Overview of the Case
The Public Prosecutor’s Office in Spain has recommended a prison term of two and a half years for Raul Asencio, a defender for Real Madrid, in connection with charges of sharing a sexually explicit video involving a minor. The case also implicates three former youth players from the club. Allegations arise from an incident that reportedly took place in June 2023 at a beach club in the Canary Islands, where a sexual encounter was filmed without consent.
Details of the Incident
Asencio, aged 22, made his way into Real Madrid’s first team from the B squad during an injury crisis last season, participating in 46 matches across all competitions. The inquiry centers on a video captured during a private encounter involving two girls—one over the age of 18 and the other under 16—by several youth players from Madrid. Claims indicate that the footage was recorded on a mobile phone without consent, and significant attention has been given to the subsequent distribution of this video.
On September 6, 2023, a complaint was lodged by the younger girl at Guardia Civil offices, sparking the investigation. Initially, when the girls learned that they were filmed, they requested that the video’s recording be deleted, but later, it alleged that the players had instead shared the footage with others. Disturbingly, the girls discovered that the video continued to circulate after being informed by a friend of its existence months later.
Legal Proceedings
In mid-September, officials from the Guardia Civil arrived at Real Madrid’s training facility, leading to the arrest of Ferran Ruiz, Juan Rodriguez, and Andres Garcia, while Asencio was initially interviewed as a witness but was later implicated as a suspect. The suggested charges for Ruiz, Rodriguez, and Garcia include recording and distributing sexual content involving a minor, while Asencio faces accusations both for distributing the video without consent and sharing a sex tape of a minor, according to legal sources.
In recent updates, the Prosecutor’s Office provided a detailed report asserting that two of the youth players involved had consensual intercourse but still recorded the encounter without the girls’ knowledge. The allegations also stated that Asencio requested to view these videos and subsequently showed them to another individual.
The prosecutor’s filings claim that both alleged victims are experiencing psychological distress linked to the incident, with judicial recommendations for Asencio to provide compensation of €5,000 (approximately $5,800) to each victim.
Asencio’s Response
Earlier in March, Asencio commented on his call-up to the national team, expressing confidence in his actions, stating,
“Everyone is very aware of what they are doing, so I am very calm.”
In response to court proceedings, he reiterated his belief in his innocence, arguing that the accusations revolved around his mere incidental viewing of the content, not his involvement in its production or distribution.
Current Status and Club Response
As of now, Asencio’s legal representatives maintain faith in the judicial process, following recent court decisions indicating an inclination to proceed to trial. If this trial occurs, it will take place in a provincial court, given that the prosecutor’s office seeks prison sentences of less than five years for the alleged crimes. Asencio’s involvement with the first team has continued, with minor disruptions due to his testimony requirements in the investigation.
Real Madrid has previously stated that they are monitoring the situation closely, committing to proper protocol once they receive more comprehensive details about the case. The club’s stance on Asencio’s presumption of innocence reflects a significant principle in Spanish criminal law, which holds that individuals should be considered innocent until proven guilty. Meanwhile, the ongoing public discourse surrounding the allegations has led to instances of hostility from fans during matches, drawing attention to the tense atmosphere around Asencio’s situation.
Looking Ahead
As the situation unfolds, all involved will have opportunities to appeal initial court decisions, with implications that could lead to a protracted legal process for the defendants. Asencio’s recent contributions on the field, alongside Madrid’s defensive adjustments, suggest that he remains in the club’s strategic plans for the near future amid these grave allegations.
