Legend disappears from public view; wife reveals his current life
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has largely disappeared from public view over the past nine years.
- Valdes played for Barcelona from 2002 to 2014, winning numerous titles including three Champions Leagues.
- He is now married with three children and occasionally appears in photos shared by his wife, Colombian supermodel Yolanda Cardone.
Victor Valdes, a legendary goalkeeper for FC Barcelona, has become a rare sight in public over the last nine years. Fans who remember his crucial role during the club's golden era might be surprised to learn about his current low-profile existence.
Valdes was an integral part of Barcelona's first team for many years, from 2002 to 2014. During his tenure, he played 535 matches, ranking him eighth in the club's all-time appearance list. His trophy cabinet boasts an impressive collection, including three Champions League titles, six league championships, two Copa del Rey titles, two UEFA Super Cups, and two FIFA Club World Cups.
His career also included stints with Manchester United, Standard Liรจge (where he won a Cup), and Middlesbrough, where he retired in 2017 at the age of 35. Valdes was also the long-standing backup to Iker Casillas in the Spanish national team, earning 20 caps between 2010 and 2014, during which Spain won the World Cup and the European Championship.
In recent years, Valdes has maintained a private life. He is married to Colombian supermodel Yolanda Cardone since 2017, and they have three children together. His public appearances are infrequent, primarily limited to photographs shared by his wife on social media. Cardone, who is 44, actively promotes her own swimwear brand.
Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.