Javier Ribelles, a football player turned professional, is preparing to marry Marina Valdesbe, a Valencian server, in a civil ceremony scheduled for this Sunday at noon in La Vallesa de Mandor. The union marks a milestone for two people who have shared a long journey together, built on mutual support and a shared love for sports and life’s adventures.
Yet there is a snag in what should be a perfect moment of celebration. Ribelles, who hails from Tarragona and has built a career in the world of football, is also a dedicated professional who must report to the pitch this Saturday at 21:00. The match takes place at the Balaidos Municipal Stadium in Vigo, Galicia, as part of the promotional playoffs for promotion to the second division, where his team faces Villareal B in a high-stakes game that could tilt the fate of their season.
Like many schedule-driven moments in professional sport, this is a single-game decision point. Ribelles never considered missing the call, given his role as a key player and his ongoing commitments with Upgrade UD, the team where he continues to contribute on and off the field. His medical degree adds another layer to his busy life, underscoring a disciplined approach to balancing sport, education, and personal milestones.
But the wedding will not be missed. After the final whistle in Vigo, Ribelles will leave the field behind, pack his kit, and drive home. He plans to arrive in Valencia in time to stand beside Marina Valdes at the ceremony. The journey covers about 1,000 kilometers and roughly eight hours by road, a route chosen to ensure both moments in life are honored. The couple has been together for more than a decade, a bond formed during a shared vacation on El Perello, and their story has become a compelling narrative for friends, family, and fans alike.
Even as the couple formalized their union in court the previous week, the bride faced a tense period as she explored alternatives to a wedding that would take place this Sunday. The early days of their engagement were marked by careful planning, candid conversations, and the understanding that life sometimes requires choosing between professional commitments and personal joy.
before the wedding
The eve of the big day unfolded on a mellow Friday at a palm-fringed New Year’s-like grove, with quiet strolls by a lagoon and a sunset that painted the horizon. Marina Valdes shared moments from her social media showing her enjoying time with close friends aboard boats, a beer in hand, dancing and celebrating. At one point, two boats moved close in the calm Albufera waters, and the guests toasted with champagne as the night’s glow shifted to the color of conversation and good humor. The presence of journalists from Madrid and several prominent football figures from the First Division added a sense of occasion to the gathering.
During a video call, Javier Ribelles appeared focused and ready, connected with his teammates even as the sunset drifted into the evening. The couple then enjoyed Valencian paella for dinner, welcomed by many guests who had traveled from far and wide to share in the moment, with broadcasters from different networks preparing their coverage. The scene was vibrant, the mood festive, and the sense of anticipation thick in the air as evening settled into night.
The party carried on with a spirit of celebration. The narrative of this couple, who met during a vacation and soon found a shared passion for sports and adventure, was unfolding with the energy of a live-in-progress romance. The couple’s support for each other reflected in both the public and private corners of their lives, a balance that resonated with fans and friends alike.
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In 2020, the couple became the subjects of a widely viewed series that chronicled their marriage proposal. The moment, set during a diving excursion off the Canary Islands, captured their willingness to push into the extraordinary together. Both share a keen interest in sport and exploration, a dynamic that has shaped their shared path through the years and continues to influence their plans for the future.