Spanish Footballer Alberto Lejarraga Celebrates Marriage to Husband Ruben Fernandez

Alberto Lejarraga, the goalkeeper for Marbella FC and the only openly gay male footballer in Spain’s men’s leagues, has celebrated his marriage to his longtime partner, marking a historic moment for LGBTQ+ visibility in European sports. The ceremony, attended by close friends, family, and supporters, is being celebrated as an important milestone in the ongoing journey for equality and inclusion in football and beyond .

Lejarraga first made headlines in April 2023 when he publicly came out as gay, sharing a heartfelt social media post featuring photos of himself and his partner following his team’s promotion to a higher league . His openness was widely praised by both the Spanish football community and international LGBTQ+ organizations, with many lauding his courage and the positive impact of his visibility .

The recent wedding ceremony, which took place in Spain, was a joyful affirmation of Lejarraga’s commitment to living authentically, both on and off the field. Friends and teammates shared messages of support, and social media was filled with celebratory posts from fans across the globe congratulating the couple .

Lejarraga’s journey is notable not only for his personal courage but also for the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ athletes in men’s professional football. Spain, despite being recognized for its progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights, has had very few openly gay male footballers in its professional leagues . Lejarraga remains the only out player in the men’s game at this level, a fact he has spoken about in interviews as both a privilege and a responsibility .

His decision to share both his coming out and his marriage publicly has been widely described as a beacon of hope for younger athletes and LGBTQ+ sports fans who may struggle with acceptance or fear of discrimination .

LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, including local organizations in Spain and international campaigns for equality in sport, have applauded Lejarraga’s visibility and the positive message his marriage sends. “Alberto’s openness is a powerful reminder that love and authenticity belong in every arena, including sports,” said a spokesperson for a leading Spanish LGBTQ+ rights organization .

Messages of congratulations have poured in from fans, athletes, and public figures. Social media has played a significant role in amplifying the celebration, with hashtags related to Lejarraga’s wedding trending in Spain and in LGBTQ+ sports circles internationally . Supporters have noted how his visibility challenges persistent stereotypes and helps foster a more inclusive sporting culture.

Lejarraga’s marriage stands as a testament to the progress made in acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities within the realm of sports, but it also highlights the distance yet to travel. While women’s football in Spain and around the world has seen greater openness around LGBTQ+ inclusion, the men’s game continues to be marked by a lack of openly queer players .

In interviews reflecting on his journey, Lejarraga has emphasized the importance of visibility and the need for ongoing support for LGBTQ+ athletes at every level. “I hope that by living openly, others will feel empowered to do the same, knowing that they have a community behind them,” he stated in a recent public appearance .

As the football world congratulates Alberto Lejarraga and his husband, their celebration is more than a personal milestone—it is a visible moment of pride for LGBTQ+ people in sports and a hopeful sign of changing times. The outpouring of support underscores the value of representation and the ongoing efforts to ensure that football, like all facets of society, is a place where everyone can thrive as their authentic selves.