Just as Raul Asencio was beginning to make waves with Real Madrid and earn his first call-up to Spain’s national team, he now finds himself at the center of a deeply disturbing legal case.
The 22-year-old defender, once seen as a promising talent for Los Blancos, is facing formal criminal proceedings in Spain after being linked to a case involving alleged child pornography and privacy violations.
Court Moves Forward After Months-Long Police Investigation
A court in Gran Canaria has officially moved to initiate criminal proceedings against Asencio, following a completed police investigation.
He isn’t the only one facing potential charges—three of his former youth team-mates from Real Madrid’s academy are also involved: Ferran Ruiz, Andres Martin, and Juan Rodriguez.
The case revolves around a video filmed back in June 2023.
Prosecutors claim it captured the three other players engaging in sexual acts with two females—one aged 18, the other 16.
Asencio is accused of soliciting this footage and sharing it via WhatsApp, which forms the basis of the child pornography distribution charge.
Alleged Victims Show Signs of Trauma
The court ruling cites findings that both females involved have exhibited symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.
The case remains sensitive, and investigators are expected to share their findings with the alleged victims to determine whether they wish to pursue charges themselves.
However, even without the victims formally pressing charges, the Spanish prosecutor’s office has the authority to proceed independently and request a formal criminal trial.
Judge Outlines Possible Charges and Sentencing
The judge in charge of the case confirmed there’s enough evidence to proceed with multiple serious allegations, including:
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Violation of privacy
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Non-consensual sharing of explicit content
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Solicitation of a minor for pornographic purposes
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Possession and distribution of child pornography
According to Spain’s Article 197 in the Criminal Code, anyone convicted of recording and distributing explicit content involving a minor could face three-and-a-half to five years in prison.
If the court only finds them guilty of filming without consent, sentences could range between two-and-a-half and four years.
For those merely sharing the content, punishment would be somewhat less severe.
Charges Sparked by Teen’s Mother
The complaint that led to the legal proceedings was filed by the mother of the 16-year-old girl allegedly involved in the video.
While the mother acknowledged that the sexual act itself was consensual, she stated clearly that the filming and subsequent sharing of the footage were done without her daughter’s consent.
Police seized the phones of all four men involved during their arrests in 2023, as part of the investigation.
Asencio had previously attempted to have the case against him dropped, filing a motion in February to end the inquiry into his alleged involvement.
That motion was denied by the judge, who ruled there was sufficient reason to move forward.
Asencio Breaks Silence Amid Career Milestone
Despite the serious cloud hanging over him, Asencio has spoken publicly about the case.
In an interview with RTVE after being called up to the Spanish national team for the first time, he expressed a sense of calm.
“I think everyone knows what they’re doing,” he said.
“That’s why I’m calm. I’m just taking it day by day. I’ve felt the pressure increase, but that motivates me.
I’ve always felt pressure at Real Madrid, ever since I was a kid—it makes me stronger.”
Breakthrough Season Overshadowed by Legal Crisis
Asencio has appeared in 22 games this season under Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.
However, the team itself has struggled, and they’re likely to finish the year without any major trophies.
What was meant to be a breakthrough season for the young defender is now overshadowed by a growing legal scandal that could severely impact his career—and possibly his freedom.