Luis Enrique was born on May 8, 1970, in Gijón, Spain. Raised in an upper-middle-class family, his father was a businessman. Enrique developed a passion for football at an early age and began playing the sport when he was just five years old. He joined his hometown club, Sporting Gijón, where his football career officially began. His performances quickly established him as a key player and attracted attention from top European clubs.
In 1991, Luis Enrique signed with Real Madrid, where he played as a dynamic and versatile midfielder. Although capable of performing in multiple roles across the pitch, midfield remained his preferred position. During his five seasons at the club, he won several honors, including the La Liga title in the 1994–95 season. Despite his success on the field, Enrique often stood in the shadow of more celebrated teammates and did not receive widespread individual acclaim.
After his contract at Real Madrid ended in 1996, Luis Enrique made a surprising and significant move by joining arch-rivals FC Barcelona. Initially, his association with Real Madrid caused skepticism among Barcelona fans. However, his relentless determination and consistent performances eventually won over the supporters. Over time, he cemented his status as a fan favorite and was later appointed team captain.
Under his leadership, Barcelona claimed several trophies, including La Liga titles and domestic cup wins. Although there is no official record of him winning a UEFA Champions League title as a player with Barcelona, he remained a vital figure in the squad. He retired in 2004 at the age of 34. In 2004, Pelé included him in the FIFA 100 list of the greatest living footballers, recognizing his impact on the game.
Enrique represented Spain in three FIFA World Cup tournaments: 1994, 1998, and 2002. Known for his versatility and tactical intelligence, he earned 62 caps and scored 12 goals for the national team. Notably, Spain did not host the Olympics in 1996—instead, they hosted it in 1992 in Barcelona. Though Enrique competed in the 1992 Olympics, the Spanish national team did win the gold medal that year. He was an integral part of both the Olympic and senior squads during his international career.
| Birth Date: | 8 May, 1970 |
| Age: | 49 yrs |
| Occupations: | Association football player Association football manager |
| Citizenship: | Spain |
| Birth Place: | Gijón |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | Spanish footballer and manager |
| Net Worth 2021: | 1 million |
