Rudy Fernandez, history of the basketball. GETTY IMAGES

Spain basketball legend Rudy Fernandez has announced his retirement following Spain's elimination from the Paris 2024 tournament. Revered for his quality and emblematic of a team known for endurance, intelligence, and competitiveness, Fernandez leaves with a record six Olympic participations.

Fernandez first burst onto the scene at the 2004 Athens Games, showcasing his immense talent and promise. Emerging from the renowned Joventut Badalona youth academy, it was clear he was destined for greatness. Despite debuting with his team two years prior, it was the season before the Games that marked his transformation into a true professional.

He was a breath of fresh air on the court, bold yet masterful, and equipped with a unique physique that set him apart. His attacking prowess was matched by his defensive skills, an area often challenging for young talents. Thanks to his coach, Aito Garcia Reneses, Fernandez quickly mastered this crucial aspect, solidifying his reputation as a standout player.



Spain left Athens 2004 disappointed, having been ousted by the USA in the quarter-finals. Although Spain had delivered a stellar group stage performance, they faltered when it mattered most.

Just over a year later, Rudy Fernandez was joined at Joventut by a 15-year-old Ricky Rubio, with Fernandez at 20. Their synergy on the court was pure artistry, both aesthetically and competitively. The duo, along with their coach Reneses, reached the pinnacle in the 2008 Beijing Olympic final. Fernandez, having just transitioned to the NBA, made his mark with a jaw-dropping dunk over Dwight Howard, leaving a lasting impression as one of the most memorable moments in Olympic basketball history.



Spain lost the 2008 Beijing final, but their status as a top-tier team was firmly established. Having won the 2006 World Cup, they proved in Beijing they could compete with anyone. Although Rudy Fernandez was younger than the veterans of that team—Pau Gasol, Juan Carlos Navarro, José Manuel Calderón, Jorge Garbajosa, and Felipe Reyes, he made his own mark.

In his NBA rookie year, Fernandez made history as the first European to compete in the All-Star Dunk Contest. His tribute to Fernando Martín, Spain’s first NBA player, added a historic touch to his performance. Despite a controversial final score and a vocal American fan base rallying behind him, Fernandez's appearance was a significant moment in Spanish basketball history.




Fernandez proved he belonged in the NBA, even if he left at 27. Since then, he’s cemented his legacy as one of Real Madrid's greatest players.

He quickly secured his place in the Spanish national team and held it until his retirement. Fernandez benefited from the guidance of legendary figures like coaches García Reneses, Sergio Scariolo, and Pablo Laso.

Scariolo, who has been a cornerstone of Spain’s success since 2009, shaped the team’s modern style. Notable achievements include the London 2012 final, where Spain pushed Team USA to the limit, and the 2016 Rio Olympics, where Spain earned bronze. Despite the retirement of Spain’s golden generation, Fernandez and the team remained competitive, with surprising victories in the 2019 World Cup and EuroBasket 2022.

At Tokyo 2020, Spain faced Team USA in the quarter-finals but lost with honor. Paris 2024 marked the only Olympics where Fernandez did not face the USA, highlighting the end of an era for both him and the Spanish team.



Although Fernandez is no longer a star at 39, he remains a crucial figure for the Spanish national team and Real Madrid. His experience and ability to mentor teammates have kept him relevant, whether or not he’s the most talented on the court.

Fernandez’s wisdom in understanding his role, both on and off the court, has made him a formidable competitor. His retirement isn’t due to a lack of skill but because he wishes to leave the game while still making a meaningful contribution.

With six Olympic appearances, matching the record of American Diana Taurasi, Fernandez is undeniably a sports great, even without a gold medal. His departure marks a poignant end to an era in Spanish basketball, and fans will need to adjust to the reality of his absence from the Games.