Pablo Fornals Malla is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Real Betis and the Spain national team. Born in Castellón de la Plana, Fornals has frequently spoken about the importance of his family, which includes his wife, Tania Lara Velasco, their two sons, his parents and his sister.
Who is Pablo Fornals’s wife?
Pablo Fornals’s wife is Tania Lara Velasco. The couple began their relationship before Fornals moved from Villarreal to West Ham United in 2019, and Tania subsequently joined him in London.
Reports about Tania’s background indicate that she studied interior design and previously worked in a clothing shop in Spain. However, she is best known publicly as Fornals’s longtime partner and the mother of his children.
Fornals and Tania married in Spain in June 2023. Their wedding took place shortly after West Ham defeated Fiorentina in the UEFA Europa Conference League final in Prague. Fornals therefore celebrated two major personal milestones within the same week: winning his first European club trophy and marrying his longtime partner.
The couple lived together in England during Fornals’s years at West Ham. They returned to Spain after the midfielder joined Real Betis in February 2024, allowing their children to grow up closer to the family’s Spanish roots.
How many children does Pablo Fornals have?
Pablo Fornals and Tania Lara have two children, both sons. Their first son, Martín, was born in November 2021. West Ham officially confirmed his birth, and Fornals subsequently explained that fatherhood had given him additional motivation.
In a January 2022 interview with West Ham, Fornals said that he wanted to make Martín proud. The midfielder described becoming a father as a change that helped him appreciate both football and family life from a different perspective.
The couple later welcomed their second son, Mateo. Tania publicly announced his arrival and described the family as complete after seeing the two brothers together. Mateo’s precise birth date has not been widely reported by major publications, but his arrival was publicly known by 2025.
Fornals and Tania occasionally share photographs from their family life, although they do not disclose sensitive information about their children. The boys remain private individuals despite their father’s public career.
Who are Pablo Fornals’s parents?
The names of Pablo Fornals’s parents have not been widely published by reliable sources. Both are from the Castellón area, and Fornals has said that they continued working even after he became an established professional footballer.
His parents live outside the centre of Castellón, in a quieter mountainous area. During Fornals’s time with West Ham, limited internet connectivity initially made it difficult for them to watch his matches in England. Improved internet service eventually allowed them to follow his Premier League appearances more consistently.
Fornals has described his mother as an especially enthusiastic football supporter. According to the midfielder, she becomes highly emotional while watching his matches and listens carefully for commentators to mention his name.
Both parents also shared the excitement of his first call-up to Spain’s senior national team in 2016. Fornals was driving his sister to the airport when his mother contacted the family with the unexpected news. By the time he checked his phone, he had received several calls from both parents.
The family has remained closely involved in his career. In 2026, when Fornals was waiting to learn whether he would be included in Spain’s World Cup squad, he said he wanted to return home and watch the announcement with his parents.
Does Pablo Fornals have siblings?
Pablo Fornals has a sister. Although some unofficial websites identify her as Marta Fornals, her name has not been consistently confirmed by leading publications, so it is safer to refer to her simply as his sister.
Fornals revealed that she has worked for a pharmaceutical company in Madrid. She previously spent approximately three years working in Nottingham and also lived in London while improving her English.
The siblings appear to have a close relationship. Fornals was personally driving his sister to the airport when his first senior Spain call-up was announced. His recollection of that moment shows that she was present during one of the most memorable developments of his career.
No reliable source indicates that Fornals has a brother. Public interviews refer to one sister, although the footballer has not provided a comprehensive account of every member of his extended family.
Pablo Fornals’s family roots in Castellón
Pablo Fornals was born and raised in Castellón de la Plana, part of Spain’s Valencian Community. He has spoken warmly about the region, describing it as a peaceful place positioned close to both the sea and the mountains.
His football education initially took place near home. Fornals spent time in Villarreal’s academy and later represented CD Castellón before moving to Málaga as a teenager. Leaving home required him to become independent, but his relationship with his parents and sister remained strong.
After playing for Málaga, Villarreal and West Ham, Fornals returned to Spain when he joined Real Betis. The transfer brought his wife and children closer to their extended family and restored the midfielder’s daily connection with Spanish life.
How has fatherhood influenced Pablo Fornals?
Fatherhood has become an important part of Fornals’s identity. After Martín’s birth, he explained that his son gave him another reason to work hard and perform well. He wanted Martín to grow up proud of what his father had accomplished.
Fornals has also emphasized balance. Although football requires travel, training and long periods away from home, he credits his family environment with helping him remain emotionally settled. The arrival of Mateo expanded that support system and made Fornals and Tania parents of two boys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Pablo Fornals’s wife?
Pablo Fornals is married to Tania Lara Velasco, his longtime Spanish partner. They married in June 2023.
When did Pablo Fornals get married?
Fornals married Tania in Spain shortly after winning the UEFA Europa Conference League with West Ham in June 2023.
How many children does Pablo Fornals have?
Pablo Fornals and Tania Lara have two sons, Martín and Mateo.
When was Pablo Fornals’s son Martín born?
Martín was born in November 2021 while Fornals was playing for West Ham United.
Who are Pablo Fornals’s parents?
Their names have not been widely disclosed. They live in the Castellón area and have continued to support his football career closely.
Does Pablo Fornals have a sister?
Yes. Fornals has a sister who has worked in the pharmaceutical industry and has lived in Madrid, Nottingham and London.
Does Pablo Fornals have a brother?
No reliable public source has identified a brother. Available interviews mention one sister.
Where is Pablo Fornals’s family from?
Fornals and his family are from Castellón de la Plana in Spain’s Valencian Community.
Laurinda Jocias is a football writer covering English women’s football, including the Women’s Super League. Her work focuses on players, clubs, and the continued development of the women’s game in the UK.
