Raúl Asencio Cleared as Real Madrid Defender Finally Draws a Line Under Video Case

Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio has been cleared of the criminal charge linked to an explicit video involving a minor, bringing a major legal chapter in the young defender’s career to an end.

A court in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria acquitted the 23-year-old after the two women involved in the case formally told the judge that they had forgiven the defendants.

That decision allowed prosecutors to withdraw the charge of revelation of secrets against Asencio, which centred on allegations that he showed an intimate video to another person despite knowing it had been recorded without the women’s permission.

The ruling is final, meaning the proceedings against Asencio over that allegation have now been concluded.

Asencio Cleared After Victims Forgive Defendants

The case originated from events in Gran Canaria in 2023 involving Asencio and three former Real Madrid academy teammates: Ferrán Ruiz, Juan Rodríguez and Andrés García.

The three other players were accused of recording and sharing intimate footage involving two young women, one of whom was 16 at the time.

Asencio was not accused of recording the footage and did not face the child-pornography charge brought against his former teammates.

Instead, the allegation against the Real Madrid first-team defender concerned the subsequent showing of one of the videos to another person.

The victims’ decision to formally forgive the defendants during Thursday’s proceedings meant the disclosure-of-secrets accusation against Asencio could be withdrawn.

Three Former Teammates Receive Suspended Sentences

While Asencio walked away cleared of the charge against him, the case produced a different outcome for Ruiz, Rodríguez and García.

The three accepted one-year prison sentences in relation to the child-pornography offence connected to the recording of the sexual material involving the underage girl.

Those sentences were suspended, meaning they will not serve time in prison provided they meet the conditions imposed by the court and do not commit further offences during the relevant period.

The distinction is important: Asencio was not convicted of that offence and was not charged with it.

His case was limited to the separate allegation concerning the unauthorised sharing of intimate material.

Legal Victory Comes During Difficult Period

The acquittal gives Asencio significant relief, but it does not completely remove the off-field problems currently surrounding the defender.

Just a day before the court ruling, Asencio was convicted in a separate drink-driving case in Gran Canaria.

He was fined €14,400 and received an eight-month driving ban after being found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Real Madrid have subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings over that incident.

Head coach José Mourinho has nevertheless confirmed that Asencio remains a Real Madrid player while the club's internal process continues.

The defender is also currently sidelined with an injury and has yet to feature for Mourinho’s side this season.

Asencio Can Now Focus on His Real Madrid Future

The court decision removes one of the most serious legal uncertainties hanging over Asencio.

His priority now will be returning from injury and rebuilding his position within Mourinho’s squad while the club deals separately with the disciplinary matter arising from his driving conviction.

Asencio had established himself as an important first-team option during the previous two seasons after progressing through Real Madrid’s academy.

At just 23, his football career remains at an important stage.

For now, however, Thursday’s verdict provides clarity: Asencio has been cleared of the charge relating to the explicit video, and that criminal case is officially over.

🗣️ Fan Debate

⚽ Goal: Asencio can now put the legal case behind him and concentrate fully on football.

🔥 Fire: Real Madrid should give Asencio a fresh start after the court ruling.

😲 Shock: The separate drink-driving case could still have a major impact on his Real Madrid future.

👍 Like: Asencio deserves the chance to rebuild his reputation and return stronger.

💬 Comment: What should Real Madrid’s next step be with Asencio?