Rudy Fernández: Luka Doncic is the Most Impactful Player I’ve Ever Played With

One of the most prominent figures in Spanish basketball is now relishing retirement.

Rudy Fernández has hung up his sneakers, finishing his illustrious career as the player with the highest number of international appearances for Spain (266), the most medals earned (11), and the most golds (6). His journey was remarkable, showcasing resilience as he played alongside many legends, with one shining brighter than the rest.

In a recent conversation with AS, the Real Madrid icon reflected on his playing days and readily identified the standout player he had the privilege to team up with. “It’s quite simple. I’ve had the good fortune to play alongside Pau for many years. I could mention players like Navarro, Llull… It’s a long list, including Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge. But the player who has influenced me the most, both professionally and personally, is Luka Doncic. Some athletes seem to possess a special spark, and Luka is certainly one of them.”

After a stellar season with Joventut Badalona, the call from the NBA came, and he eagerly answered. The Spanish forward set a rookie record for three-pointers, but his time in the U.S. didn’t unfold as optimally as it might have, ultimately resulting in positive growth. “Indeed, there were moments when the coach preferred to rely on a different style of player. The NBA tends to categorize players heavily, and following my three-point milestone, I was pigeonholed as merely a shooter. I experienced a halt in my athletic development, yet these circumstances are not to be blamed on anyone. Looking back, I realize I should have aimed to mature sooner and make independent decisions, while still heeding my family’s advice. It’s these experiences that life and sports impart. Arriving in Madrid as a more mature player allowed me to evolve into the athlete I eventually became.”

As Rudy noted, his arrival in Madrid marked a new chapter, primarily influenced by injuries that nearly forced him into early retirement. “In the U.S., I still had my explosiveness, just like when I joined Real Madrid. However, after experiencing a second and third surgery, I learned that my disc was severely irritated and worn, which limited my professional lifespan to only two or three more years. This was a pivotal moment when I realized that beyond refining my game, I needed to overhaul many habits—diet, physical conditioning, and mental approach. That’s precisely what I did. I dedicated myself to improving in these areas, ultimately allowing me to become the player I was toward the end of my career. This transformation enabled me to continue making valuable contributions to the team and achieve our collective goals, which was always my focus.”