Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Federation, appeared in court this week amid serious allegations stemming from an incident after Spain's victory in the 2023 Women's World Cup. He has been charged with sexual assault and coercion following a kiss he planted on player Jennifer Hermoso during the podium celebration.
In his testimony, Rubiales claimed the kiss was merely a gesture of celebration in a "situation of extraordinary joy." He described his actions as reminiscent of spontaneous moments in sports, suggesting he had shared similar gestures with other players in the past. “You don’t win a World Cup every day,” he defended, emphasizing the jubilant context of the event.
Rubiales stated that he sought Hermoso's permission before the kiss, articulating that he asked, “Can I give you a little kiss?” to which he claims she responded affirmatively. However, Hermoso's reaction contradicts Rubiales' narrative. She has publicly stated that at no point did she consent to the kiss. In an emotional recounting, Hermoso revealed that the encounter left her stunned and knowing immediately that it was an inappropriate act. “My boss was kissing me,” she recounted, reflecting on the troubling nature of the situation.
The controversial kiss has stirred widespread debate in Spain, igniting discussions about machismo and the pressing need for gender equality in sports. The implications of this event have sparked a movement for cultural change, as both players and fans call for a reexamination of behavior and power dynamics within the soccer community.
