Ricky Martin’s journey as a father has captured fans’ attention, especially as his family has grown over the years. Here’s a look at Ricky’s life as a dad, and a glimpse at how much his kids have grown and what they look like today.
As a global superstar, Ricky Martin has captivated audiences worldwide with his talent and charisma. Beyond the spotlight, however, his most cherished role is that of a devoted father. Approaching his 53rd birthday on December 24, Martin continues to balance his legendary career with the joys of parenthood.
Over the years, he has shared glimpses of his life as a father, offering fans a window into the happiness his children bring him. Here’s a closer look at how his four kids have blossomed, revealing their personalities and growth along the way.
Ricky Martin’s Divorce and His Journey to Fatherhood
After six years of marriage, Ricky and his former partner, Jwan Yosef, announced their separation in 2023. Despite parting ways, the couple expressed their mutual dedication to maintaining a stable and loving environment for their children.
In a joint statement, Ricky and Jwan affirmed that they would end their marriage “with love, respect, and dignity for our children,” sharing their hopes for a healthy family dynamic built on peace and friendship.
They stressed that their priority was to ensure that their kids — daughter Lucia and son Renn — continued to grow in a supportive and respectful atmosphere. While the former couple share their two youngest children, the Puerto Rican star also has teenage twin sons from a previous relationship.
Becoming a dad had always been a deeply personal journey for Ricky. In past interviews, the singer opened up about the complexities he faced while grappling with his desire for children.
“For many years I dreamt of being a father,” he said, acknowledging the struggle he faced while he was a closeted gay man.
He worried that his dream of fatherhood might never come to be as adoption was “very difficult” for gay men in some countries. Ricky eventually turned to surrogacy, finding it a fulfilling path to realizing his wish for children.
Meet Ricky Martin’s Twins
Ricky became a father following the birth of his twin boys, Matteo and Valentino, in August 2008. The boys were first introduced to the world through a heartwarming magazine feature that captured Ricky’s joy and wonder at becoming a parent.
The singer, who was hands-on from the start, spoke openly about the profound happiness that came with his new role. “I’m so happy!” he said at the time, describing fatherhood as a spiritual experience.
Matteo Martin, captured circa 2009, showed an early curiosity and energy that his father, Ricky Martin, cherished during those early parenting days. As one of Ricky’s twin sons, Matteo’s childhood was filled with love and hands-on care from his devoted dad. | Source: Getty Images
As one of Ricky’s beloved twin sons, Valentino Martin’s, captured circa 2009, early years were filled with love and attention from his devoted father, who cherished every milestone along the way. | Source: Getty Images
Ricky Martin with his twin sons, Valentino and Matteo, during a relaxed day by the beach in Miami on August 18, 2009. As a hands-on father, Ricky embraced every moment with his boys, cherishing these early years. | Source: Getty Images
Ricky Martin shared a playful beach day with his twins. The family enjoyed the simple joy of sun and sand, marking an early memory in Ricky’s journey as a dedicated dad. | Source: Getty Images
Ricky Martin walked along the Miami shore with his sons, Valentino and Matteo. The tender beach moment highlighted Ricky’s deep connection with his boys as he embraced fatherhood wholeheartedly. | Source: Getty Images
“Everything they do, from smiling to crying, feels like a blessing,” he shared, brimming with pride. From the very beginning, the singer took an active approach to parenting his twins. Declining to hire a nanny, he handled every detail himself, relishing the early bonding moments.
He was even present in the delivery room during their birth, experiencing a flood of emotions as he held Matteo and Valentino skin-to-skin for the first time.
Describing those precious moments, Ricky recalled how he was filled with nervous excitement as he held his newborn sons, soaking in every detail. It was, as he described, “the most beautiful feeling,” with family members by his side, equally moved by the experience.
Ricky Martin, accompanied by his sons Matteo and Valentino, and then-partner Jwan Yosef, attended the premiere of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” on December 10, 2016, in Hollywood. The twins, now much older, have grown into young adults with unique personalities. | Source: Getty Images
Ricky Martin attended the 61st Annual Grammy Awards on February 10, 2019, in Los Angeles, with one of his twin sons by his side. The father-son duo showcased a stylish bond on the red carpet, hinting at the close relationship that continues to grow as his boys mature. | Source: Getty Images
Jwan Yosef and Ricky Martin attended the 23rd Annual Human Rights Campaign National Dinner on September 28, 2019, in Washington, DC, with Matteo and Valentino. The twins showed their budding individuality, reflecting Ricky’s support for each child’s unique expression. | Source: Getty Images
Now, Matteo and Valentino have grown into teenagers with ambitions and interests of their own. The twins seem to be following in their famous father’s footsteps, each developing distinct passions within the entertainment world.
Matteo is drawn to the arts, displaying a budding interest that Ricky wholeheartedly supports. Meanwhile, Valentino, more tech-focused, dreams of becoming a YouTuber, eager to make his mark in the digital world.
Valentino Martin’s mirror selfie, posted on May 22, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/tino_mart1n
Valentino Martin’s photos, posted on November 4, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/tino_mart1n
Valentino Martin’s photos, posted on November 4, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/tino_mart1n
Ricky, understanding the importance of encouragement, has been there to cheer them on. Recalling his own journey into the spotlight, the South American musician shared how his father supported his artistic aspirations, a gesture he now mirrors with his sons.
“I have the experience. I will clean the path for them,” Ricky said. As for their father’s work, Matteo and Valentino have no reservations about giving their famous dad candid feedback, from critiquing his new music to commenting on his performances.
Known for being “picky,” the boys don’t hold back when they feel his work could be stronger, but their praise is just as meaningful. When they heard a recent single and approved, Ricky knew he had struck a chord.
The singer once joked about his twins’ blunt critiques, recalling how they’d say things like, “Dad, yesterday was better than today,” or “Today was a little bit weak, Dad,” showing a dynamic where respect and honesty flow both ways in the Martin household.
In 2023, Ricky took to Instagram to share a touching clip that captured the moment his twins joined him on stage during a live performance. “What a beautiful surprise! When my twins jumped on stage with me for the first time in Locarno, Switzerland,” the caption read in part.
“They are big boys now,” one social media user commented. “Beautiful boys !!😍,” another added. A third typed, “What????? Arent they like 3 years old??? Omg!!!😍 [sic].”
Valentino and Matteo Martin joined their father, Ricky Martin, at the premiere of “Palm Royale” on March 14, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California. Now young adults, the twins showcased their distinct styles alongside Ricky. | Source: Getty Images
Welcoming Lucia and Renn
Ricky’s family expanded once more with the birth of his daughter, Lucia, in 2018. Arriving a decade after her older twin brothers, Lucia was a special addition to the Martin family, becoming the singer’s first daughter.
“We are beyond happy to announce that we have become parents to a beautiful and healthy baby girl, Lucia Martin-Yosef. […] Both her beautiful brothers, me and Jwan have fallen in love with Lucia,” Ricky shared in part on social media.
The “Livin’ La Vida Loca” singer was overjoyed, sharing how the unique bond between a father and daughter instantly touched him. He lovingly put it, “They just gravitate towards you. They’re Daddy’s little girl. It’s real.”
In 2021, Ricky took to Instagram to share a series of photos and a clip of him and Lucia playing on a beach, capturing their sweet daddy-daughter bond.
In 2019, the Puerto Rican star and his then-husband welcomed Renn, making him the third son in Ricky’s family. While much of his life has remained private, Renn’s arrival was another joyful milestone for Ricky, adding a sense of completeness to his family.
In 2020, Ricky shared a colorless snap of his little boy, and one person commented, “Beautiful precious baby. You have a beautiful family.” Another wrote, “Oh my! How sweet he is!” and a third added, “He’s definitely gonna look a lot like you when he grows up.”
With four children in his life, Ricky feels his family is now complete. Joking that he’s “done” having children, Ricky has found contentment in raising his two sets of sons and his cherished daughter.
In August, Ricky posted a rare snap of his youngest children, capturing sweet moments of him and his kids playing together. “Papi = the ultimate theme park ride— no ticket required. 🎢😂 #papiday,” the caption read.
