Real Madrid Defender Raul Asencio to Face Charges in Child Pornography Case Following Court Ruling

Raul Asencio and three other former Real Madrid youth team players were investigated

Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio, 22, is set to face formal criminal charges in Spain following the conclusion of a police investigation into allegations of child pornography distribution. The court proceedings also implicate three of his former teammates from Real Madrid's youth ranks: Ferran Ruiz, Andres Garcia, and Juan Rodriguez.

The case centers on an incident that allegedly took place in June 2023, during which a sexually explicit video involving an 18-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl was recorded and circulated. The video, purportedly filmed by the co-accused, is alleged to have been solicited and shared by Asencio via WhatsApp.

The 22-year-old star has made his breakthrough this season and was also called up by Spain

According to court documents, both female victims have exhibited symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder. The findings from the investigation will be forwarded to the victims to determine if they will press formal charges. Regardless of their decision, the prosecutor's office retains the authority to proceed independently with a criminal case.

The judge at the Gran Canaria High Court ruled that there was sufficient evidence to support allegations including violation of privacy, unauthorized distribution of explicit content, solicitation of a minor for pornographic purposes, and possession of child pornography.

The highly-rated Spanish defender has played 22 games for Carlo Ancelotti's side this season

Under Article 197 of the Spanish Criminal Code, a conviction for recording and distributing explicit content involving a minor can carry a sentence of three and a half to five years in prison. If convicted only of non-consensual recording, the sentence could range from two and a half to four years. A lesser sentence is anticipated if Asencio is found guilty solely of sharing the video.

The complaint was filed by the mother of the 16-year-old girl, who asserted that while the sexual activity may have been consensual, the recording was not. The accused players were arrested in 2023, and their mobile devices were seized as part of the investigation. Asencio had previously attempted to have the case against him dismissed in February, but the court ruled to continue the inquiry.

Since February, Asencio has been in a relationship with Spanish influencer Selenia Suarez (left), who is unrelated to the case

Despite the ongoing legal case, Asencio has enjoyed a breakout season at Real Madrid, making 22 appearances under manager Carlo Ancelotti. He recently received his first call-up to the Spanish national team. In a public statement, Asencio addressed the allegations, saying: “I think everyone is aware of what they are doing. For that reason, I am very calm… I have noticed this change of pressure on the pitches. It makes me even more motivated.”

Asencio is also in a public relationship with Spanish influencer Selenia Suarez, who frequently supports him at Santiago Bernabeu. She is not connected to the criminal case.

Selenia Suarez watching Real Madrid at the Bernabeu