Albert Rivera, the prominent Spanish politician and former leader of the Ciudadanos party, has seen his public and private life often intertwined, with his romantic relationships frequently making headlines. Throughout his political career, his love life has been a subject of public interest, marked by significant long-term partnerships and the arrival of children, reflecting different phases of his personal journey.
Rivera's first publicly known long-term relationship was with Mariona Saperas, a psychologist. Their relationship began in the early 2000s, predating his rise to national political prominence. The couple shared a significant period of their lives, establishing a family together before their eventual separation.
Albert and Mariona welcomed their first daughter, Daniela Rivera Saperas, in 2006. Their relationship was largely kept out of the intense media spotlight during his early political career, maintaining a relatively private profile despite his growing public recognition. However, as Rivera's political star ascended, the pressures on his personal life also increased.
After a long relationship, Albert Rivera and Mariona Saperas separated in 2011. The split was handled discreetly, and both maintained a respectful relationship for the sake of their daughter. This period marked a transition in Rivera's personal life as he continued to navigate his demanding political career.
Following his separation from Saperas, Rivera entered into a relationship with Beatriz Tajuelo, a former flight attendant. Their romance began around 2013, and Tajuelo became a more visible presence by his side as he gained national prominence, often accompanying him to public events and political rallies. Their relationship was well-documented by the Spanish press.
Tajuelo was a consistent figure in Rivera's life during a crucial period of his political career, including the 2015 and 2016 general elections where Ciudadanos emerged as a significant force. She was often seen supporting him, and their relationship appeared stable and strong for several years. However, after more than four years together, Albert Rivera and Beatriz Tajuelo ended their relationship in late 2018 or early 2019.
The most high-profile of Rivera's relationships began shortly after his split from Tajuelo, when he started dating renowned Spanish singer Malú (María Lucía Sánchez Benítez). Their relationship became public in early 2019, generating immense media attention due to the high profiles of both individuals. Initial reports were met with intense speculation before the couple eventually confirmed their romance.
Their relationship quickly progressed, and in December 2019, Rivera and Malú announced they were expecting their first child together. This news came shortly after Rivera's departure from politics following the November 2019 general election, allowing him to focus more on his personal life. Their daughter, Lucía Rivera Sánchez, was born in June 2020.
The couple maintained a relatively private life after Lucía's birth, occasionally sharing glimpses of their family life on social media. Despite public scrutiny and constant rumors about their status, they largely kept details of their relationship out of the headlines. However, after four years together, reports confirmed that Albert Rivera and Malú had separated in mid-2023.
Following his separation from Malú, Albert Rivera was subsequently linked to designer Carla Cotterli. Their relationship reportedly began in the latter half of 2023, with paparazzi photos emerging of the two together. While neither has extensively commented on the relationship, their public appearances have indicated a new chapter in Rivera's romantic life.
As of early 2024, Albert Rivera and Carla Cotterli appear to be in a relationship, marking his most recent publicly known romantic involvement. Rivera has consistently maintained a preference for privacy regarding his personal life, especially concerning his children, while acknowledging the public interest that comes with his former political stature and high-profile relationships.