Former spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis rubiales, recently convicted of sexual assault for a non-consensual kiss on player Jenni Hermoso during the 2023 Women’s World Cup, faced a public backlash in Madrid on Thursday. While presenting his book, titled “Matar a Rubiales” (kill Rubiales), he was targeted with eggs by an attendee.
Videos circulating on social media captured the moment Rubiales, dressed in a white t-shirt and dark jacket, was struck by at least three eggs thrown from the audience. One projectile reportedly hit him in the back. In the footage, Rubiales is seen rising from his seat and attempting to pursue the individual, who was subsequently restrained by other event attendees. The book presentation reportedly continued after the disruption.
They have just thrown three eggs at Luis Rubiales at the presentation of his book shouting “scoundrel.” They had to stop him so that rubiales wouldn’t hit him. pic.twitter.com/zwHbu38DLL
– Albert Ortega (@AlbertOrtegaES1)
November 13, 2025
This incident follows Rubiales’ recent television appearance on the program “El Chiringuito,” where he reiterated his claims of innocence. He maintained that his kiss with Hermoso was “consensual” and alleged a coordinated campaign against him.
Rubiales is also entangled in a separate legal case concerning alleged corruption related to the deal that brought the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia. These ongoing controversies continue to place him at the center of intense public scrutiny and media debate.
The public’s reaction,as evidenced by the egg-throwing incident,underscores the deep-seated anger and disappointment many feel regarding Rubiales’ actions and their impact on women’s sports. This event serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing repercussions of the scandal that rocked the soccer world.
Potential Areas for Further Examination:
- The psychological impact of such public confrontations on individuals involved in high-profile sports controversies.
- The role of media narratives in shaping public perception and influencing the reception of individuals facing legal and ethical challenges in sports.
- The effectiveness of legal proceedings and public opinion in holding sports officials accountable for misconduct.
real-World Comparison: This situation draws parallels to other instances in sports where public figures have faced significant backlash following allegations of misconduct, such as the controversies surrounding former NFL player Ray Rice or the doping scandals that have tarnished the reputations of various athletes.The intensity of the public’s response frequently enough reflects the perceived betrayal of trust and the violation of ethical standards within the sports community.
Counterargument: While the egg-throwing incident reflects a strong public sentiment, some might argue that resorting to physical acts of aggression, even symbolic, is not a constructive way to address the issues.They might advocate for continued legal processes and public discourse as the appropriate avenues for accountability. However, the persistence of such reactions suggests that for many, the legal and discourse avenues have not fully satisfied the demand for justice and accountability.