Spain's world cup champions live a humble life, distant from celebrity

Despite being crowned champions of the World Cup, Spain's national football team stands out for its down-to-earth lifestyle, far removed from the glitz and glamour often associated with sporting superstars.

From humble beginnings to global glory

Captain Rodri, for instance, started out with an Opel Corsa as his first car. Similarly, defender Eric García still resides in his hometown of Martorell, a Barcelona suburb where he was born 25 years ago and returned to in 2021 after his stint at Manchester City and signing with Barcelona.

García's affinity for Martorell is palpable, allowing him to maintain a discreet lifestyle away from the intense spotlight that typically accompanies elite footballers. He has many friends who work at the nearby Seat car factory, a connection he openly acknowledges.

Seat's Martorell plant, which opened in 1993, is a behemoth of the Automotive industry, covering over 2.8 million square meters – roughly the size of 400 football fields – and employing around 12,000 people. This close relationship between the town and the factory has led many locals, including García's friends, to pursue careers in the motor sector.

Martorell itself boasts a rich history, with landmarks like the ancient Roman Puente del Diablo, the 11th-century Church of Santa Margarida, and the ruins of the medieval Monastery of San Ginés de Rocafort. The town's architecture also features Renaissance-era structures like the tower of Santa Lucía, where Spanish monarchs once stayed.