Marc Bartra, the esteemed Spanish professional footballer, has seen his personal life, particularly his romantic journey, unfold in the public eye alongside his successful career on the pitch. Known for his stints with major clubs like FC Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, and Real Betis, Bartra's love life has been characterized by a significant marriage that produced three children, followed by a new chapter with a prominent model.
His most public and enduring relationship began with Melissa Jiménez, a well-known Spanish sports journalist. Their romance became public in May 2014, quickly capturing media attention as a union between two prominent figures in the sports world. Their connection deepened rapidly, leading to significant life milestones in quick succession.
The couple announced they were expecting their first child in March 2015, and their daughter, Gala Bartra Jiménez, was born in August 2015. This new addition solidified their bond, and by 2016, amidst Bartra's transfer to Borussia Dortmund, they became engaged. During his time in Germany, the couple faced a harrowing experience when Bartra was injured in an attack on the team bus in April 2017, an event that further highlighted Melissa's role as his steadfast support.
Marc Bartra and Melissa Jiménez tied the knot in a beautiful wedding ceremony on June 18, 2017, in Argentona, Spain, surrounded by family, friends, and many notable figures from the sports and media industries. Their family continued to grow, with the birth of their second daughter, Abril Bartra Jiménez, on April 25, 2018, shortly after Bartra's move to Real Betis in Seville. Their third child, son Max Bartra Jiménez, arrived in 2019, completing their family of five.
Despite presenting a seemingly idyllic family life, reports of a separation began to surface in late 2021. The couple officially announced their divorce in January 2022, after nearly eight years of a relationship and five years of marriage. Sources close to the couple indicated that the separation was due to "wear and tear" and a "long sentimental crisis," rather than the involvement of third parties at the time of the initial split, according to ¡HOLA! and Vanitatis.
Even after their separation, Marc Bartra and Melissa Jiménez have maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship, prioritizing the well-being of their three children. Melissa chose to remain in Seville to ensure the children could maintain daily contact with their father and continue their schooling and friendships, as reported by El Economista.
Following his divorce, Marc Bartra began a new romantic chapter with model Jessica Goicoechea. Speculation about their relationship emerged in late 2022, particularly after Bartra reportedly shared affectionate images of them by accident on social media. While they initially kept a low profile, their relationship was later confirmed through public appearances and social media posts, indicating a committed partnership.
Jessica Goicoechea is a prominent figure in the fashion world, known as a top model and for launching her own clothing line. Her relationship with Bartra marked a new phase in her personal life as well, following previous public relationships. The couple has since been seen together at various events, solidifying their status as a new high-profile pairing in the Spanish celebrity sphere.
Marc Bartra's romantic history, while primarily centered around two significant relationships, reflects a journey from building a family with Melissa Jiménez through marriage and children, to navigating a new public romance with Jessica Goicoechea. His relationships have often been in the public eye, showcasing the complexities and evolutions of a professional athlete's personal life under media scrutiny.