Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio on Thursday called for the presumption of innocence to be upheld after a Gran Canaria court indicted him in a case concerning the viewing and distribution of a sexual video involving a minor.
The 22-year-old centre-back released a statement stressing that court documents indicated his alleged involvement was limited to the “possible momentary viewing of some images by a third party”, without linking him to the video’s recording or distribution.
The case dates back to June 2023, when a video involving a 16-year-old girl was filmed. In September that year, three unnamed players were arrested at Real Madrid’s training ground after the girl’s mother filed a complaint. On Wednesday, the court formally indicted four footballers in connection with the case, later issuing clarifications that included Asencio.
“I have not participated in any behaviour that infringes upon the sexual freedom of any woman, much less minors,” Asencio stated. He emphasized that the court resolution does not accuse him of having sexual relations with the girl, of recording any content, or of sharing it.
He added that the videos were recorded in a location different from where he was at the time. “The indictment formulated against me… has a strictly provisional nature,” he noted.
Asencio affirmed he would continue to defend himself if the case proceeds to trial, reiterating, “The presumption of innocence must continue to prevail.”
Despite his emergence as a regular starter for Real Madrid this season, Asencio has faced abuse from rival fans. During last weekend’s Clasico against Barcelona, chants of “Asencio, to jail” were heard. A similar incident in February saw Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey semi-final win against Real Sociedad paused briefly after hostile chants from home fans.
