Spanish women's World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso has slammed former football federation chief Luis Rubiales' gesture of kissing her following their victory. During the trial that took place on Monday (February 3, 2025) at the Madrid High Court, the 34-year-old acknowledged that it tainted one of the best days of her playing career.
Rubiales, 47, provoked backlash from the sporting fraternity for kissing Hermoso after Spain won the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, beating England by 1-0 in the final hosted by Sydney. Following the footballer's complaint that the kiss wasn't consensual, Rubiales stepped down from his post in September 2023.
In her statement in Spain's high court, Hermoso stated, as quoted by Geo Sports:
"I knew I was being kissed by my boss and that should not happen in any social or work environment. I think it was a moment that tainted one of the happiest days of my life."
"I didn't hear or understand anything" - Jenni Hermoso
When asked if it was consensual, the 34-year-old denied it and instead said, the gesture felt quite disrespectful.
"Never. I didn't hear or understand anything. The next thing he did was to grab me by the ears and kiss me on the mouth ... I felt disrespected. All this meant I couldn't enjoy at all being a world champion after I landed back in Madrid."
The prosecution is reportedly trying for a prison sentence for Rubiales for 2 1/2 years.
