Famous Spanish Men

The very mention of the term Spanish man might bring to your mind the image of a hulking and handsome Antonio Banderas, or the sexy and brooding singer Enrique Iglesias, but do you know that Spain has also been the home to intelligent and intellectual men like Camilo José Cela and Miguel Delibes? Spanish men are often perceived to be good looking and romantic, but also lazy and flirtatious. Just how true are these stereotypes? The Spanish are by no means lazy—infact Spaniards work longer hours than most Europeans. Spanish men don’t run away from work, what they try to avoid is convention and adhering to the set norms in any field.

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 1 
Rafael Nadal
(One of the Greatest Tennis Players of All Time)
Rafael Nadal
105
Birthdate: June 3, 1986
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Manacor, Spain

Rafael Nadal is considered to be one of the greatest tennis players ever and is called the king of clay. The Spanish national has won 20 Grand Slam singles titles and holds the record of winning 13 French Open Championships. He also has one Australian Open, two Wimbledon and four US Open titles to his name.

 2 
Pablo Picasso
(One of the Most Influential Artists of the 20th Century and Co-Founder of the 'Cubist Movement')
Pablo Picasso
84
Birthdate: October 25, 1881
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Málaga, Spain
Died: April 8, 1973

Pablo Picasso was a renowned artist whose paintings sell by millions of dollars at auctions even today, many years after his death. With masterful strokes, attractive shades and rich textures, Picasso created some of the most visually impressive arts of the 20th century. While exploring new styles and experimenting with different techniques, Picasso co-founded Cubist art style and co-invented collage.

 3 
Pep Guardiola
(Former Spanish Football Player Who is Considered One of the Greatest Managers of All Time)
Pep Guardiola
96
Birthdate: January 18, 1971
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Santpedor, Spain

A football addict from beginning, Pep Guardiola went on to become a key player with the Barcelona and the Spanish National team. He played a crucial role in winning major titles like the La Liga and an Olympic gold medal. After retiring as a player, he became a coach and is widely regarded as one of the world's best coaches. 

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 4 
Salvador Dali
(Spanish Surrealist Painter Best Known for His Work 'The Persistence of Memory')
Salvador Dali
61
Birthdate: May 11, 1904
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Figueres, Catalonia, Spain
Died: January 23, 1989

Salvador Dali was a Spanish artist best remembered for his precise draftsmanship and technical skills. His artwork is famous for depicting bizarre and striking images. In spite of producing brilliant artworks, Dali's ostentatious and eccentric public behavior often overshadowed his professional achievements, much to the irritation of his fans and critics. His works have influenced other artists like Jeff Koons.

 5 
Andrés Iniesta
(Spanish Footballer Who is Regarded as One of the Greatest Midfielders of All Time)
Andrés Iniesta
59
Birthdate: May 11, 1984
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Fuentealbilla, Spain
Spanish midfielder Andrés Iniesta, who now captains the Japanese club Vissel Kobe, has had a 22-year stint with Barcelona, serving as a captain in three seasons and winning nine La Ligas and four UEFA Champions Leagues. He scored the winning goal to help Spain win the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
 6 
Javier Bardem
(Spanish Actor Best Known for His Role in the Film ‘No Country for Old Men’)
Javier Bardem
32
Birthdate: March 1, 1969
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Municipality of Las Palmas, Spain

Spanish actor, Javier Bardem, is an acclaimed artist and has worked in notable films like Skyfall, Love in the Time of Cholera, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Mother and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. He has also acted in numerous Spanish movies. He won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for the 2007 film No Country for Old Men.

 7 
Fernando Alonso
(Spanish F1 Driver)
Fernando Alonso
26
Birthdate: July 29, 1981
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Oviedo, Spain

Two-time FIA Hall of Fame inductee Fernando Alonso began go-carting at age 3 and won several trophies by 10. The youngest to win the F-1 World Championship, for Renault, he later led a Ferrari team. When he isn’t racing, he is busy managing his e-sports team and working for UNICEF.

 8 
Philip II of Spain
(King of Spain (1556 - 1598), King of Portugal (1580 - 1598))
Philip II of Spain
38
Birthdate: May 21, 1527
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Valladolid, Spain
Died: September 13, 1598
Philip II, son of Charles V, was a 16-th century king of Spain and Portugal. Also known as Philip the Prudent, he became the king of Ireland and England through his marriage to Mary I. Following Mary’s death, he attempted to overthrow Elizabeth I with his armada invasions, but failed.
 9 
Pau Gasol
(One of the Greatest Basketball Power Forwards of All Time)
Pau Gasol
30
Birthdate: July 6, 1980
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Barcelona, Spain
Four-time All-Star NBA power-forward/center Pau Gasol left medical school to join FC Barcelona. He won two NBA championships with the LA Lakers. The Spanish footballer and the 2002 NBA Rookie of the Year is an all-time EuroBasket top-scorer, reads historical novels, is a polyglot, and loves concerts and operas. 
 10 
Xavi
(Retired Spanish Footballer Who Played as a Midfielder)
Xavi
48
Birthdate: January 25, 1980
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Terrassa, Spain
Former Barcelona footballer Xavi won multiple trophies with the team, such as the La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Famous for his tiki-taka style, he also helped Spain win the FIFA World Cup in 2010. After playing for the Qatari club Al-Sadd, he began coaching the team.
 11 
Hernán Cortés
( Spanish Conquistador Who Led an Expedition that Caused the Fall of the Aztec Empire)
Hernán Cortés
25
Birthdate: 1485 AD
Birthplace: Medellín, Spain
Died: December 2, 1547
Spanish "Conquistador" Hernán Cortés was one of the pioneers of the Spanish colonization of the Americas. He conquered the Aztec Empire and helped bring a massive portion of Mexico under the King of Castile’s rule in 16th century. As a reward, he was named the Marqués del Valle de Oaxaca.
 12 
Antoni Gaudí
(Architect)
Antoni Gaudí
15
Birthdate: June 25, 1852
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Reus
Died: June 10, 1926
Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí is remembered as a prominent figure of Catalan Modernism. Most of his works, including the incomplete church of the Sagrada Família, are in Barcelona. His innovative methods included the use of trencadís. By 2005, seven of his creations had been named UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
 13 
Sergio Busquets
(Spanish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Defensive Midfielder)
Sergio Busquets
28
Birthdate: July 16, 1988
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Sabadell, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 14 
Gerard Piqué
(Spanish Professional Football Player Who Played as a Centre-Back)
Gerard Piqué
86
Birthdate: February 2, 1987
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Barcelona, Spain

Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué, who plays for FC Barcelona, is considered one of the world’s best centre halves. He is amongst the few players who have won the UEFA Champions League for two consecutive years, but for different teams. He also played a crucial role in the Spain national team’s victory in 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012.

 15 
Antonio Banderas
(Best Known for Playing 'Zorro' in the Eponymous Film Series)
Antonio Banderas
38
Birthdate: August 10, 1960
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Málaga, Spain

One of the most popular Spanish-American actors of all time, Antonio Banderas has made a name for himself in Hollywood. Apart from being a successful actor, he is also an accomplished businessman. A perfume industry veteran, Antonio Banderas has been working with the fragrance and beauty company Puig for several years and is the brand's most popular representative.

 16 
Sergio Ramos
(Spanish Professional Football Player Who Plays as a Centre-Back)
Sergio Ramos
78
Birthdate: March 30, 1986
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Camas, Spain

Spanish footballer, Sergio Ramos, is known for his defensive skills and also for his ability to play offensively and score goals. He plays for the Premier League Club, Real Madrid. Ramos was a member of the Spanish national side which won the European Championship in 2008 and 2012 and the World Cup in 2010. 

 17 
Carlos Sainz Jr.
(Spanish Formula One Driver)
Carlos Sainz Jr.
20
Birthdate: September 1, 1994
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 18 
Enrique Iglesias
(Singer-Songwriter and One of the Best-Selling Latin Music Artists)
Enrique Iglesias
59
Birthdate: May 8, 1975
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain

One of the most popular Spanish singer-songwriters of all time, Enrique Iglesias is widely known as the King of Latin Pop. Having sold more than 180 million records worldwide, Enrique Iglesias is among the best-selling Latin music artists list. He often uses his popularity to help raise funds to benefit humanitarian organizations like the American Red Cross.

 19 
Fernando Torres
(Spanish Football Manager and Former Player Who Played as a Striker)
Fernando Torres
34
Birthdate: March 20, 1984
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Fuenlabrada, Spain

Fernando Torres is a former football player whose ability to score goals earned him a reputation as one of the best goal-scorers in the world. He helped his Spanish football team win their first FIFA World Cup in 2010. Such is his popularity in Spain that a stadium was built in his honor in Fuenlabrada, Spain, in 2011.

 20 
Juan Ponce de León
33
Birthdate: 1474 AD
Birthplace: Santervás de Campos
Died: June 30, 1521

Spanish explorer and conquistador Juan Ponce de León was the first governor of Puerto Rico but had to give away the governorship to Christopher Columbus's son, Diego. Juan led the first European expedition to Florida. He was knighted by King Ferdinand but died in an attempt to colonize coastal U.S.

 21 
Marc Márquez
(Spanish Professional Grand Prix Motorcycle Road Racer)
Marc Márquez
13
Birthdate: February 17, 1993
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Cervera, Spain

Marc Márquez is a Spanish professional road racer best known for his association with Repsol Honda. Having won eight Grand Prix World Championships so far, Márquez is counted among the most successful motorcycle racers in the history of motorcycle racing. The most successful and popular Spanish rider in MotoGP history, Márquez is also counted among the greatest innovators of MotoGP.

 22 
Raúl González
(Spanish Football Manager and Former Player Who Played as a Forward)
Raúl González
16
Birthdate: June 27, 1977
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 23 
Isabella I of Castile
(Former Queen of Castile and Leon (1474 - 1504))
Isabella I of Castile
15
Birthdate: April 22, 1451
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Madrigal de las Altas Torres, Spain
Died: November 26, 1504
Isabella I, the 15th-century queen of Castile and Leon and the wife of Ferdinand II, was the first Queen of Spain de facto. She was named a Servant of God by the Catholic Church and reformed the government, thus reducing crimes. She also funded Christopher Columbus's voyages to the Americas.
 24 
Francisco Goya
(Painters)
Francisco Goya
22
Birthdate: March 30, 1746
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Fuendetodos
Died: April 16, 1828
One of the most successful and distinguished artists of his time, Spanish painter Francisco Goya is regarded as both the first of the moderns and last of the Old Masters. His career was initially marked by Rococo style tapestry cartoons and Spanish aristocracy and royalty but later his works became pessimistic.
 25 
David de Gea
(Spanish Professional Football Player Who Plays as a Goalkeeper)
David de Gea
51
Birthdate: November 7, 1990
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain
Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea currently plays as a goalkeeper for Manchester United and has helped his team win a Premier League, an FA Cup, and an EFL Cup, among other titles. With his previous team, Atletico Madrid, he won a UEFA Europa League and a UEFA Super Cup.
 26 
Iker Casillas
(Spanish Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Goalkeeper)
Iker Casillas
46
Birthdate: May 20, 1981
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain

Iker Casillas is a Spanish former footballer who won the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Counted among the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the sport, Casillas was renowned for his spectacular saves and athleticism. He was named the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper on a record five occasions. Also a philanthropist, Casillas owns a charitable foundation in Spain.

 27 
Amancio Ortega Gaona
(Spanish Businessman and Co-Founder of Inditex Fashion Group)
Amancio Ortega Gaona
11
Birthdate: March 28, 1936
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Busdongo de Arbás, Spain
Former chairman and founder of Inditex fashion group, Amancio Ortega Gaona is renowned for it's chain Zara. He set the ball rolling for the fast fashion movement in the mid-70s. He first ventured into retail in his early teens, 
 28 
El Cid
(Military leader)
El Cid
8
Birthdate: 1043 AD
Birthplace: Vivar, Burgos
Died: July 10, 1099
Spanish folk hero Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, or El Cid, was a Castilian knight from medieval Spain. He had been part of both Christian and Muslim armies and is also remembered for his heroic conquest of Valencia. He remains immortalized in the Spanish epic poem El Cantar de Mio Cid.
 29 
Miguel de Cervantes
12
Birthdate: September 29, 1547
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Alcalá de Henares, Spain
Died: April 22, 1616

Miguel de Cervantes was a Spanish writer best known for his work Don Quixote, which is considered one of the high points of world literature. He is regarded as one of the greatest novelists of all time and the greatest writer to ever write in the Spanish language. His works have influenced other works of art like music and paintings.

 30 
Daniel Brühl
(One of the Most Versatile and Influential Spanish-German Actors and Filmmakers)
Daniel Brühl
33
Birthdate: June 16, 1978
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Barcelona, Spain

Spanish-German actor Daniel Brühl began his career with the soap Verbotene Liebe. Raised trilingual, he is now fluent in six languages. Hollywood knows him best as Fredrick Zoller from Inglourious Basterds, while he first made waves with the German film Good Bye, Lenin! He later co-owned two bars.

 31 
Alvaro Morata
(Spanish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Striker)
Alvaro Morata
28
Birthdate: October 23, 1992
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain

Alvaro Morata is a Spanish professional soccer player who has represented popular clubs like Real Madrid, Juventus, Chelsea, and Atlético Madrid. He is also an important player for the national team, having gathered the experience of playing in high-pressure tournaments like the UEFA European Football Championship. A versatile player, Alvaro Morata is best known for his pace, energy, and technique.

 32 
Mikel Arteta
(Spanish Professional Football Manager and Former Player)
Mikel Arteta
16
Birthdate: March 26, 1982
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: San Sebastián, Spain
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 33 
Carlos Alcaraz
(Spanish Professional Tennis Player)
Carlos Alcaraz
13
Birthdate: May 5, 2003
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
Often compared to tennis legend Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz joined the big league of Spanish tennis as a teenager and has already reached a career-high ranking of world number 32 in singles. He tested positive for COVID-19 in November 2021 and thus missed out on the Davis Cup that year. 
 34 
Thiago Alcântara
(Spanish Football Player Who Plays as a Central Midfielder)
Thiago Alcântara
31
Birthdate: April 11, 1991
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: San Pietro Vernotico, Italy

Italian-born Brazilian-origin footballer Thiago Alcântara grew up watching his footballer father Mazinho. The talented midfielder has played for teams such as Barcelona and Bayern Munich and now represents Liverpool and the national team of Spain. An injury prevented him from playing in the World Cup 2014.

 35 
Ansu Fati
(Spanish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Forward)
Ansu Fati
27
Birthdate: October 31, 2002
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 36 
Julio Iglesias
(Spanish Singer-Songwriter)
Julio Iglesias
23
Birthdate: September 23, 1943
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain
Legendary Spanish singer Julio Iglesias, father of singer Enrique Iglesias, won the first Guinness Diamond Disc for selling the most albums in the most languages ever. A Hall of Fame of Latin Composers inductee, he initially played for Real Madrid Castilla before an accident ended his football career.
 37 
Saint Ignatius of Loyola
(Priest, Confessor and Founder of the Society of Jesus)
Saint Ignatius of Loyola
15
Birthdate: October 23, 1491
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Azpeitia, Spain
Died: July 31, 1556

Saint Ignatius of Loyola was a  Spanish Basque Catholic priest and theologian in the 16th century. He was one of the founders of the religious order called the Society of Jesus and served as its first Superior General at Paris. He was an inspired spiritual director and the founder of what is today known as "Ignatian spirituality."

 38 
David Silva
( Spanish Professional Footballer Who Plays As Midfielder )
David Silva
22
Birthdate: January 8, 1986
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Arguineguín, Spain
Spanish footballer David Silva played a key role in Spain's victories in the UEFA Euro Cup in 2008 and 2012 and the FIFA World Cup in 2010. A midfielder, he is known for his dribbling skills and ability to retain possession of the ball. Having played for football clubs like Valencia and Manchester United, he currently plays for Real Sociedad.
 39 
Sergio García
(Spanish Professional Golfer)
Sergio García
8
Birthdate: January 9, 1980
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Borriol, Castellón, Spain
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 40 
Pedro Almodovar
(Spanish Film Director Whose Films Are Marked By Melodrama, Irreverent Humour, Bold Colour, Glossy Decor and Complex Narratives)
Pedro Almodovar
12
Birthdate: September 25, 1949
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Calzada de Calatrava, Spain

Pedro Almodovar is a Spanish screenwriter, filmmaker, and former actor. Regarded as one of the most successful Spanish filmmakers of all time, Almodovar has two Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and five British Academy Film Awards under his belt. His films are characterized by complex narratives, irreverent humor, and great music.

 41 
Diego Costa
(Professional Football Player Who Plays as a Striker)
Diego Costa
40
Birthdate: October 7, 1988
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Lagarto, State of Sergipe, Brazil

Diego Costa is a professional football player who helped Atlético Madrid win a UEFA Super Cup, Copa del Rey title, and La Liga title. Costa is one of the few footballers to have represented two international teams, having played for the Brazil national team and Spain national team; he played for the latter at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups.

 42 
Charles II of Spain
(King of Spain from 1665 to 1700)
Charles II of Spain
32
Birthdate: November 6, 1661
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain
Died: November 1, 1700

Charles II of Spain reigned as the king of Spain from 1665 to 1700. He was the last king from the House of Habsburg to rule the Spanish Empire. Despite suffering from many illnesses throughout his life, Charles proved to be a reasonably influential king. The town of Charleroi and the Caroline Islands in modern Belgium were named after Charles.

 43 
Alvaro Morte
(Actor)
Alvaro Morte
14
Birthdate: February 23, 1975
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Algeciras, Cádiz, Spain

Best known to fans as The Professor from the iconic Spanish series La Casa De Papel, or Money Heist, has won several awards for the role. He overcame cancer in his 30s. The father of twins is now a co-owner of the Spanish theater company 300 Pistolas.

 44 
Cesc Fàbregas
(Spanish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Central Midfielder)
Cesc Fàbregas
39
Birthdate: May 4, 1987
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Arenys de Mar, Spain

Cesc Fàbregas is a Spanish football player. Widely regarded as one of the best midfielders, Fàbregas played a key role in helping his national team win its first FIFA World Cup in 2010; his pass to Andrés Iniesta in the world cup final was converted into a goal, which gave Spain its first title.

 45 
Francisco Pizarro
(Spanish conquistador)
Francisco Pizarro
30
Birthdate: March 16, 1478
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Trujillo, Spain
Died: June 26, 1541

Francisco Pizarro was a Spanish conquistador best remembered for his expeditions that eventually paved the way for the Spanish conquest of Peru. Along with Vasco Núñez de Balboa, Pizarro became the first European to reach the Pacific Ocean after crossing the Isthmus of Panama. After two failed expeditions to Peru, Pizarro led a third and successful campaign to conquer Peru.

 46 
Juan Mata
(Spanish Professional Football Player Who Plays as a Midfielder)
Juan Mata
37
Birthdate: April 28, 1988
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Burgos, Spain

Known as an attacking midfielder from Spain, Juan Mata is a promising young footballer who plays for the Spanish national team and Manchester United. Born to a footballer father, he began his career with the Real Madrid youth team. While at Chelsea, fans called him Johnny Kills.

 47 
Isco
(Spanish Professional Footballer Who Plays as an Attacking Midfielder)
Isco
24
Birthdate: April 21, 1992
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Benalmádena, Spain

Isco is a Spanish football player best known for his excellent ball control and technique. Over the years, he has represented popular teams like Real Madrid and the Spain national team. He was named among the world's 30 best players during the 2017-18 season. 

 48 
Marco Asensio
(Spanish Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Winger and Attacking Midfielder)
Marco Asensio
18
Birthdate: January 21, 1996
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Palma, Majorca Palma, Spain
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 49 
Seve Ballesteros
(Spanish Professional Golfer)
Seve Ballesteros
7
Birthdate: April 9, 1957
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Pedreña, Cantabria, Spain
Died: May 7, 2011
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 50 
Placido Domingo
(Spanish Opera Singer, Conductor and Part of 'The Three Tenors' Operatic Singing Group)
Placido Domingo
11
Birthdate: January 21, 1941
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain

Spanish opera singer and conductor Plácido Domingo has performed in a variety of languages, such as English, Italian, French, Spanish, and German. The winner of nine Grammys and five Latin Grammys, he later performed as part of The Three Tenors, with legends Luciano Pavarotti and José Carreras, releasing bestselling albums.