Is Marc Gasol Married? Everything You Need to Know About Ex-NBA Star’s Lesser-Known Family

Marc Gasol, a household name in basketball scenarios, yet his personal life remains a mystery. Yes, he is celebrated for his incredible achievements on both the NBA stage and with Spain’s national team. And after two decades at the top, he decided to hang up his sneakers for good to focus on something even more important—family. “I want to be a better father, a better husband, a better friend. Basketball makes you isolate yourself a lot and not be as present as you should be,” he admitted in his emotional retirement speech. (credit: El Espanol and translated by Google Translate)

So yes, the former Toronto Raptors star is not only married but is a father to two kids. But here’s the thing: while we have followed Marc’s career so closely, his personal life has always been under the wraps. So let’s dive into the lesser-known side of this basketball legend.

A closer look at Marc Gasol’s married life

The 34-year-old NBA icon is married to Cristina Blesa. If you’re scratching your head wondering why you haven’t heard much about her, there’s a reason—she shuns the public spotlight. No Facebook, no Twitter, and no Instagram. It’s rare these days to find someone who prefers life outside the social media bubble.

While we do not have much info on her, what we do know is her love story with Gasol, according to El Espanol, began in 2007, when the two met and started a relationship. That year marked the beginning of a journey that would eventually lead to the start of their family.

Now, despite keeping things under wraps, Blesa had a major brush with media attention in 2011 at the EuroBasket Championship celebration. She and Gasol were already an item then, and the world got a rare glimpse of the pair together.

Fast forward to August 7, 2013, and the couple exchanged vows in Girona, Spain. As Vanitatis noted, Marc Gasol confirmed the nuptials during an interview with his brother, Pau. Girona’s charm aside, the wedding itself was a highly private affair.

According to HoopsHype, the wedding took place at Can Riera de la Pineda, a beautifully restored Roman villa. But here’s where things took a turn. In an effort to keep the media away, Gasol reportedly hired 18 security guards. El Mundo reported that the measures didn’t sit well with locals. Especially when police had to step in to remove the guards from what turned out to be public land.

The wedding, however, was still a successful and memorable affair. After tying the knot, the couple enjoyed a peaceful boat trip around Menorca, as Divinity shared. The following year, their family grew in 2014 with the birth of their daughter, Julia. And in 2017, they welcomed their son, Luca, completing their tight-knit family.

Marc Gasol has the feeling that being a parent is the best thing in his life

For many of us, life after a demanding career can be daunting. But for Marc Gasol, it’s been nothing short of transformative. In an interview with Grind City Media (GCM), the former NBA star opened up about his journey from a professional basketball obsession to embracing the simple joys of parenthood.

When asked about the best part of his life right now, Gasol’s response was refreshingly honest. “Being (daughter) Julia’s and (son) Luca’s dad. Just going to 9-year-old birthday parties and being with their classmates who don’t know anything about basketball. It’s a nice transition into the normal life,” he shared.

A man who once commanded courts around the world now finds joy in mingling with kids who couldn’t care less about his slam dunks or championships. Marc Gasol also reflected on how stepping away from basketball improved his life in ways he didn’t expect.

“I enjoy sleeping much better now because I don’t play anymore. My obsession with basketball wasn’t always healthy, so I get to sleep a lot better throughout the year,” he admitted. This is something that has helped the 3x All-Star take on another meaningful role, beyond just being a dad: coaching youth basketball. And he believes being a parent has helped him become a better coach.

“It’s the ultimate process in life to become a parent. For me, it’s a continuous test,” he explained, adding that parenting has shifted his perspective. “You’re not the main character anymore,” he said. Isn’t that the essence of being a parent?

The 2019 NBA champ now focuses on helping his kids–and the young players he mentors–navigate life with confidence and resilience. For Marc Gasol, the spotlight may have dimmed, but his life has never been brighter.

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