Luis Rubiales Attacked by Eggs at Book Launch Amid Scandal

Luis Rubiales was at the center of chaos during his book launch in Madrid on Thursday, as the former Royal Spanish Football Federation president was unexpectedly pelted with eggs in front of a stunned audience. The event, which was meant to mark the release of his autobiography “Matar a Rubiales” (“Killing Rubiales”), turned dramatic when Rubiales’ own uncle publicly confronted him in a scene that reflected the deep divisions still surrounding his legacy.

Luis Rubiales and the Shadow of the Hermoso Scandal

Luis Rubiales has remained a highly polarizing figure in world football since the notorious incident at the 2023 Women’s World Cup medal ceremony, where he was convicted of sexual assault over a non-consensual kiss with Jenni Hermoso. Though acquitted of coercion, the conviction in February 2025 led to his resignation and a sharp fall from grace.

The book launch was positioned as Rubiales’ chance to reclaim his narrative and offer his side of the story, challenging the institutions, media, and politics he claims have wronged him. Instead, the event highlighted just how fractured his support system has become, with even family members turning against him in public.

Egg Attack by Family Member Shocks Attendees

Tensions reached a boiling point as a man stepped forward and launched eggs at Luis Rubiales, shocking everyone present. Speaking afterward, Rubiales revealed, “It was actually my blood uncle, Luis Rubén, who did it. He’s my age and I truly don’t understand his reasoning. We’ll be taking legal action because I feared he might be armed. I ran after him, thinking he was a danger to my family, especially when I saw a pregnant woman and two children nearby.”

Rubiales expressed gratitude that bystanders intervened before things escalated further. The bizarre episode underscored the personal and professional turmoil Rubiales continues to face, with the egg attack widely interpreted as a symbol of his ongoing isolation.

Rubiales Responds: Continues to Defend His Innocence

Despite his conviction, Rubiales vigorously maintains his innocence and has filed an appeal to the Supreme Court in hopes of overturning the verdict. In an interview with El Chiringuito, he insisted, “We believe this was not sexual assault. The term ‘non-consensual kissing’ has been blown out of proportion, and we have the right to appeal. There needs to be proven sexual intent, and we have strong arguments to challenge the crime characterization.”

He further argued that the scandal was politicized by opponents exploiting the situation for political gain, referencing “an immediate move by the far left” to shift attention away from national political issues. Rubiales claimed, “It became a smokescreen. The media and political actors had their own interests in making this a bigger issue than it was.”

Controversy Over Apology to Jenni Hermoso

One of the most contentious points remains Rubiales’ refusal to offer a direct apology to Jenni Hermoso. Instead, he stated, “I’m not apologizing to Jenni Hermoso because I asked her and she said, ‘Okay.’ Jenni and I know the ruling doesn’t reflect the truth. It was a kiss of emotion, not sexual intent. Jenni was a good friend who was instrumental in rebuilding our team.”

Rubiales insisted that he and Hermoso discussed issuing a joint statement, but she declined. He also noted that a key video which he claimed would exonerate him was not shown during the trial, further fueling his complaints about the legal process.

Public Image and the Challenge of Redemption

Luis Rubiales’ attempt to reshape his public image through his book has instead reignited debate about his actions and character. The egg-pelting incident, with its deep personal undertones, serves as a stark reminder of how isolated Rubiales has become—even among those closest to him.

For observers and football fans, the saga is far from over. The ongoing legal battle and Rubiales’ persistent defense mean that discussions about his conduct and legacy will continue to dominate headlines. For ongoing coverage and analysis, visit our homepage for more news.

Opinion: Can Rubiales Ever Move Beyond Controversy?

Luis Rubiales’ situation shows how a single incident can overshadow an entire career. While everyone deserves a fair chance to share their side, genuine redemption requires both accountability and humility—a lesson Rubiales seems reluctant to fully embrace. The public and football community now watch to see if he can truly learn from the past, or if his legacy will remain mired in scandal.