On Wednesday it was confirmed that the Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio could face criminal proceedings for allegedly sharing a sex tape involving a minor. Here are 5 things you should know about the situation.
Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio is facing serious legal trouble after a Spanish court confirmed he could be tried for allegedly sharing a sex tape involving a minor.
Here’s what you need to know about the case that’s putting the 22-year-old’s future under intense scrutiny.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports
)
11:02 - 15.05.2025
Kaizer Chiefs In For Benni McCarthy-Coached Harambee Stars Striker
Kaizer Chiefs are firming up their interest in Harambee Stars striker who Benni McCarthy likes.
1. What Exactly Is Raul Asencio Accused Of?
)
Asencio has been formally investigated for allegedly sharing a sex video involving a minor. The incident took place on June 15, 2023, at the Amadores Beach Club in Gran Canaria, where five Real Madrid youth players were vacationing.
A sexual encounter reportedly took place between three of the players and two girls—one of whom was under 16. The case focuses on a video allegedly recorded without consent and later distributed, which could constitute multiple offenses under Spanish law.
2. How Did the Case Come to Light?
On September 6, 2023, the younger girl and her mother filed a complaint with Spain’s Guardia Civil, followed later by the second girl.
According to leaked testimony, the girls discovered the recording had not been deleted despite assurances from the players. One of the victims learned the footage still existed after a Real Madrid C team player told her he had seen the video.
Just over a week later, police showed up at Real Madrid’s training grounds and arrested three players—Ferran Ruiz, Juan Rodriguez, and Andres Garcia. Asencio, initially treated as a witness, was later named a suspect.
)
16:05 - 15.05.2025
Benni McCarthy: Harambee Stars Coach Reveals Why Jadon Sancho Refused to Apologize to Erik Ten Hag
Benni McCarthy spills the beans on the events that made Jadon Sancho and Erik Ten Hag not to see eye to eye at Old Trafford.
3. What Has Raul Asencio Said in His Defense?
Asencio broke his silence in a formal statement on Thursday, stressing that the charges against him are provisional and that he remains confident in the judicial process.
“I have not participated in any behavior that violated the sexual freedom of any woman, much less of minors,” he said as quoted on The Athletic.
He added that the court documents only mention a possible brief viewing of the video by a third party and that he was not involved in the recording or distribution. Asencio insisted the presumption of innocence should prevail unless and until a trial proves otherwise.
)
4. What Happens Next in the Legal Process?
With the investigation now closed, the court has indicated the case may move to trial. Asencio and the others involved can still appeal this decision twice—first to the investigating judge, and then to a higher court. If it proceeds to trial, it could take several months to begin.
The court will also determine whether it will be handled by a provincial or criminal court based on potential sentencing lengths. If convicted, the charges could carry a prison sentence ranging from one to five years under Article 197.3 of Spain’s criminal code.
5. Can Asencio Keep Playing for Real Madrid and Spain?
So far, Real Madrid have taken no disciplinary action. Asencio has remained a key figure for the club during their defensive injury crisis, racking up 40 appearances this season.
He even started in Madrid’s 2-1 win over Mallorca on the same day the court confirmed the investigation was moving forward.
Unless formal charges are brought or a conviction is reached, there’s no legal barrier preventing him from playing, including for Spain in international competitions. FIFA rules also support his eligibility for the Club World Cup unless he is subject to an active disciplinary ban.
)
16:00 - 12.05.2025
Akani Simbine Warns Noah Lyles and Kishane Thompson After South Africa's World Relays Win
Akani Simbine anchored South Africa's 4 x 100m relay team into clinching the World Athletics Relays gold in China.
What Next?
)
The case has drawn widespread attention in Spain, though no official political or public institutions have commented yet, likely due to the legal process still being in motion.
Asencio has faced hostility from rival fans, including death threats during away games. When asked if he’d bench the player to protect him, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said:
“No, no, no. This (the insults) is what shouldn’t be happening.” Real Madrid have reiterated their stance of awaiting full facts before making internal decisions, citing the principle of presumed innocence.
As the court weighs whether to proceed with a full trial, the outcome could have major implications for Raul Asencio’s professional and personal life.
For now, the young centre-back continues to play for one of the world’s biggest clubs, all while fighting to clear his name in a case that’s far from over.