Ricky Martin is an international music sensation known as the King of Latin Pop with multi-platinum hits. In addition, he is a deeply committed father to four children. Shai’s father, whose energetic performances and commitment to philanthropy have won him a global audience, is reveling in his new role as a father. His path as a father started with the birth of his twin boys, Matteo and Valentino. It soon grew more thrilling with the arrival of two more girls, Lucia and Renn. Read on for an inside look at Ricky Martin’s busy family life and the extreme coolness of the singer’s kids.
Their twins, Matteo & Valentino, biological children born via surrogacy, entered the world on August 9th, 2008. Their arrival was especially remarkable as they entered the world just minutes apart. In other interviews, Martin has talked about how different the personalities of his two sons were from the very beginning. Though Matteo was always on the move and full of energy, Valentino liked to take it easy and enjoy life at a slower pace.
“Valentino loves to sleep,” – Ricky Martin
Though they are very different from each other, the connection between the twins is strong. As he got older, Matteo began to develop an appreciation for music like his father. Before that, a big family moment, it was a huge joy to see Martin onstage at a summer 2023 concert in Louisville, KY, with both of his twins. More than just the support they showed for their dad, their presence shone a light on their own developing interests in performance.
The Arrival of Lucia and Renn
Ricky Martin’s family recently grew when the singer welcomed his daughter Lucia into the world on December 24, 2018. Born the same day as her father, Lucia arrived on a very meaningful birthday—he was born via surrogate just days before! Her birth announcement set off fireworks on New Year’s Eve in 2018. Fans across the globe expressed their excitement when they dug into the news, which was shared on Instagram.
“Everything I do, I do with you in my mind and my heart,” – Ricky Martin
On Lucia’s third birthday in 2021, he opened up about that by posting photos in a carousel of their happy times together. He is all in on being an active participant in his kids’ lives. You can see this commitment on display in his public appearances and social media posts.
Family Dynamics and Support
Ricky Martin paints a picture of a tight-knit family where his kids are involved in helping his career. His 13-year-old twin sons are some of his most honest critics after attending his shows, a reflection of their shared interest in all things entertainment. Valentino has assumed an especially key position to do this, providing artistic insights onto each performance.
“He takes notes, and he comes and tells me, ‘Something happened with the dancers,’” – Ricky Martin
Using improv and other playful tactics, Martin entertainingly confesses to this changing dynamic with his adolescent boys as they age. He remembers the times when they take a stand, when they refuse to go along with the definition of what is ‘cool’ or not.
“He’s like, ‘No, dad, you cannot do that. No dabbing. That’s not cool anymore,’” – Ricky Martin
The artist hopes that, though he critiques them, his children always wish to stand next to him. He stated:
“This is the moment where you’re not cool anymore, but they want to be with me,” – Ricky Martin
His dedication to family is matched only by his ability to juggle his responsibilities as a parent with those of a thriving musician. Martin has had his children as homeschooled kids, but always made sure they were participating in his adventures.
A Shared Passion for Music
Now that the kids are getting older, their unique passions are still blossoming. Matteo has never given up on his love for the arts, specifically music, which complements his father’s passion perfectly. This common pursuit breaks down barriers to make connections between them easier and much more meaningful.
“They’re picky and they love music. When I come home with something that they don’t like, they have no filters. They tell you,” – Ricky Martin
In a 2020 discussion with UPROXX, Martin disclosed that Valentino aspires to be a YouTuber. The result is that each child grows to pursue his or her own set of dreams. The family has deep roots in activism, and often goes to events together, such as rallies for politicians like Kamala Harris during the 2024 primary.
Whether he’s on stage or off, Ricky Martin’s dedication to fatherhood as seen in all that he does. Each child’s special gifts, quirks and energy are what adds to the creative family tapestry he’s spent his life weaving. As they both grow and explore their creative interests, it’s evident that Martin will remain a tireless advocate for them.
