Jenni Hermoso Reacts to Luis Rubiales' Guilty Verdict

Luis Rubiales, former president of the Spanish football federation, has been found guilty of sexual assault and fined $11,300, with Jenni Hermoso welcoming the verdict.

Spanish international Jenni Hermoso expressed relief and gratitude on Saturday, stating that the ordeal sparked by the forcible kiss from disgraced former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales is finally “over.” A judge at Spain's High Court found Rubiales guilty of sexual assault and fined him 10,800 euros ($11,300), but spared him a prison sentence.

Hermoso took to social media platform Instagram to share her thoughts on the verdict, saying, “After everything, this will create an important precedent in a social environment where there is still much to be done.” She also expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the support she received throughout the ordeal, stating, “I have my heart full with each of the people who have been, are, and will continue with me in this fight.”

Hermoso concluded her post by repeating a phrase that had become a rallying cry for her and her teammates in their pursuit of justice: “And now, yes, it's over.” This phrase, “it's over,” held significant meaning for Hermoso and her teammates, as it symbolized their determination to bring an end to the injustice they had faced after the incident, which occurred following Spain's women's World Cup win in September 2023.

Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish football federation, was initially defiant in the face of widespread criticism, refusing to resign from his position. However, he eventually succumbed to the immense global pressure and stepped down. The fallout from the incident continued, with Rubiales being found guilty of sexual assault and fined 10,800 euros ($11,300).

BREAKING: Former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales has been found guilty over kissing player Jenni Hermoso without consent after the Women's World Cup final in 2023 🚨 pic.twitter.com/X0ctyhrjEq

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 20, 2025

Following the verdict, Rubiales' lawyer, Angel Chavarria, revealed to AFP that they intend to appeal the sentence. Prosecutors had sought a more severe punishment, advocating for a prison term of two-and-a-half years for Rubiales. In addition to the guilty verdict for sexual assault, Rubiales was also acquitted of coercion, which alleged that he had attempted to pressure Jenni Hermoso into making a public statement claiming the kiss was consensual.

In the aftermath of the verdict, Rubiales himself stated that he would appeal the decision. This development ensures that the controversy surrounding the incident will continue, with Rubiales determined to contest the guilty verdict and the resulting fine.