World Cup® Kiss Ruled Sexual Assault by Spanish Court
Luis Rubiales, 2018. Photo courtesy of Ministry of the Presidency, Government of Spain.
The moment should have been one of triumph. Spain had just secured their first-ever Women's World Cup® victory in August 2023, a historic win that should have been remembered for the team's incredible achievement. Instead, the victory was overshadowed by a shocking and inappropriate moment involving then-Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales and star player Jenni Hermoso. A year and a half later, a Spanish court has found Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for forcibly kissing Hermoso without her consent, an act that sparked international outrage and fueled a movement demanding greater respect for women in sports.
What Happened on Soccer's Biggest Stage?
As the Spanish women's team celebrated their hard-fought 1-0 victory against England, the players took to the podium to receive their medals. Rubiales, in a moment now seen by millions, grabbed Hermoso's head with both hands and kissed her on the lips. The act was caught on live television, instantly drawing widespread condemnation from fans, players, and officials alike.
While Rubiales initially dismissed the backlash as an overreaction, the outrage only intensified. Hermoso later stated in court that she "never" consented to the kiss, describing how she felt "disrespected" and unable to react in the moment, as reported by PEOPLE. Her testimony painted a picture of a woman whose greatest professional achievement had been tarnished by an act of misconduct from a man in power.
The Legal Battle and Verdict
Following the incident, Rubiales faced intense scrutiny. Protests erupted across Spain, demanding accountability and sparking discussions about sexism in sports. Under mounting pressure, he resigned from his role as president of the Spanish Football Federation in September 2023, nearly a month after FIFA had already suspended him.
A Spanish court found Rubiales guilty of sexual assault, issuing a fine of €10,800 (approximately $11,292 USD) but clearing him of coercion charges for allegedly pressuring Hermoso to say the kiss was consensual. As reported by BBC, Hermoso said she had not given Rubiales permission and that the incident had "stained one of the happiest days of my life." She said in court that, "My boss was kissing me, and this shouldn't happen in any social or work setting ... A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so," Hermoso said, as reported by BBC.
Additionally, the ruling banned Rubiales from coming within 200 meters of Hermoso for one year and ordered him to pay €3,000 in compensation for the harm he caused.
Rubiales argued that the kiss was a spontaneous show of affection after an extraordinary win.
The Fallout and Its Impact on Women's Sports
This case has resonated far beyond the Spanish football world. It has been seen as a turning point in the fight for gender equality in sports, reigniting discussions about how female athletes are treated both on and off the field. The incident also encouraged a wave of solidarity among female players, many of whom have shared similar experiences of unwanted advances and power imbalances within their respective organizations.
Women's sports have long been plagued by issues of misconduct. From the abuse scandals in U.S. gymnastics to cases of inappropriate behavior in women's soccer leagues across the globe, the Rubiales ruling is yet another example of how power dynamics in sports can be exploited at the expense of female athletes.
Spain's women's national team, which had already been vocal about their treatment before the World Cup, used this moment to push for broader systemic changes within the Spanish Football Federation. Their demands led to the resignation of several high-ranking officials, reinforcing that the fight for equality does not end with one court ruling.
Moving Forward: A Step Toward Change
While the fine and restrictions imposed on Rubiales may seem like a light punishment compared to the global outrage the incident sparked, the ruling is still significant. It establishes legal precedent that unwanted physical contact — even in a moment of celebration — can be considered sexual assault under Spanish law. More importantly, it sends a message that misconduct in sports will not go unpunished, no matter how powerful the perpetrator.
As women's sports continue to gain recognition, moments like these serve as painful but necessary reminders of the work still to be done. For Hermoso, the ordeal has been a difficult one, but her courage in standing up against one of the most powerful figures in Spanish football has made a lasting impact on the fight for respect and equality in the game.
References: Ex-Spanish Soccer President Luis Rubiales Found Guilty of Sexual Assault for Forcibly Kissing Star Player at World Cup | Spain's ex-football boss Luis Rubiales fined for World Cup kiss | Former Spanish soccer boss Luis Rubiales found guilty of kissing player Jenni Hermoso without consent
