Luis Rubiales Egged During His Book Launch in Madrid

During the launch of his new book in Madrid, former president of the Spanish Football Association, Luis Rubiales, encountered an unexpected event. As he introduced his work titled “Matar a Rubiales” (translated to “Killing Rubiales”), a chaotic scene erupted. A man in the audience stood up and hurled eggs at him, triggering confusion among attendees.

Following the incident, Rubiales spoke with Radio MARCA and disclosed a startling revelation: the egg-thrower was, in fact, his own uncle. He described his uncle as someone who has a history of causing trouble. Rubiales also mentioned that in the heat of the moment he was unaware of the objects being thrown at him, briefly fearing for his safety until he realized what was occurring.

This dramatic event unfolded at Espacio Eventize, a venue in Madrid, where numerous attendees had gathered to hear Rubiales discuss his controversial life and experiences. The disruption shocked the audience, leading security to step in and handle the situation. The atmosphere shifted drastically from calm to intense in mere moments. Nevertheless, Rubiales managed to regain his composure and continued his presentation.

Since 2023, Rubiales has attracted substantial criticism due to a series of controversies, the most significant being an unwanted kiss shared with footballer Jenni Hermoso during the Women’s World Cup celebrations in Sydney. This incident ignited widespread condemnation, particularly from women's rights organizations and public officials, who viewed it as a critical issue of sexism and abuse of power.

In February, Spain’s High Court ruled against Rubiales for sexual assault related to the kiss, determining that Hermoso had not consented. As part of the legal repercussions, he was fined over 10,000 euros and received a three-year ban from all football activities imposed by FIFA.

The fallout from Rubiales’ actions spurred a nationwide discussion about sexism and authority abuse within Spain. His case resonated deeply with women athletes, advocates, and fans, garnering international support for Hermoso. This situation contributed to the momentum of the “Me Too” movement in Spain, encouraging other women to share their own stories of harassment.

Rubiales' book, “Matar a Rubiales,” aims to share his perspective on the tumultuous events that transformed his life and career. In it, he explores the pressures of public scrutiny, legal challenges, and his portrayal in the media while detailing his personal struggles during this difficult period. The unexpected egg attack has only drawn more attention to this contentious release.

This incident underscores the persistent personal and public turmoil facing Rubiales. While there were no injuries, the dramatic nature of the egg-throwing indicates the still tense atmosphere surrounding him and his complicated relationships stemming from previous controversies. What was intended to be a simple book launch has turned into another noteworthy episode in Rubiales’ controversial narrative.