Rudy Fernández Reflects on His Career, Names Luka Doncic as His Most Impactful Teammate

One of Spain’s most prominent athletes is now savoring his retirement.

Rudy Fernández has hung up his basketball shoes, holding the record for the most appearances on the international stage for Spain (266), the highest number of medals collected (11), and a remarkable six gold medals to his name. His career was defined by overcoming challenges and sharing the court with numerous exceptional players, with one in particular standing out above the rest.

In a recent conversation with AS, the Real Madrid icon reflected on his playing days and was decisive in naming the finest teammate he ever had. “It’s quite straightforward. I’ve had the privilege of playing alongside Pau for many years. Of course, there were others like Navarro, Llull, and I could list many more, including Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge. But the player who has influenced me the most, both professionally and personally, is Luka Doncic. There are some athletes who just have that special touch, and Luka is undoubtedly one of them.”

After a stellar season with Joventut Badalona, the NBA came calling, and he decided to seize the opportunity. The Spanish forward set a rookie record for three-pointers made, yet his time in the United States didn’t reach its full potential, which ultimately turned out to be beneficial in hindsight. “It’s true that at times, the coach favored a different style of player over me. The NBA tends to categorize players heavily, and after I broke the three-point record, I was boxed into the role of just a shooter. I felt that stagnation as an athlete, but these situations happen, and it’s not about blaming anyone. Looking back, I would hold myself accountable for not maturing a bit sooner and for not being able to make my own decisions while also heeding my family’s advice. Life, both on and off the court, teaches you valuable lessons. That’s what prepared me for my arrival in Madrid as a more seasoned player, which aided my development into the athlete I eventually became.”

As Rudy mentioned, he was a changed player upon arriving in Madrid, primarily due to injuries that nearly forced him into an early retirement. “In the U.S., I still had my explosiveness, just as I did when I joined Real Madrid. Unfortunately, after undergoing my second and third surgeries, I was told my disc was severely irritated and worn, limiting my professional career to perhaps another two or three years. It was a pivotal moment that made me aware that I needed to overhaul many of my habits—diet, physical training, mental approach—and that’s exactly what I did. I dedicated myself to improving these areas, which allowed me to regain the level of play I maintained at the end of my career. This transformation empowered me to continue making positive contributions to the team and to pursue our collective aspirations, which was always my focus.”