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Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio has called for the presumption of innocence to be upheld after he was officially indicted in an investigation involving the viewing and distribution of a sexually explicit video featuring a minor.
The 22-year-old issued a statement on Thursday, a day after a Gran Canaria judge confirmed that four footballers were under formal investigation in connection with the case. Asencio, while not initially named in the court documents, clarified his position following judicial clarification.
He said the case file suggests his alleged involvement was limited to the “possible momentary viewing” of a video shown by a third party. The documents, he emphasised, do not accuse him of filming or sharing the material.
“I have not participated in any behaviour that infringes upon the sexual freedom of any woman, much less minors,” Asencio stated. “The court’s resolution confirms that I did not engage in sexual relations with the individuals involved, nor did I record or distribute any content, whether consensually or not.”
The incident dates back to June 2023, with three unnamed Real Madrid players arrested that September after the mother of a 16-year-old girl filed a complaint. The arrests occurred at the club’s training facilities.
Although the investigation initially referred to unnamed footballers, the court later clarified that Asencio was among those indicted. His legal team stressed that the indictment is provisional and does not yet equate to formal charges.
“If charges are eventually brought and a trial ensues, I will continue to defend myself through the judicial process, in which I have full confidence,” he said. “The presumption of innocence must continue to prevail.”
Asencio is enjoying a breakthrough season with Real Madrid and has become a regular fixture in the first team. However, the ongoing case has sparked hostility from opposition fans. During last weekend’s El Clasico, Barcelona supporters chanted “Asencio, to jail,” while a Copa del Rey match against Real Sociedad in February was briefly halted due to chants from home fans yelling “Asencio die”.
