Real Madrid centre-back Raul Asencio has been called up to Spain’s senior squad for the first time despite an ongoing investigation into an allegation he shared a sex tape of a minor.
Asencio had never been part of Spain’s youth squads but has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Madrid, making 29 first-team appearances since his debut in November.
The 22-year-old has been a regular for Madrid this season after long-term injuries to Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal, featuring alongside Antonio Rudiger in the centre of defence.
On February 11, The Athletic reported that Asencio is still under investigation — along with three other former Real Madrid youth players — for allegedly sharing a sex tape involving two women that was recorded in Gran Canaria in the summer of 2023 after a Spanish court rejected an appeal to have him acquitted of the case.
Among notable exclusions from the squad are Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde and his club team-mate Gavi, although Barca centre-back Inigo Martinez is back in the squad having recovered from injury.
There is also no place for Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen, who was included in the country’s Under-21 squad instead, and Real Betis playmaker Isco.
Spain play the Netherlands in their Nations League quarter-final, with the first leg…
