BREAKING: Raul Asencio Cleared in Sex Video Case

Raul Asencio has finally been cleared. After months of scrutiny, public speculation and a lengthy judicial process, the Real Madrid defender has been acquitted of alleged involvement in the distribution of a sexually explicit video involving a minor.

The 23-year-old was absolved of the offence by a Spanish court in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, bringing to an end a case that had placed the young defender under intense attention.

While Asencio can now close one of the most difficult chapters of his life, his problems away from the football pitch are not completely over.

The Real Madrid player is facing a separate disciplinary process after being convicted of drink-driving in another incident in Gran Canaria.

That means Asencio's judicial victory has arrived at a complicated moment in his care as he is simultaneously dealing with the consequences of an unrelated offence.

Asencio Cleared After Lengthy Legal Battle

The case against Asencio was linked to the "recording and dissemination of a sexually explicit video related to an intimate encounter at a beach club in Gran Canaria in June 2023 ".

Following the court proceedings, charges against Asencio were withdrawn and he was acquitted of the alleged offence.

Three other defendants, who were former Real Madrid academy team-mates of Asencio, were convicted.

They received one-year suspended prison sentences for "child pornography" and were ordered to attend a sexual "re-education" course.

The three defendants were also handed two-year restraining orders against the victims and were disqualified for three years from working in any profession involving minors.

The court imposed minimum sentences after the victims (a 16-year-old girl and an 18-year-old woman) forgave the accused.

For Asencio, however, the ruling represented the conclusion of a legal battle that he said had been extremely difficult.

'Today... I Can Say That I have Been Acquitted' - Asencio

Breaking his silence after the verdict, Raul Asencio expressed relief at finally being able to put the case behind him.

The defender said:

"Today, after a long period of silence and after respecting a judicial process in which I always had faith, I can say that I have been acquitted."

"Over these past months I have been through a difficult situation and, at times, I have had to see how information and opinions about me were published before justice had its say."

"I understand and respect the work of the media and the right to report and express opinions, but I also believe it's important to remember that behind every piece of news there is a person and a family who live with the consequences of it.

"I have always trusted that justice would eventually set things right."

"Today there is a judicial ruling that speaks for itself, and I accept it with peace of mind and with the satisfaction of being able to close a very important chapter in my life."

Asencio revealed the emotional toll the case had taken on himself and his family, while also making clear that the player believed the judicial process would ultimately establish the truth.

For a footballer who has been trying to establish himself at one of the biggest clubs in the world, the ruling represents an opportunity to move forward without the allegations hanging over him.

However, another controversy was already waiting.

Drink-Driving Conviction Creates New Headache

Separate from the sex-video case, Asencio has also been involved in a drink-driving incident in Gran Canaria.

The incident occurred on 16 August and resulted in the defender being fined and having his driving licence suspended for eight months.

He was found to have been more than three times over the legal limit.

Real Madrid have subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings against the player over the conviction.

While the incident has nothing to do with the case from which he has now been acquitted, it has created another difficult situation for the defender and his club.

And Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho made it clear that Asencio's conduct away from the club cannot simply be separated from his responsibilities as a player.

'A Real Madrid player is a Real Madrid player' - Mourinho

Mourinho revealed that he had spoken to Asencio about the situation, while insisting that he did not intend to discuss matters outside the club's training base.

The Real Madrid boss said:

"Raul Asencio, given the situation he found himself in, I talked to him when he arrived and I talked to him about things that happened in the past."

"I haven't talked with him since but I don't discuss situations outside Valdebebas."

"His attitude is perfect here."

"He picked up an injury a few weeks ago and since then, he is first to arrive and last to leave working on his recovery."

"Obviously a Real Madrid player is a Real Madrid player for 24 hours, seven days a week, 12 months a year, so when you do something outside your professional area, it's still Real Madrid and it hurts the club's prestige that is untouchable."

"So I am not happy. We all make errors but no, I'm not happy."

Although Mourinho praised Asencio's professionalism at the training ground and his commitment to recovering from injury, the manager cleared that representing the club carries responsibilities beyond matchdays and training sessions.

For Asencio, that message appears to have been understood.

Asencio Accepts Responsibility

The defender also addressed the drink-driving conviction in his statement, accepting responsibility for what happened.

He said:

"I am deeply sorry for what happened and I fully accept my responsibility."

"It has been an experience from which I have learned and I am very clear that it will not happen again."

"I don't want to get involved in controversies or look back."

" I want to close this chapter with respect, with my head held high and with a great desire to move forward."

"And I [am] absolutely in agreement with my coach: not only on the pitch, but also off it."

A Chance to Start Again

For Asencio, the immediate priority is now football.

Asencio has spent months under an extraordinary level of scrutiny, with his name attached to a serious criminal investigation before eventually being cleared by the court.

Now, with that case concluded, he can turn his attention back towards his career at Real Madrid.

However, the drink-driving conviction means the 23-year-old still has work to do away from the pitch.

Real Madrid's disciplinary proceedings remain a separate matter, while the club's expectations have been made clear by Mourinho, who stated wearing the Real Madrid shirt comes with responsibility around the clock.

Meanwhile, Asencio wants the controversies to end.

"I want to close this chapter with respect, with my head held high and with a great desire to move forward."

After months of waiting for justice to have its say, Raul Asencio finally has the ruling he had been hoping for.