The Investigating Court has confirmed that oral proceedings will open against four young footballers, including Madrid defender Asencio, over alleged child sex abuse and privacy violations dating back to 2023. The case involves non-consensual sexual recordings of two young women, one of them a minor, during a stay at a Gran Canaria hotel.
The September 2 ruling is final and not subject to appeal, requiring the accused to post bail within 24 hours. Three players face €20,000 each, while Asencio, charged only with showing the video to another person, has been ordered to post €15,000. With proceedings set, one of إسبانيا‘s most historic clubs finds itself shadowed by a scandal that blends child protection, digital privacy, and football’s global image.
Unlike his co-accused, Asencio did not participate in recording the videos. Instead, he later admitted in writing that he made “the mistake” of showing the content to a friend. In a letter to one of the victims, the Madrid player offered an apology and acknowledged responsibility, leading to the withdrawal of her complaint. Asencio showed the video to his then youth academy teammates, Ferran R., Juan R. and Andres G in 2023.
The victim’s lawyer confirmed that financial compensation was paid. Despite this, the second victim, a minor at the time of the incident, has not withdrawn her complaint. Asencio therefore remains part of the trial. His admission may ease sentencing considerations but does not exempt him from legal accountability.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office has brought forward serious charges: Distribution of child pornography (Article 189.1 a) of the Criminal Code and multiple crimes against privacy (Article 197.1.3, sections 1, 2, and 5).
If convicted, penalties could include prison sentences, fines, and restrictions on professional activity, making the case not only a legal but also a career-defining moment for the 22-year-old defender.
The scandal poses reputational risks, as Asencio continues to be part of the squad despite the ongoing proceedings. The trial will test not only the legal system’s stance on privacy violations but also football’s willingness to confront misconduct among its players.
