Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio, 22, is set to face criminal charges over the alleged distribution of child pornography, following a concluded police investigation in Spain. The case also involves three of his former teammates from Real Madrid’s youth setup.
The allegations stem from a June 2023 incident in which Asencio is accused of soliciting a video filmed by Ferran Ruiz, Andres Garcia, and Juan Rodriguez. The footage allegedly showed the players engaging in sexual activity with two women, one aged 18 and the other 16 at the time. Prosecutors claim the video was shared via WhatsApp without the victims’ consent.
According to Spanish outlet AS, both women reportedly exhibit symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder. The findings of the investigation will be presented to them to determine whether they will pursue legal action. If they do, the prosecutor’s office could formally file charges and request a trial.
A judge at the Gran Canaria High Court ruled there was sufficient evidence to proceed with charges, including violation of privacy, non-consensual distribution of explicit material, solicitation of a minor for pornography, and possession of child pornography. Under Spanish law, recording and sharing explicit content involving a minor carries a prison sentence of three-and-a-half to five years, while non-consensual recording alone could result in two-and-a-half to four years.
The case was initiated after the mother of the 16-year-old filed a complaint, asserting that while the sexual activity was consensual, the recording was not. Asencio and the other players were arrested in 2023, with authorities seizing their phones as part of the investigation.
Earlier this year, Asencio attempted to have the case against him dismissed, but the judge upheld the decision to proceed. Despite the legal proceedings, the defender has maintained his innocence. Last month, after receiving his first call-up to the Spanish national team, he told RTVE: “I think everyone is aware of what they are doing. For that reason, I am very calm. I live day by day. It’s a matter of deadlines.”
Asencio has emerged as a key player for Real Madrid this season, making 22 appearances under Carlo Ancelotti. Off the pitch, he has been in a public relationship with Spanish influencer Selenia Suarez since February. Suarez, who is unrelated to the case, has frequently been seen supporting him at the Bernabeu.
The legal proceedings continue as Spanish authorities determine the next steps in a case that has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused.
