Los ídolos del mundo hispano
A whistle-stop tour of who Spanish-speaking young people admire — across sport, music, film, science and activism.
If you walked into a Spanish secondary school today and asked who their idols are, the answer wouldn't be just one. Messi for football, Rosalía for music, Penélope Cruz for film, Ibai for streaming, Greta Thunberg for activism — and increasingly, their own parents and teachers. Knowing this range gives any GCSE answer cultural depth that other students don't have.
Throughout the article, the useful Spanish words and phrases are highlighted (with their meaning in brackets). Tap the on any phrase to hear it.
For sport, Lionel Messi is undoubtedly the most universally admired figure across the Spanish-speaking world. He won the World Cup in 2022 with Argentina.
Para mí, Messi es el mejor jugador de la historia del fútbol.
For me, Messi is the best player in the history of football.
Other names that come up constantly:
- Rafa Nadal — 22 Grand Slam titles, retired in 2024
- Carlos Alcaraz — the new prince of tennis
- Pau Gasol — best Spanish basketball player ever
- Aitana Bonmatí — Ballon d'Or winner
In music and film:
- Rosalía — global pop star who brought flamenco to mainstream
- Bad Bunny — most-streamed artist in the world, sings only in Spanish
- Penélope Cruz — Óscar winner, represents Spain at every major event
- Pedro Almodóvar — two-time Óscar-winning director, cultural icon
Rosalía es un icono cultural que representa la modernidad española.
Rosalía is a cultural icon that represents Spanish modernity.
Pedro Almodóvar ha ganado dos premios Óscar a lo largo de su carrera.
Pedro Almodóvar has won two Óscar awards over the course of his career.
What surprises many British students: among young Spaniards, the most respected role models are often no famosos (non-famous): parents, teachers, healthcare workers, activists.
Mi mayor referente no es famoso — es mi madre.
My biggest role model isn't famous — it's my mum.
This reflects a Spanish cultural value: la familia and la educación as the bedrock of identity, more than fame.
Mi mayor referente es mi entrenadora porque me anima cada semana.
My biggest role model is my coach because she encourages me every week.
Admiro a Rosalía porque ha hecho del flamenco un fenómeno global.
I admire Rosalía because she has made flamenco a global phenomenon.
Lo que más me fascina de Carlos Alcaraz es su humildad pese a su éxito mundial.
What I find most fascinating about Carlos Alcaraz is his humility despite his global success.
Si pudiera elegir un modelo a seguir, sería Greta Thunberg.
If I could choose a role model, it would be Greta Thunberg.
El mundo hispano ofrece una variedad enorme de ídolos. En el deporte, Messi y Carlos Alcaraz son referentes mundiales. En la cultura, Rosalía y Pedro Almodóvar representan una España moderna y creativa. Sin embargo, mi mayor referente no es famoso: es mi madre, que es enfermera. Lo que más admiro de ella es su humildad y su generosidad. Por un lado, los famosos pueden inspirar a millones; sin embargo, los verdaderos héroes están a menudo más cerca de casa. Si pudiera, me gustaría conocer a Carlos Alcaraz para preguntarle cómo gestiona la presión a su edad.
Uses names of five real Spanish-speaking idols across sport, music, film and the everyday — plus a si clause and a contrast. Top-band cultural depth.