Raúl Asencio Acquitted in Secrets Case, but DUI Conviction Shadows Real Madrid Defender
Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio has been acquitted of the charge of revealing secrets, after the alleged victims formally withdrew their complaints in a court in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The 23-year-old, along with three former Real Madrid youth teammates, had faced charges over the alleged distribution of intimate images without consent, including footage involving a minor. The acquittal, confirmed on September 3, 2026, extinguishes criminal liability for that specific charge, though it does not close the book on Asencio's legal troubles.
Just a day earlier, news broke that Asencio had been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol. He was stopped at a sobriety checkpoint on the GC-1 highway in Gran Canaria on August 16, 2026, at 6:30 a.m. local time. According to the High Court of Justice of Gran Canaria, the player tested at 0.90 mg/l and 0.88 mg/l in two breathalyzer tests—nearly four times the legal limit of 0.25 mg/l. He admitted to the facts in a fast-track trial on August 19 and was fined €14,400 (€120 per day for four months) and had his driver's license suspended for eight months.
Real Madrid has confirmed it has opened disciplinary proceedings against Asencio, who is currently recovering from an injury that has kept him out of the start of the 2026-27 season. The club's response signals that off-field conduct is under scrutiny, especially after a series of incidents involving young players in recent years.
A Legal Saga with Multiple Chapters
The acquittal on the revealing secrets charge is a partial victory for Asencio, who had always maintained his innocence. The case dates back to the summer of 2023, when Asencio and three of his Real Madrid Castilla teammates—Ferrán Ruiz, Juan Rodríguez, and Andrés García—were accused of recording and distributing sexual content involving two women, one of whom was a minor at the time (16 years old). The alleged recordings were made without consent in Gran Canaria.
Real Madrid responded by expelling Ruiz, Rodríguez, and García from the club, but Asencio stayed. The distinction: Asencio was not involved in the recording, but allegedly showed the video to a third person. The victims initially filed complaints, but later withdrew their allegations against Asencio. However, a judge determined in July 2026 that he should still stand trial for revealing secrets. The formal pardon in court has now resolved that charge.
Yet the legal cloud is not entirely lifted. Ruiz, Rodríguez, and García still face child pornography charges related to the recording of the minor. They await a separate verdict, and Asencio could be called as a witness. The outcome of those proceedings could still cast a shadow over Asencio, even though he is no longer a defendant in that matter.
DUI Conviction Adds to Pressure
The DUI conviction is a separate blow to Asencio's reputation. Driving at nearly four times the legal alcohol limit is a criminal offense under Article 379.2 of the Spanish Penal Code, which applies to levels above 0.60 mg/l. The fine and license suspension are standard for a first offense, but the timing is awkward. Asencio was hoping to cement his place in a Real Madrid squad that is undergoing a transition under manager José Mourinho, who took over after Carlo Ancelotti's departure.
Asencio broke into the first team under Ancelotti in 2024 and has made 80 senior appearances. However, he has slipped to fifth choice in central defense this season, and his off-field issues are unlikely to improve his standing. The club's decision to open disciplinary proceedings suggests that management is taking a hard line, especially given the club's recent efforts to project a clean image.
Broader Implications for Real Madrid and Young Players
The case highlights the challenges that young footballers face when sudden fame collides with personal behavior. Asencio's situation is not isolated; Real Madrid has dealt with several instances of players' off-field misconduct in recent years. The club's swift reaction in both the 2023 case and now the DUI shows a commitment to safeguarding its brand, but it also raises questions about the support system for academy graduates who are suddenly thrust into the spotlight.
For Asencio, the road ahead is uncertain. His legal team is expected to consider an appeal against the DUI conviction, though the evidence appears overwhelming given his admission. The acquittal on the secrets charge provides some relief, but the pending child pornography case involving his ex-teammates could still generate headlines that draw Asencio back into the narrative.
On the pitch, Asencio will need to focus on regaining fitness and form. His injury has sidelined him at a crucial time, and with the January transfer window approaching, Real Madrid could look to strengthen their defensive options. The club's patience is not infinite, and Asencio may need to prove his worth both on and off the field to secure his long-term future at the Santiago Bernabéu.
In a broader context, this case serves as a reminder of the legal and disciplinary perils that professional athletes face. As the 2026-27 season progresses, Asencio's ability to navigate these distractions will be as important as his performance on the pitch. For now, he remains a Real Madrid player, but his path back to prominence is fraught with obstacles.
For more on legal issues affecting athletes, see our coverage of 9/11 Death Toll: 2,977 Victims and Thousands More Since — A Story That Continues to Grow.
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