Luis Rubiales says Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso agreed to the kiss she gave her after the final of the World Women’s World Cup in 2023.
The former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is currently facing trial on charges of sexual assault and coercion, on charges of pushing Hermoso to declare the kiss as consensual.
Showing Spain’s national court in Madrid, Rubiales said: “I was absolutely sure” that Hermoso had agreed with the kiss. Described the moment as “completely spontaneous”.
The controversial incident occurred during the metal ceremony after Spain’s triumph in the World Cup, sparking widespread protests and demands for the resignation of Rubiales. Continues to deny any criminal injustice.
During his testimony, Rubiales added: “This was a huge time for her. Thank you each other, pushed me very hard around the waist and then I asked her if I could give her a kiss and said Yes.
“I took her out so she wouldn’t fall back.”
🚨🗣ill pic.twitter.com/fdzcoynrhz
– Brand (@marca) February 11th 2025
When asked in court about the exact wording he used when he asked for the kiss – either he said “a kiss” or “a little kiss” – Rubiales replied: “I can’t just remember, but I think it was a little kiss.”
He is also asked if he was aware of the regulations on sexual harassment and sexual violence, in which he confirmed that he was.
Hermoso in her previous court statements has consistently denied her consent, saying that the incident “paints one of the happiest days of my life”.
On Tuesday, an expert on the lips testified in court, analyzing the videos where Hermoso’s face was not visible. According to their findings, Rubiales asked, “Can I give you a kiss?”
Although Rubiales acknowledged that his actions on the podium were inappropriate, he did not insist that no crime was committed. “I was wrong,” he admitted. “My behavior was not appropriate and I should have had in a more institutional role.”
Prosecutors are looking for two and a half year prison sentence for Rubiales.
