Ricky Martin’s 4 Kids: Everything to Know

Ricky Martin's 4 Kids: Everything to Know

by Tasha Mayberry

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While Ricky Martin boasts an illustrious music career, he finds his greatest joy in being a father to his four children.Martin has consistently shared his aspiration for a large family and the challenges he faced because of his sexuality. In an interview with Out magazine, he revealed, “For many years, I dreamed of becoming a father, and countless times I went through the heartbreaking realization, ‘I am gay, I am a closeted gay man, and I might never be able to be a dad.'”He began his journey as a single parent when he welcomed twin boys, Matteo and Valentino, born via surrogate in 2008, who are now 16 years old. In 2017, Martin married artist Jwan Yosef.

Matteo, age 16.

The firstborn of fraternal twins, Matteo arrived on August 9, 2008, via surrogate, weighing 6 lbs. 13 oz. His name, chosen by Martin, holds a deep significance, meaning “gift from God.” Even as a baby, Matteo stood out for his energy and alertness, capturing Martin’s attention with his lively spirit. In 2020, Martin shared with Extra that he fully supports Matteo and his twin brother Valentino if they choose to follow a path in the entertainment industry. When I was 12, I told my father I wanted to be an artist, and he supported me,” Martin reflected. “I’m very grateful, Dad, for taking that journey with me. Now, it’s my turn to do the same for them. I have the experience, and I’ll help clear the way for them.”

Valentino, age 16.

Matteo’s twin brother, Valentino, was born just minutes later on August 9, 2008, weighing 5 lbs. 6 oz. His name, meaning “brave one,” carries its own special significance. As a baby, Valentino was notably calm and loved to sleep. “I call him Mr. Peace and Love because he’s so chill and serene,” Martin shared with PEOPLE at the time. Now a teenager, Valentino has developed a passion for video content creation and dreams of becoming a YouTuber one day. Matteo is more into the arts, and Valentino is going to spend his life in front of a screen because he wants to be the best YouTuber in the world,” Martin said during a 2020 interview with Extra.

Lucia, age 6.

Martin’s only daughter, Lucia Martin-Yosef, was born on December 24, 2018, via surrogate—a meaningful day, as it also marks the birthday of the “Livin’ La Vida Loca” singer, who turned 47 that year. Martin and Yosef announced Lucia’s arrival on Instagram on New Year’s Eve 2018. “Both her brothers and Jwan and I are completely in love with our baby and grateful to start this 2019 with the best gift we could receive: the gift of life,” they wrote in the heartfelt caption. Seven months later, Martin shared the first full photo of his baby girl, accompanied by the caption “La luz de mis ojos,” which translates to “the light of my eyes.”

Renn, age 5.

Just nine months after welcoming Lucia, Martin and Yosef celebrated the arrival of their son, Renn Martin-Yosef, born via surrogate on October 29, 2019. The couple announced his birth on Instagram with a sweet photo of themselves cradling the newborn, captioned, “Our son Renn Martin-Yosef was born.”In a 2020 interview with Out magazine, Martin reflected on the unique experience of raising two young children later in life, compared to when he became a father to his twins. Listen, I became a daddy when I was 35; it’s not the same thing when you’re 48. You need the energy!” he shared. “And I’m strong, trust me, I’m healthy—I’m carrying two babies at the same time and the stroller and the backpack—but it’s a lot. It’s a big responsibility.”

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