Full Breakdown
Luis Rubiales Egged During Book Launch: A Family Feud Unfolds
11/15/2025, 6:24:52 AM
Incident Overview: Eggs Thrown at Rubiales
Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), was pelted with eggs during the launch of his new book, *Matar a Rubiales* (Killing Rubiales), in Madrid on November 13, 2025. The assailant, later identified as Rubiales' uncle, Luis Rubén Rubiales, threw three eggs at him while he was speaking at the event. One egg struck Rubiales on the back, prompting him to charge toward the audience in an attempt to confront the attacker before being restrained by security personnel.
Background: The Downfall of Rubiales
Rubiales' public image has been marred since he was convicted of sexual assault for forcibly kissing Spanish player Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony following Spain's victory at the 2023 Women's World Cup. The incident, which sparked widespread outrage and discussions about sexism in sports, led to Rubiales resigning from his position in September 2023. He was fined €10,800 and banned from all football-related activities for three years by FIFA.
Family Dynamics and Motives
During the book launch, Rubiales described his uncle as a "troubled man" and a "troublemaker," expressing disbelief that a family member would attack him. He stated, “I didn’t know what he had in his hands, and when I saw him burst in, I thought he was carrying a gun.” The family dynamics appear strained, with reports indicating that Rubiales' relatives support Hermoso over him. Another uncle, Juan Rubiales, previously criticized Luis, calling him "obsessed with power" and stating that the family stands with Hermoso.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the incident, Rubiales emphasized that he felt threatened during the egg-throwing episode. He remarked, “We were lucky that they stopped me. I didn’t know if this man had a weapon.” The police confirmed the arrest of the assailant but did not disclose his identity at the time. Rubiales has maintained that his kiss with Hermoso was consensual, a claim he reiterated during the book launch.
Criticism & Opposition
The egg-throwing incident has reignited discussions about Rubiales' controversial past and the broader issues of sexism in sports. Critics argue that his behavior and refusal to accept responsibility for his actions have perpetuated a toxic culture within Spanish football. The incident at the book launch has been seen as a manifestation of the ongoing backlash against him.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’ve found out he was my own uncle; Luis Ruben he’s called. An uncle who is my age,” — Luis Rubiales
- “He threw eggs at me because he’s a deranged person, and I don’t think there’s any justification for it.” — Luis Rubiales
- “He came in with some eggs and threw them at me, but I didn’t know what he had in his hands, and when I saw him burst in, I thought he was carrying a gun.” — Luis Rubiales
Conclusion: Ongoing Fallout
The egg-throwing incident at Rubiales' book launch underscores the lingering tensions surrounding his controversial actions and the societal implications of his case. As discussions about sexism in sports continue, Rubiales remains a polarizing figure, with his family dynamics and public persona further complicating his narrative. The fallout from the incident is likely to persist as it feeds into the broader discourse on accountability and respect in sports.
