Spanish footballer Alberto Lejárraga, the only openly gay male footballer currently playing in Spain, has married his longtime partner, actor and musician Rubén Fernández, in a stunning celebration on the country’s south coast.
The couple shared glimpses of their special day in a joyful Instagram post — three weeks after tying the knot — while on honeymoon in Japan.
“Without a doubt, the best of our lives!” they wrote.
“We make this post to share all of this, but most of all to give thanks.
To thank the people who joined us that day.
To thank all of you who took the time to congratulate us.
To thank you, in short, to those who are glad that we could live such a great day!”
The intimate yet lively wedding took place surrounded by close family and friends, with a massive after-party that radiated love and joy — something clearly visible in their Instagram carousel, which features heartfelt photos and video snippets of the ceremony and celebration.
‘We want to thank you all’
Lejárraga, a goalkeeper currently playing for UD San Sebastián de los Reyes, came out publicly in 2023. At the time, he celebrated his former team Marbella FC’s promotion to Spain’s fourth tier in a tweet that quietly acknowledged his partner:
“Thank you so much for always being by my side,” he wrote.
“In the good times and the not-so-good ones! This time we got to experience the beauty of it! THANK YOU.”
Their wedding post on Instagram also gave special thanks to the friends and loved ones who supported the planning of their big day:
“We want to thank you all again — friends and family, in short, wonderful people whom we love above all.
And especially to those of you who have been helping us with little things that we needed your help with.”
They also shared a highlight of the evening — a choreographed first dance to a musical mash-up — and expressed deep gratitude to everyone who made the day magical.
“Again, a thousand times thank you, thank you and thank you!!! ❤️❤️❤️”
A landmark moment in football
While the top tiers of men’s football still lack openly gay players, Lejárraga’s marriage is a rare and history-making moment for the sport. He becomes the first openly gay male footballer in Spain to marry a same-sex partner while still active in the league.
The heartwarming moment comes just after Australian footballer Josh Cavallo announced his move to the UK and engagement to his partner. With Cavallo now signed to Peterborough Sports FC, fans are wondering — could he be next to walk down the aisle?!
