The scene unfolded in Madrid, a book launch turned chaotic as eggs flew towards Luis Rubiales, the disgraced former president of Spanish football. The projectile assault wasn't from a disgruntled fan, but a shocking revelation – the attacker was believed to be his own uncle.
This incident is a stark echo of the controversy that engulfed Rubiales following the 2023 Women’s World Cup final. His non-consensual kiss of Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso ignited a firestorm of criticism and legal repercussions.
Earlier this year, Rubiales faced justice, receiving a substantial fine and a restraining order after being found guilty of sexually assaulting Hermoso. The act, broadcast to a global audience, irrevocably damaged his reputation and career.
On stage, Rubiales reacted instantly, surging forward to confront the egg-thrower before being restrained by those nearby. The moment was captured on video, quickly circulating and fueling further debate.
Speaking afterward, Rubiales identified the assailant as his uncle, a family member he described as a long-time instigator. He also revealed a chilling fear – the belief that his uncle possessed a weapon.
“I didn’t know what he had in his hands,” Rubiales explained, recounting the adrenaline-fueled moment. “When I saw him, I thought he had a weapon, so I ran quickly towards him.”
The situation could have escalated tragically, Rubiales admitted. He was acutely aware of the presence of a pregnant woman and small children near the confrontation, prompting him to halt his advance.
“I saw a pregnant woman, my friend Paco’s wife, with two small children right where he was standing,” he said. “I thought about the children. If I had grabbed him, we would be in a different situation.”
The uncle, also named Luis Rubiales, is his father’s younger brother, adding another layer of complexity to this family drama. The incident underscores the deep divisions and lasting fallout from the World Cup kiss.
Rubiales’s resignation from the Spanish Football Federation came swiftly after the final, but the repercussions continued. FIFA subsequently imposed a three-year ban, effectively ending his involvement in the sport.
