifetime ban from football is also possible.

🔵 Three Others on Trial:

Jorge Vilda (Ex-Spain Coach)

Rubén Rivera (Ex-Federation Marketing Head)

Albert Luque (Former Sporting Director)

All three are accused of coercing Hermoso to change her story.

🌍 Global Reactions – A Case Beyond Football

🚨 FIFA & UEFA:

FIFA banned Rubiales for three years from football-related activities.

UEFA distanced itself from him, urging national federations to respect women’s rights in sports.

👩‍⚖️ Women’s Rights Groups:

The case has become a symbol of the #MeToo movement in sports.

Women’s football players globally have shown solidarity with Hermoso.

🏆 Spanish Women’s Team:

Players boycotted the national team until major reforms were made.

Spanish federation sacked Jorge Vilda, appointing Montse Tomé as Spain’s first female coach.

📢 Public Opinion:

Social media exploded with the hashtag #SeAcabo (meaning "It’s Over") – symbolizing a demand for change in Spanish football.

🔮 What Happens Next?

🚨 Upcoming Court Sessions:

The trial continues with further testimonies expected in the coming weeks.

If convicted, Rubiales could face jail time and a permanent ban from football.

⚽ Future of Spanish Women’s Football:

The scandal has shaken Spanish football governance.

Authorities are working on stronger protections for female athletes.

🌍 Broader Impact:

Other sports federations are now reviewing policies on harassment and consent.

🏁 Final Thoughts – A Defining Moment for Women’s Sports

The Rubiales-Hermoso case is more than just a legal trial—it’s a battle for respect, fairness, and change in sports culture. The world is watching as Spain’s legal system sets a precedent for how power dynamics and consent are handled in professional sports.

👀 Will Rubiales be held accountable? Will this case drive lasting change? The answers will unfold as the trial progresses.

💬 What are your thoughts on this case? Should extra protections be put in place for female athletes? Let us know in the comments!

#️⃣ #JenniHermoso #LuisRubiales #FIFA #WomensFootball #MeToo #JusticeForHermoso