The Global Story
The Global Story
The World Cup kiss that's gripping Spain
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February 10, 2025
29 minutes
Available for over a year
Luis Rubiales, the former president of Spain's football federation, is on trial accused of sexual assault for kissing the player Jenni Hermoso at the 2023 World Cup medal ceremony.
Hermoso told the trial last week that the incident "stained one of the happiest days of my life". Rubiales, who has denied any wrongdoing, is expected to give evidence in the coming days.
Host Lucy Hockings speaks to The Global Story's very own Sergi Forcada Freixas about how the incident stole headlines from the World Cup win. And our gender and identity correspondent Sofia Bettiza explains how the case has fuelled a conversation on sexual assault and consent that has been simmering in Spain for years.
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Producers: Richard Moran and Beth Timmins
Sound engineers: Stephen Bailey
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: China Collins