Real Madrid’s promising season has been overshadowed by serious legal allegations against one of their rising stars. Defender Raul Asencio, 22, who has emerged as a regular fixture in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad this season, now finds himself at the center of a disturbing legal case that has sent shockwaves through Spanish football.
Criminal Charges Filed Against Four Players
The Gran Canaria High Court has indicted Asencio along with three former Real Madrid youth players—Ferran Ruiz, Andres Garcia, and Juan Rodriguez—on multiple serious charges related to an alleged incident from June 2023. The charges include disclosure of secrets without consent, violation of privacy, distributing videos to third parties without consent, capturing and using minors for pornographic purposes, and possession of child pornography.
The case stems from a complaint lodged by the mother of a 16-year-old girl who appears in a video that was allegedly recorded and distributed without consent. According to court documents, the players are accused of involvement in recording and sharing explicit content featuring two young women, aged 16 and 18 at the time of the incident.
Potential Legal Consequences
The legal implications for those involved could be severe. Under Article 197 of Spain’s Criminal Code, individuals convicted of recording and sharing explicit videos of minors face between three-and-a-half and five years imprisonment. Even lesser involvement, such as only sharing such content, could still result in significant penalties.
Asencio and his girlfriend Spanish influencer Selenia Suarez
Following their initial arrest at Real Madrid’s training center in September 2023, Asencio attempted to have his part in the case dismissed in February, but the judge ruled that the investigation should proceed.
Impact on Victims
The court ruling has noted that both young women reportedly show symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder, according to Spanish sports outlet AS. The judge determined there was sufficient evidence to support all allegations, including the serious charge of solicitation of a minor for pornographic purposes.
The complainant has stated that while the sexual activity was consensual, the recording was not—a crucial distinction in this case.
Football Career Under a Cloud
Despite the serious allegations, Asencio has continued his breakthrough season at Real Madrid, featuring in 22 games for the club. The defender has even received his first call-up to the Spanish national team during this period.
When asked about the allegations by RTVE last month, Asencio said: “I think everyone is aware of what they are doing. For that reason, I am very calm. So, well, live day by day. In the end, it’s a matter of deadlines.”
Stadium Backlash
The allegations have triggered hostile reactions from opposing fans across Spain. Barcelona supporters chanted “Asencio, to jail” during the recent Clasico, while a Copa del Rey semi-final at Real Sociedad in February was temporarily halted when home fans chanted “Asencio die.”
This hostility represents an additional challenge for both the player and Real Madrid as they navigate this difficult situation while attempting to salvage what has been described as a disappointing campaign for the club.
What Comes Next
As the legal process unfolds, both Real Madrid and Spanish football authorities face difficult questions about how to respond to these serious allegations. The case highlights broader concerns about conduct, responsibility, and accountability in professional sports.
For the alleged victims, the court case represents a pursuit of justice following events that, according to medical assessments, have had profound psychological impacts.
Whether on or off the pitch, the coming months will likely prove pivotal for all involved in this deeply troubling case.
