Luis Enrique, whose full name is Luis Enrique Martínez García, was born on May 8, 1970, in Gijón, Asturias, Spain. He is a Spanish football manager and former professional footballer who played as a midfielder and forward. He represented Sporting Gijón, Real Madrid, and FC Barcelona during his playing career. After retiring, he became a manager, coaching Barcelona, AS Roma, Celta Vigo, and the Spanish national team. In July 2023, he became head coach of Paris Saint-Germain. He led Barcelona to the UEFA Champions League title in 2015 and Paris Saint-Germain to consecutive titles in 2025 and 2026.

Early Life and Football Beginnings

Luis Enrique was born and raised in Gijón, a city in the northern Spanish region of Asturias. He began playing football as a child and entered the youth system of Sporting Gijón at the age of eleven.

After developing through youth football, he played for Sporting Gijón's reserve team before making his first-team debut. His performances in the Spanish league led to a transfer to Real Madrid in 1991.

Professional Football Career

Between 1991 and 1996, Luis Enrique played for Real Madrid. His ability to operate in midfield, on the wing, and in attacking positions allowed him to perform different roles. He won the Spanish league title with Real Madrid in the 1994–1995 season and the Copa del Rey in 1993.

In 1996, he joined FC Barcelona on a free transfer. He played for the Catalan club until 2004, serving in midfield and attacking positions. During his eight seasons at Barcelona, he won two La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey titles, the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Spanish Super Cup.

He played under managers including Bobby Robson, Louis van Gaal, and Frank Rijkaard. He announced his retirement from professional football on August 10, 2004, at the age of 34.

Spanish National Team

Luis Enrique represented Spain's senior national team between 1991 and 2002, making 62 appearances and scoring 12 goals.

He competed in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, 1998 FIFA World Cup, and 2002 FIFA World Cup, as well as the UEFA Euro 1996 tournament.

He was also a member of the Spanish team that won the gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.

Life After Retirement and Endurance Sports

After retiring from football, Luis Enrique spent some time living in Australia, where he pursued an interest in surfing.

He subsequently participated in endurance sports, including marathon running and triathlons. He completed the New York City Marathon in 2005, the Amsterdam Marathon in 2006, and the Florence Marathon in 2007.

He also competed in the Frankfurt Ironman triathlon in 2007 and completed the Marathon des Sables, a multiday endurance race held in the Moroccan Sahara Desert, in 2008.

Beginning of His Coaching Career

In 2008, Luis Enrique became head coach of FC Barcelona B, succeeding Pep Guardiola. He managed the reserve team until 2011 and secured promotion to Spain's second division in 2010.

On June 20, 2011, he signed a two-year contract with Italian club AS Roma. His first season ended with Roma finishing seventh in Serie A. He left the club in May 2012, after one season in charge.

Following a year away from coaching, he was appointed manager of Celta Vigo in June 2013. The Galician club finished ninth in La Liga during the 2013–2014 season.

FC Barcelona Manager

In May 2014, Luis Enrique was appointed head coach of FC Barcelona, succeeding Gerardo Martino. His first season brought three major titles: La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League.

Barcelona won the 2015 Champions League final by defeating Juventus 3–1 in Berlin. The team's attacking players included Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Neymar.

During the 2015–2016 season, Barcelona retained both the La Liga and Copa del Rey titles. Across his three seasons in charge, Luis Enrique won nine trophies, including two league championships, three Copa del Rey titles, one Champions League title, one UEFA Super Cup, one FIFA Club World Cup, and one Spanish Super Cup.

He announced that he would leave at the end of the 2016–2017 season. His final competitive match as Barcelona manager was the Copa del Rey final on May 27, 2017, which Barcelona won against Deportivo Alavés.

Manager of the Spanish National Team

In July 2018, Luis Enrique was appointed head coach of the Spanish national football team.

He temporarily stepped away from his responsibilities in 2019 because of a serious illness affecting his youngest daughter, Xana. He formally resigned in June 2019 and returned as national team manager in November of that year.

He led Spain to the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2020, played in 2021, and the final of the 2021 UEFA Nations League, where Spain lost to France.

At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Spain was eliminated by Morocco in the round of 16 following a penalty shootout. Luis Enrique left his position in December 2022.

Paris Saint-Germain and Champions League Titles

On July 5, 2023, Luis Enrique was appointed head coach of French club Paris Saint-Germain, succeeding Christophe Galtier.

In his first season, PSG won the 2023–2024 Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France.

During the 2024–2025 season, he led PSG to the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France, and the club's first UEFA Champions League trophy. PSG defeated Inter Milan 5–0 in the Champions League final on May 31, 2025.

The following season, PSG retained the Champions League title by defeating Arsenal on penalties in the 2026 final. The club also won its third consecutive Ligue 1 championship under Luis Enrique.

On September 4, 2026, Paris Saint-Germain announced that Luis Enrique had signed a new contract extending his stay until 2030.

Personal Life

Luis Enrique married Elena Cullell on December 27, 1997, in Barcelona. They had three children: Pacho, Sira, and Xana.

Their youngest daughter, Xana, died on August 29, 2019, at the age of nine, after suffering from osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. Luis Enrique had temporarily withdrawn from his responsibilities with the Spanish national team during her illness.

Youth Career

• 1981–1988 – Sporting Gijón youth system and associated youth teams

Professional Playing Career

• 1988–1990 – Sporting Gijón B
• 1989–1991 – Sporting Gijón
• 1991–1996 – Real Madrid
• 1996–2004 – FC Barcelona

International Career

• 1991–1992 – Spain Olympic team
• 1991–2002 – Spain senior national team (62 appearances, 12 goals)

Managerial Career

• 2008–2011 – FC Barcelona B
• 2011–2012 – AS Roma
• 2013–2014 – Celta Vigo
• 2014–2017 – FC Barcelona
• 2018–2019 – Spain national team
• 2019–2022 – Spain national team
• 2023–present – Paris Saint-Germain

Source: Biyografiler.com