Hermoso describes ‘abusive’ kiss from Rubiales after 2023 World Cup Win

Spanish international Jenni Hermoso has disclosed that she felt “totally abused” by Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales’ unwanted kiss after Spain’s 2023 Women’s World Cup victory.

In her testimony at the Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid, Hermoso shared that Rubiales kissed her on the lips without her consent on the medal podium following Spain’s 1-0 win over England in Sydney.

“I told him, ‘What a blast we’ve had,’ and he replied, ‘We’ve won this World Cup thanks to you,’” Hermoso recounted.

Hermoso further described how Rubiales put his hands on her ears before the kiss, saying, “I felt it was totally out of context. My boss was kissing me and what was happening shouldn’t occur in any working context.”

She added, “Yes, I felt very little respect. Luis Rubiales never asked if I wanted a kiss before he kissed me. It was a moment that stained one of the happiest days of my life.”