Raul Asencio Acquitted in Explicit Video Case

Raul Asencio has been cleared by a Spanish court of alleged involvement in the distribution of a sexually explicit video involving a minor, drawing a line under one of the most serious accusations of his young career.

The 23-year-old Real Madrid defender was acquitted in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, where charges against him were formally withdrawn. The case centred on the recording and dissemination of a sexually explicit video linked to an intimate encounter at a beach club in Gran Canaria in June 2023.

While Asencio walked free, three of his former Real Madrid academy team-mates were convicted. The court handed them one-year suspended prison sentences for “child pornography” and ordered them to attend a sexual “re-education” course. They were also given a two-year restraining order preventing any contact with the victims – two women aged 16 and 18 at the time – and a three-year ban from working in any profession involving minors.

The victims chose to forgive the accused, a decision that helped lead to the minimum sentences imposed on the three players who were found guilty.

Asencio breaks silence after acquittal

After months of silence while the legal process unfolded, Asencio finally spoke publicly once the ruling arrived.

“Today, after a long period of silence and after respecting a judicial process in which I always had faith, I can say that I have been acquitted,” he said in a statement.

He described the strain of watching his name circulate while the court had yet to decide.

“Over these past months I have been through a difficult situation and, at times, I have had to see how information and opinions about me were published before justice had its say,” he added.

Asencio stressed that he respected the role of the media but underlined the human cost of such coverage.

“I understand and respect the work of the media and the right to report and express opinions, but I also believe it's important to remember that behind every piece of news there is a person and a family who live with the consequences of it.”

The defender said he had always trusted the judicial process to clear his name.

“I have always trusted that justice would eventually set things right. Today there is a judicial ruling that speaks for itself, and I accept it with peace of mind and with the satisfaction of being able to close a very important chapter in my life.”

Separate storm: drink‑driving conviction

Just as one legal battle ends, another issue still hangs over him.

Real Madrid have opened disciplinary proceedings against Asencio following a drink‑driving conviction, also in Gran Canaria. On 16 August, he was stopped and found to be more than three times over the legal alcohol limit. The incident resulted in a fine and an eight-month suspension of his driving licence.

Inside the club, the matter has not been brushed aside. Asked about the case, Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho made his stance clear.

“Raul Asencio, given the situation he found himself in, I talked to him when he arrived and I talked to him about things that happened in the past,” Mourinho said. “I haven't talked with him since but I don't discuss situations outside Valdebebas.”

On the training ground, Mourinho praised the player’s professionalism, especially during his recovery from injury.

“His attitude is perfect here. He picked up an injury a few weeks ago and since then, he is first to arrive and last to leave working on his recovery.”

Then came the warning that will echo around the dressing room.

“But obviously a Real Madrid player is a Real Madrid player for 24 hours, seven days a week, 12 months a year, so when you do something outside your professional area, it's still Real Madrid and it hurts the club's prestige that is untouchable.

“So I am not happy. We all make errors but no, I'm not happy.”

Asencio did not shy away from the issue in his own statement, accepting fault over the drink‑driving offence.

“I am deeply sorry for what happened and I fully accept my responsibility,” he said. “It has been an experience from which I have learned and I am very clear that it will not happen again.”

He made it clear he wants to move on, both personally and professionally.

“I don't want to get involved in controversies or look back. I want to close this chapter with respect, with my head held high and with a great desire to move forward. And I [am] absolutely in agreement with my coach: not only on the pitch, but also off it.”

Acquitted in one case, sanctioned in another, Asencio now faces the real test: whether he can rebuild trust at a club where reputation is watched as closely as performances.