Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio has been acquitted in a Spanish court case concerning the distribution of a sexually explicit video involving a minor.
The 23-year-old was cleared of wrongdoing by a court in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, with the charges against him withdrawn. The case centred on footage connected to an intimate encounter at a beach club on the island in June 2023.
Three former Real Madrid academy players were convicted in the same proceedings. They received one-year suspended prison sentences for child pornography offences after the two victims, who were aged 16 and 18 at the time, forgave the defendants.
The three men were also ordered to complete a sexual re-education programme. Additional penalties include restraining orders preventing contact with the victims for two years and three-year bans from working in professions involving minors.
Following the ruling, Asencio said he was relieved to bring the legal process to an end after months of public scrutiny. He said he had maintained confidence in the judicial process throughout the case and now wanted to move forward.
The defender remains involved in a separate disciplinary matter at Real Madrid after being convicted of drink-driving in Gran Canaria.
The offence took place on 16 August, when Asencio was found to be more than three times over the legal alcohol limit. He was fined and had his driving licence suspended for eight months.
Real Madrid subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings against the player.
Manager Jose Mourinho has said Asencio’s conduct at the club’s training base has been professional, particularly during his recovery from injury, but stressed that players continue to represent Real Madrid away from football and that off-field behaviour can damage the club’s reputation.
Asencio has accepted responsibility for the drink-driving offence and expressed regret over the incident. He said he had learned from the experience and was committed to ensuring it would not be repeated.
The defender now intends to focus on his recovery and his career at Real Madrid after the conclusion of the separate court proceedings in Las Palmas.