Iván Balliu Campeny is a Spanish-born Albanian professional footballer whose family story connects Catalonia with Albania. Born on January 1, 1992, in Caldes de Malavella, Girona, the Rayo Vallecano defender grew up in Spain but later discovered Albanian ancestry on his father’s side and chose to represent Albania internationally.
Who is Iván Balliu’s wife?
Iván Balliu’s wife is Marta Soler. The couple were together for several years before getting married on June 17, 2017.
The wedding was attended by relatives, friends and several people connected to Balliu’s football career. Sergi Roberto, who developed alongside him in Barcelona’s academy, was among the former teammates associated with the celebration.
Marta has accompanied Balliu during his career in Portugal, France and Spain. She generally maintains a private profile but appeared alongside her husband and children during an extensive 2024 interview conducted at the family home.
How many children does Iván Balliu have?
Iván Balliu and Marta Soler have two sons named Nil and Pol. The footballer occasionally discusses his children when speaking about his family life, but the couple have avoided making detailed personal information about them public.
Balliu’s wife and sons have supported him at football matches, including games involving Rayo Vallecano and the Albanian national team. As of now, Nil and Pol are the couple’s only publicly confirmed children.
Who are Iván Balliu’s parents?
Iván Balliu’s parents are Salvador Balliu and Marta Campeny. They raised him in Caldes de Malavella, a Catalan municipality in Girona province.
His father, Salvador, worked as a taxi driver during Iván’s childhood. He later entered local politics and served as mayor of Caldes de Malavella from 2011 until 2025.
His mother, Marta, operated a shoe shop in the town. Because both parents frequently worked at weekends, Iván’s grandfather assumed an important role in taking him to football matches and training sessions.
How Iván Balliu’s grandfather supported his football career
Balliu’s paternal grandfather was also named Salvador. He was the family member most interested in football and began accompanying Iván to matches when the future defender was approximately four years old.
Balliu initially played as an attacking player for his local team before joining Girona and later Barcelona’s La Masia academy. His grandfather’s availability and enthusiasm allowed him to participate regularly while his parents were working.
When Barcelona and Real Madrid both showed interest in the young player, the family became involved in deciding which academy would provide the best environment. They eventually selected Barcelona, where Balliu completed much of his football education.
Where does Iván Balliu’s Albanian ancestry come from?
Iván Balliu’s Albanian heritage comes through his father’s side of the family. Reports differ on the exact generation, with some describing an Albanian great-grandfather and others referring to a more distant ancestor.
Balliu did not grow up speaking Albanian and had never visited the country when its football federation first approached him. After investigating his family history and obtaining Albanian citizenship in 2017, he accepted an invitation to represent the national team.
His parents supported the decision, and other relatives travelled from Catalonia to watch his first international appearance. Balliu has since developed a closer relationship with Albania and represented the country at UEFA Euro 2024.
Does Iván Balliu have any siblings?
There is no reliable public information confirming whether Iván Balliu has any brothers or sisters. Interviews about his childhood mainly discuss his parents, grandfather, wife and children.
It would therefore be inaccurate to state that Balliu is an only child. The safest conclusion is that no siblings have been publicly identified by dependable sources.
Iván Balliu’s family remains important to his life
Iván Balliu’s football journey was shaped by several members of his family. His grandfather introduced him to organised football, while his parents supported his move into Barcelona’s academy. His paternal ancestry later opened the opportunity for him to represent Albania.
Balliu has since created his own family with Marta Soler and their sons, Nil and Pol. Despite spending much of his professional career away from his hometown, he continues to maintain close connections with Caldes de Malavella and his Catalan roots.
Frequently Asked Questions about Iván Balliu’s family
Who is Iván Balliu’s wife?
Iván Balliu’s wife is Marta Soler. The couple married on June 17, 2017.
Does Iván Balliu have children?
Yes. Iván Balliu and Marta Soler have two sons named Nil and Pol.
Who is Iván Balliu’s father?
His father is Salvador Balliu, a former taxi driver who served as mayor of Caldes de Malavella from 2011 to 2025.
Who is Iván Balliu’s mother?
His mother is Marta Campeny, who operated a shoe shop in the family’s hometown.
Does Iván Balliu have siblings?
No brothers or sisters have been reliably identified in public sources. It is therefore unknown whether Balliu has any siblings.
Who introduced Iván Balliu to football?
His grandfather Salvador regularly took him to matches and training sessions because his parents often worked at weekends.
Is Iván Balliu Albanian or Spanish?
Balliu was born and raised in Catalonia, Spain, and has Spanish and Albanian citizenship. His Albanian ancestry comes through his father’s family.
Why does Iván Balliu play for Albania?
He qualified through his paternal Albanian ancestry, obtained citizenship in 2017 and accepted an invitation to represent the Albanian national team.
Helena Lena Jessica Da Laila is a football writer covering Spanish women’s football, with a focus on Liga F, tactical trends, and emerging talents shaping the women’s game in Spain.
