Kriti Mehrotra
With Netflix’s ‘It’s All Over: The Kiss That Changed Spanish Football’ revisiting the infamous 2023 incidents that affected women’s soccer in Spain to the core, we get a documentary unlike any other. That’s because it delves into not just the team’s frustration with head coach Jorge Vilda but also the kiss then-Federation President Luis Rubiales allegedly planted on forward Jenni Hermoso following their FIFA World Cup win. So, of course, those reportedly involved in the matter, like the Royal Spanish Football Federation’s Sporting Director, Albert Luque, were also significantly named in this original production.
Albert Luque is a Retired Professional Athlete
Albert Luque was reportedly just a young boy when he first developed an interest in soccer, which continued expanding as the years passed. This lifelong Barcelona, Catalonia native and lifelong supporter of FC Barcelona even started out on trial with them, only to be released by their C team when he was 19. According to records, he was actually subsequently taken by RCD Mallorca and assigned to their reserves, just to eventually break into the main squad following a stint at Málaga CF.
Albert actually scored nine goals for Mallorca in 2000-2001 but got transferred to Deportivo de La Coruña a year later for an incredible eight-year deal worth €15 million. This position was exactly the boost of confidence this left wringer/Stricker needed, with the help of which he got the attention of Newcastle United in 2005, signing a 5-year £9 million contract with them in the summer. Little did anybody expect that Ajax would manage to procure him in 2007, just for him to somehow manage to return to Málaga the following year and stay right until his decision to retire in 2010-2011.
However, what is more imperative to note is that when Albert did choose to retire, it was made public that his 14-year professional career helped him amass 248 matches with 61 goals over 11 seasons. This included his international career of representing Spain at the 2000 Summer Olympics in the under-21 as well as the under-23 category, the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Euro 2004, and the 2006 World Cup qualifier. As with all good things, Albert Luque’s time as a professional athlete eventually came to an end, too.
Albert Luque’s Managerial Career Ended in Early 2024
While Albert had taken up several different jobs following his retirement to keep himself going, it wasn’t until 2018/2019 that he really found his spark again and became a federation employee. The former football coach at CE L’Hospitalet, sports commentator, as well as part-time entertainment collaborator joined the Royal Spanish Football Federation as a Deputy to the presidency. However, by the time January 2023 rolled around, he had proved his mettle to such an extent he was promoted to Director of the Spanish Soccer Team. He actually succeeded José Francisco Molina following a last-16 elimination at the 2022 World Cup.
Therefore, Albert was in a position of significant power, which is why when the controversial kiss happened and it became a whole scandal, he was looked into, too. That’s especially because he was close with President Luis Rubiales and because Jenni Hermoso later came forward to accuse him of trying to coerce her into pretending everything was okay. As if that’s not enough, it was even alleged that he texted one of her very close friends in an effort to ensure he didn’t say anything negative about Luis or the situation publicly and to let matters settle, which obviously was also not the right thing to do.
Thus, in March 2024, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) decided to dismiss him for the accusations as well as the investigation against Albert, at least until the matter was resolved. Then, it was also confirmed that he had been officially charged with coercion and would face a trial for the same, and if convicted, he would face 18 months behind bars. In other words, his alleged actions have resulted in his fall from grace as well as a rather negative public standing, but he has never said anything regarding the matter in public or given any public statement; all we know is that he has maintained his innocence throughout.
Albert Luque is a Dedicated Family Man
Although not much regarding Albert or his current standing is known as of writing since he prefers to keep the details of the same well away from the limelight, we do know he is a dedicated family man. We should also mention that he has their unwavering support too, as seen above, who believe he is just a misunderstood person who has needlessly gotten caught up in an unexpected scandal. They want the best for him, just as he does for them, so his goal now appears to be prioritizing just them and their future.
Read More: Jorge Vilda: Where is the Ex-Spain Women’s Soccer Coach Now?
