Who is Luis Rubiales?
Luis Manuel Rubiales Béjar is a Spanish former footballer and football administrator. He is best known for serving as the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) from 2018 to 2023. Rubiales gained international attention due to controversies surrounding his leadership and legal challenges. Before his administrative career, he played professional football as a defender, featuring for several Spanish clubs.
Early Life and Education
Luis Rubiales was born on August 23, 1977, in Las Palmas, Spain. Raised in the Andalusian town of Motril, he developed a passion for football at a young age. His formative years in football saw him join youth academies such as Motril, Valencia, and Atlético Madrid. Despite his focus on football, Rubiales also valued education and pursued academic interests alongside his sporting career.
Personal Life
Rubiales is known for keeping his personal life private. While details about his relationships remain largely undisclosed, he has been involved in public controversies that have impacted his reputation. His time as RFEF president saw multiple accusations and legal disputes, affecting both his professional and personal image.
Family
Information about Luis Rubiales’ parents and siblings is scarce, as he has maintained a level of privacy regarding his family.
However, it is known that his upbringing in Motril played a crucial role in shaping his character and values. His family supported his football aspirations from a young age, contributing to his rise in the sport.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Luis Manuel Rubiales Béjar |
| Date of Birth | August 23, 1977 |
| Place of Birth | Las Palmas, Spain |
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Parents’ Names | Not publicly available |
| Net Worth (as of 2025) | Not publicly disclosed |
Career
Playing Career
Rubiales played as a professional footballer, primarily as a defender. His career included stints at clubs such as Guadix, Mallorca B, Lleida, Xerez, Levante, Alicante, and Hamilton Academical.
Over his career, he made 269 appearances and scored 11 goals. His most notable period was with Levante, where he contributed significantly to the team during his time there.
Transition to Administration
Following his retirement as a player, Rubiales became actively involved in football administration. In 2010, he was elected president of the Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE), advocating for players’ rights. His leadership in the AFE positioned him as a key figure in Spanish football governance.
Presidency of RFEF (2018-2023)
In 2018, Rubiales was elected president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). His tenure was marked by several significant events:
- Dismissal of Julen Lopetegui: Just before the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Rubiales controversially fired Spain’s head coach, Julen Lopetegui, after it was announced that Lopetegui had accepted a job at Real Madrid.
- 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Controversy: During the medal ceremony, Rubiales was involved in a highly publicized incident where he kissed player Jennifer Hermoso without consent. The incident led to legal action, protests, and his eventual resignation.
- Financial and Management Disputes: His presidency saw numerous clashes with clubs, players, and stakeholders regarding financial management and governance decisions.
Legal Challenges and Resignation
Amid growing pressure from the football community and legal investigations, Rubiales resigned as RFEF president in 2023. He faced charges of sexual assault and coercion related to the World Cup controversy, marking a significant downfall in his career.
Career Statistics Table
| Year | Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997-1999 | Guadix | 42 | 3 |
| 1999-2000 | Mallorca B | 25 | 2 |
| 2000-2001 | Lleida | 30 | 1 |
| 2001-2003 | Xerez | 57 | 2 |
| 2003-2008 | Levante | 123 | 3 |
| 2009 | Alicante | 15 | 0 |
| 2009 | Hamilton Academical | 10 | 0 |
| Total | – | 269 | 11 |
Latest News
As of 2025, Luis Rubiales remains under legal scrutiny regarding the accusations from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup incident. His trial for sexual assault and coercion continues to make headlines, with football organizations and human rights groups closely following the case.
Height and Physical Appearance
Rubiales stands at 1.80 meters (5 feet 11 inches) and maintains an athletic physique, a remnant of his football career. He is typically seen in formal attire during public appearances and is known for his clean-shaven head and professional demeanor.
Social Media Accounts Table
| Platform | Username | Link |
| @LuisRubiales | https://twitter.com/LuisRubiales | |
| @luisrubiales | https://www.instagram.com/luisrubiales |
Net Worth as of 2025
While his exact net worth is not publicly available, Rubiales’ earnings stemmed from his roles in football administration and his playing career. Estimates suggest that his net worth is in the range of several million euros, though legal fees and lost positions may have affected his financial standing.
FAQs
What was Luis Rubiales’ role in Spanish football?
Luis Rubiales served as the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) from 2018 to 2023. He was responsible for overseeing Spanish football operations, making administrative decisions, and managing national teams.
Why was Luis Rubiales criticized during his presidency?
Rubiales faced criticism for various reasons, including his abrupt dismissal of Spain’s head coach before the 2018 World Cup, financial controversies, and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup incident involving player Jennifer Hermoso.
What legal charges is Luis Rubiales facing?
Rubiales is currently facing charges of sexual assault and coercion stemming from an incident at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where he forcibly kissed Jennifer Hermoso during the medal ceremony.
How did the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup controversy affect his career?
The controversy led to significant public backlash, protests from players, legal action, and ultimately his resignation from the presidency of RFEF.
What is Luis Rubiales’ current status?
As of 2025, Rubiales is involved in ongoing legal proceedings. His public image has been heavily impacted, and his future involvement in football remains uncertain.
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