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Hermoso's teammates tell trial that Rubiales' kiss killed her joy

Jenni Hermoso testifies on day one of Rubiales trial in Madrid, Spain on February 3, 2025.

Photo credit: Reuters

What you need to know:

  • Rubiales, 47, is accused of sexual assault and then attempting to coerce Hermoso - with the help of three other former soccer federation officials - into publicly saying the kiss on the lips at the 2023 World Cup awards ceremony in Australia had been consensual.

Madrid

Former Spanish football federation boss Luis Rubiales' unsolicited kiss killed Jenni Hermoso's joy at winning the women's World Cup in 2023 and she was overwhelmed, crying and exhausted in the following hours and days, three of her teammates told the High Court on Thursday.