The phrase ‘se acabo’ – ‘it’s over’ – became the rallying call in Spain in the hours and days after the incident.
The Spanish government, Fifa, the United Nations and countless players and clubs condemned Rubiales’ behaviour.
Eighty one Spain players – including all 23 World Cup winners – said they would not play for the team again while Rubiales remained in charge, while most of Vilda’s coaching staff resigned in protest against the president.
Rubiales initially claimed he was the victim of a “social assassination” and vowed not to resign. He ultimately stepped down nearly three weeks after the incident.
The kiss had become a landmark moment in Spanish history well before Rubiales’ trial began on 3 February.
“The trial was broadcast on YouTube. The verdict is something that everyone is waiting for,” David Menayo Ramos, a journalist at Marca, told BBC Sport before the verdict was announced.
“Society is polarised and the trial is a reflection of that.”
“This whole controversy went beyond football and beyond sport,” added BBC News journalist Guy Hedgecoe.
“In a way, it was Spain’s ‘me too’ movement, causing people to look at a relationship between women and men in the workplace.”
