Julio Iglesias, a global icon and one of the best-selling artists of all time, has captivated audiences for decades with his soulful voice and romantic ballads. Now, at 81, the legendary Spanish singer is set to open up about his life like never before. In a groundbreaking partnership, Netflix has secured a deal to bring the life of Julio Iglesias to the screen, marking the first time he will play an active role in telling his story.

“For years, there have been countless speculations, books, and documentaries about my life—none of which I was involved in,” Iglesias shared. “Now, I’ve decided to reveal the truth about my journey.” In this series, Iglesias will delve into the highs, lows, and pivotal moments that shaped his life, including a tragic accident that changed his destiny, steering him from a promising soccer career to becoming one of the most famous voices in Latin music.

From Goalkeeper to Global Music Icon

Born on September 23, 1943, in Madrid, Spain, Julio Iglesias was raised in a well-off family as the eldest son of Dr. Julio Iglesias Puga. Known for his charisma and talent, Julio excelled academically and athletically. He pursued a career as a goalkeeper, playing for Real Madrid’s youth team, Juvenil B, where he shared the locker room with stars like Manuel Velázquez, Ramón Moreno Grosso, and Pedro de Felipe. Julio dreamed of playing professional soccer, and his ambitions seemed within reach when he joined Real Madrid’s first team as a goalkeeper.

Reflecting on this time, Iglesias has said, “I feel at home in the world of soccer and I love it immensely.” While playing, he also studied law, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to both academics and sports. However, his life took a drastic turn in 1962.

The Accident that Changed Everything

On the night of September 22, 1962, Julio and a group of friends were out when their car crashed on the road to Majadahonda in Madrid. None of the passengers remembered how they arrived at the hospital, but the prognosis for Julio was bleak—he was left partially paralyzed with minimal hope of walking again. For a year and a half, he relied on intense therapy and exercises to regain mobility, marking the end of his soccer career and putting his law studies on hold.

During his long recovery, Julio’s life took an unexpected turn. A young nurse, Eladio Madaleno, gifted him a guitar to help him exercise his fingers and pass the time. It was through this instrument that Julio discovered a new passion. As he began to set his poems to music, he found solace in singing and songwriting. The pain and sadness he endured, coupled with the healing he found in music, completely transformed his outlook. Julio’s connection to music deepened as he continued to write songs that would eventually touch the hearts of millions worldwide.

Musical Beginnings and a Chance Encounter

Julio’s recovery journey brought him to Peñíscola, a coastal town in Castellón, where his family spent summers. There, he performed in small venues around the old town, often collaborating with local musicians. His time in Peñíscola became a cherished chapter in his early music career, inspiring a deep connection with the area that his father honored by opening a hotel named after one of Julio’s songs, Hey.

After regaining his strength, Julio resumed his studies and traveled to London to learn English. First staying in Ramsgate, he later attended the Bell Language School in Cambridge. On weekends, he performed at a local pub, singing songs by Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck, and The Beatles. During his time in Cambridge, he met Gwendoline Bell, who inspired one of his early hits, Gwendolyne. Julio’s musical career was officially taking off, and he quickly rose to stardom across Spain and Latin America.

The Romantic Life of a Charismatic Star

As Julio’s career soared, so did his reputation as a heartthrob. Often called the “Spanish Sinatra,” he projected sophistication and elegance, winning the adoration of women worldwide. Reflecting on his younger days, he once said, “I was a flirty man, you know? A rock and roll guy.” He admitted that his lifestyle and fame contributed to a string of romantic relationships, though he later insisted that much of the speculation about his love life was exaggerated.

One of the most significant relationships in Julio’s life began in 1970 when he met Maria Isabel Preysler Arrastia, a Spanish-Filipina socialite and journalist, during her first assignment for Hola! magazine. Their whirlwind romance led to marriage in January 1971, just seven months after meeting. The young couple soon welcomed their first child, Chábeli, followed by Julio José in 1973, and Enrique Miguel in 1975—the same Enrique Iglesias who would later become a music superstar in his own right.

However, behind the glamour of magazine covers and public appearances, cracks began to form in their relationship. As Julio’s career skyrocketed, he spent more time touring, leaving Isabel to care for their young family. Tensions grew as rumors of infidelity emerged, ultimately leading to their separation in 1979 and eventual divorce in 1980. Isabel remained in Spain with their three children, while Julio moved to Miami, beginning a new chapter in his life.

A Second Chance at Love: Miranda Rijnsburger

In December 1990, Julio’s life took an unexpected turn when he crossed paths with Miranda Rijnsburger, a Dutch secretary and part-time model, at an airport in Jakarta, Indonesia. Though Julio was 47 and still recovering from the end of his marriage, something about Miranda caught his attention. He immediately invited her to his concert that night, and their connection blossomed quickly.

What began as a chance encounter soon evolved into a profound relationship. Miranda moved into Julio’s Miami home, where she became a beloved presence in the lives of his children from his first marriage. Over the years, Miranda and Julio built a family of their own, welcoming five children: Miguel Alejandro (born 1997), Rodrigo (1999), twins Victoria and Cristina (2001), and Guillermo (2007).

In August 2010, after two decades together, Julio and Miranda formalized their relationship by marrying in an intimate ceremony at their Marbella estate, Cuatro Lunas. Their five children and close staff attended the private event. Julio later shared, “We chose to marry here because both my wife and I have a deep love for Spain and are very happy in our home in Marbella.” Miranda wore two elegant white lace dresses designed by their friend, fashion icon Oscar de la Renta, adding to the beauty of the occasion.

A Life of Music and Enduring Legacy

Julio Iglesias’s life is a powerful story of resilience, love, and passion. From a tragic accident that derailed his soccer dreams to a music career that made him an international sensation, Julio’s journey has been one of reinvention and triumph. Today, as he steps into his 80s, Julio remains an inspiration, not only for his music but also for his dedication to family and his deep love for his homeland.

Through Netflix’s upcoming series, Julio Iglesias will finally reveal his side of the story, sharing the experiences that shaped his legendary career and personal life. For fans around the world, this promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into the heart and soul of the “Spanish Sinatra,” a man whose life is as captivating as his music.