Some people are born stars. Some become them. And then there’s Julio Iglesias — the man who became a legend thanks to a car accident and a nurse with a guitar. Isn’t that the perfect script for a Hollywood movie?
In 1943, in Madrid, the future “King of Latin Romance” was born into the family of one of Spain’s youngest gynecologists. The irony of fate: the father helped deliver children, while the son would later have so many that even he might lose count.
Little Julio didn’t dream of the stage but of the soccer field. And yet, he wasn’t even accepted into his school choir! Imagine: the boy whom the choir teacher once warned, “Do anything you want, just don’t sing!” later became one of the best-selling performers in the world. Life certainly has a sense of humor.
Iglesias trained to be both a goalkeeper for Real Madrid and a lawyer — ambitious, right? But in 1963, when he was 20, fate intervened in the form of a car accident. With spinal injuries, his football career was over — but his musical journey had just begun.
While bedridden, Julio received a gift from a kind nurse: a guitar, meant to help him regain hand coordination. Little did she know she was giving the world a future Guinness World Record–holding artist.
Love Conquests: 3,000 — and That’s Just Before 1976
If you think modern TikTok stars live wild lives, you clearly don’t know Julio Iglesias’s biography. The man openly boasted that in 1970 he had a fiancée in every one of the 41 Spanish cities he toured. Talk about organizational skills!
When asked once if it was true he’d had more than 3,000 lovers, Julio modestly replied: “It seems they only counted the ones before 1976 — the later ones weren’t included.” What can you say — his ambitions grew with his fame.
Julio Iglesias and His Wife
In 1971, the heartthrob decided to settle down a little, marrying journalist Isabel Preysler. Romantic story? Not quite. Isabel later admitted: “We didn’t marry for great love, but because I was pregnant.”
The priest who officiated their wedding even remarked that he had never seen such a sad bride. And who could be cheerful knowing her husband was having affairs with random women in hotels during tours? When Isabel called him, it was often strangers who picked up the phone. So much for marital bliss.
Still, the marriage brought three children into the world: daughter Chábeli and later sons Julio Jr. and Enrique (yes, that Enrique Iglesias). In 1978, Isabel filed for divorce, saying she simply wasn’t happy. Surprised?
Affairs with Stars: From Priscilla to Yolanda
After the divorce, Julio didn’t fall into depression — he lived even more freely. Among his partners were Priscilla Presley (Elvis’s ex-wife), Bond girl Ursula Andress, and even Yolanda Hadid — the future mother of supermodels Bella and Gigi.
Ursula once admitted: “Julio is an amazing lover. He’s so romantic.” Meanwhile, 22-year-old Yolanda was ready to give up her career to start a family with him — but Julio had no such plans.
Miranda: 22 Years Younger and a 20-Year Wait for Marriage
In 1990, Julio met Dutch model Miranda Rijnsburger, 22 years younger than him. “I was scared by his playboy reputation, but I fell madly in love,” Miranda confessed.
Interestingly, their wedding didn’t happen until 2010! Twenty years of “preparation” — even perfectionists would find that too much. Miranda joked that she delayed the ceremony because she wanted their twin daughters to serve as bridesmaids. Spanish media, however, claimed Julio simply remained true to himself, and Miranda learned to give him freedom.
Their relationship produced five children: sons Miguel Alejandro, Rodrigo, and Guillermo, and twin daughters Victoria and Cristina. Quite impressive productivity!
Son Against His Will: A DNA Detective Story
In 2019, news broke that Julio might have another son — Javier Sánchez, from an affair with a Portuguese ballerina in 1975. Iglesias denied paternity and refused to take a DNA test.
So Javier resorted to detective tactics worthy of a TV series: with help, he obtained a water bottle used by Julio Jr. and handed it to specialists. The results confirmed sibling DNA.
Though the court didn’t accept this as official proof, the judge ruled in Javier’s favor, citing strong resemblance. Later, Spain’s Supreme Court overturned the decision, but Javier still fights on. “I just want him to meet his granddaughter,” he says.
Son Enrique
Julio’s most famous son, Enrique, cut ties with his father for 10 years at age 18. The reason? Julio didn’t want him to become a singer. “We had a serious fight, and I just walked away without looking back,” Enrique revealed.
The full reconciliation only came after Julio became a grandfather. “We had a heart-to-heart. Everything went great,” Enrique shared.
Secrets of Youth from the 80-Year-Old Macho
Now 82, Julio has no plans to slow down. His secrets for staying young? Daily cold-water swimming, minimal food (mostly seafood, garlic, and olive oil), and a zest for life. “I enjoy every single day,” the artist says.
He now lives in the Dominican Republic, enjoying peace and solitude while devoting himself to creativity — though he often shares loving posts about Miranda on social media.
From Zero to World Record Holder
Throughout his career, Iglesias has released around 80 albums and earned a Guinness World Record as one of the best-selling artists in history. He sings in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, Japanese…
