Teammates Support Jenni Hermoso Amid Rubiales Trial

In a high-profile trial in Madrid, Spanish footballers including Alexia Putellas testify on behalf of their teammate Jenni Hermoso, highlighting her overwhelming distress following an alleged non-consensual kiss by Luis Rubiales during the World Cup celebrations.

The trial surrounding Luis Rubiales has intensified as teammates of Jenni Hermoso provided powerful testimonies regarding her emotional state after an allegedly forced kiss during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup medal ceremony. In a courtroom hearing at the National Court in Madrid, Hermoso’s fellow players, including Irene Paredes, Laia Codina, and Alexia Putellas, detail the adverse effects of the incident on Hermoso, emphasizing her feelings of being overwhelmed.

Putellas captured Hermoso's emotional turmoil, stating that she appeared "overwhelmed" during their return journey from Australia. Codina expressed similar sentiments, noting that Hermoso was "sad" and "not enjoying herself" even during celebrations on the Spanish island of Ibiza—an occasion that was supposed to be joyous after their victory. Paredes added to this narrative, recalling her insistence to teammates that they stop making jokes about the incident, underscoring its seriousness.

Rubiales, who denies any wrongdoing, has been accused of sexual assault and coercion, following his kiss on Hermoso's lips—a moment that ignited widespread protests and calls for his resignation. Hermoso, in her court appearance, stated categorically that she never consented to the kiss, describing it as a moment that left her feeling "disrespected" as a woman.

Compounding the drama, reports came to light about Rubiales' alleged attempts to pressure Hermoso to publicly declare that the kiss was consensual. Putellas recounted a troubling incident on a return flight to Spain, where Hermoso was reportedly asked to lie about her experience, highlighting the pressure exerted on her.

In addition to Rubiales, three of his colleagues are also facing trial for their involvement in the alleged coercion. Prosecutors are advocating for a lengthy prison sentence for Rubiales, citing both sexual assault and coercion charges, as the trial continues to unfold and as new testimonies add weight to Hermoso's claims. The case remains a significant moment in the broader discourse surrounding consent, power dynamics in sports and the treatment of women in the football industry.