Luis Rubiales is a Spanish football executive who is the current president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). He is a controversial figure who has been accused of corruption and mismanagement.
Early life and youth career
Rubiales was born in Elche, Spain, on March 24, 1973. He started playing football at a young age and joined the youth academy of Elche CF at the age of 10. He progressed through the ranks of the academy and made his senior debut for the club in 1992.
Senior career
Rubiales spent most of his senior career in Spain, playing for Elche CF, Alicante CF, and Hércules CF. He also played for clubs in Portugal and Belgium.
Rubiales was a journeyman player who never really made it at the top level. He retired from playing football in 2007.
Managerial career
Rubiales began his managerial career in 2007, when he was appointed manager of Hércules CF B. He was promoted to manager of the first team in 2008.
Rubiales was sacked by Hércules CF in 2009. He has not managed a team since then.
RFEF president
Rubiales was elected president of the RFEF in 2018. He defeated incumbent Ángel María Villar in a landslide victory.
Rubiales's presidency has been marked by controversy. He has been accused of corruption and mismanagement, and he has been investigated by the Spanish government.
Rubiales's past, present history and his profile
Rubiales is a complex and controversial figure. He is a talented football executive who has achieved great things, but he has also been accused of corruption and mismanagement. Only time will tell how his presidency of the RFEF will be remembered.
"Rubiales is a very ambitious man who is determined to make his mark on Spanish football. He is also a very shrewd operator who is not afraid to play hardball," said Spanish football journalist Sid Lowe.
