Gerard Piqué has said his final goodbye to his paternal grandmother, Lina Rovira Montsant, who has passed away at the age of 102. After the wake, which took place at the Sant Guim de Freixenet funeral home between 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. last Tuesday, the family gathered for a funeral mass at the Sagrat Cor de Sant Guim church, in Lleida. Around noon, relatives and close friends of Lina arrived, including Gerard and his girlfriend, Clara Chía.
© Getty ImagesClara Chía, his rock during difficult times
The former soccer player arrived with his partner, who has been his biggest support during this very delicate moment for Gerard Piqué and his family. Together with the athlete’s parents, Joan Piqué and Montserrat Bernabéu, they walked in the funeral procession behind the car carrying the casket to the church. The photos obtained by ¡HOLA! Spain show Gerard Piqué with his head down and visibly affected, never letting go of Clara’s hand, as she stayed close to him at all times.
© Backgrid UK/The Grosby GroupClara, who turned 27 in April, kept a low profile, quietly standing by as the pillar Gerard Piqué leans on and offering comfort to the family in this sad farewell. She attended the funeral in a simple look made up of a short-sleeved black T-shirt and wide-leg beige pants, paired with black ballet flats and oversized sunglasses. The former athlete, for his part, wore a white polo shirt, wide-leg black pants and matching loafers.
The loss comes as the Piqué family prepares to gather privately to remember a woman who witnessed generations of the family grow and Gerard Piqué become one of Spain’s most recognizable soccer players.
Who Was Gerard Piqué’s Grandmother Lina Rovira Montsant?
Lina Rovira Montsant was Gerard Piqué’s paternal grandmother and the mother of his father, Joan Piqué. Unlike her famous grandson, she largely remained outside the public spotlight. Her death at 102, however, has drawn attention to the private family behind one of Spanish soccer’s most famous names.
© Europa Press via Getty Images¡Hola! described Rovira Montsant as a “pillar in the family,” noting that she lived long enough to witness several generations and major milestones in her grandson’s career.
Piqué rose through Barcelona’s youth system before becoming a central figure in one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. He also won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012 with Spain before eventually retiring from professional soccer in November 2022.
© NurPhoto via Getty ImagesRovira Montsant’s 102 years meant she was able to see not only her grandson’s rise in professional soccer, but also the arrival of another generation of the family.
Piqué shares two sons, Milan and Sasha, with his former longtime partner Shakira.
© NurPhoto via Getty ImagesGerard Piqué’s Family Plans Private Funeral for His Grandmother
The Piqué family is keeping the mourning period largely private. According to Mundo Deportivo, relatives were receiving mourners on Tuesday, August 25, following Rovira Montsant’s death.
¡Hola! reported that the wake was scheduled at the funeral home in Sant Guim de Freixenet from 5 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. local time. A funeral Mass is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, at noon at the Sagrat Cor church in Sant Guim de Freixenet.
© Europa Press via Getty ImagesLa Vanguardia also reported that members of the family had gathered at the funeral home Tuesday and that the funeral would take place at noon Wednesday.
Lina Rovira Montsant Lived to See Her Family Span Generations
At 102, Rovira Montsant had lived through more than a century of history and several generations of her own family.
Spanish newspaper La Razón reported that family milestones remained an important part of her later years, including being able to watch her great-grandchildren grow. The publication wrote that the family continued to include her in significant moments that kept her engaged and happy.
Her grandson’s life, meanwhile, changed dramatically during those years. Piqué became internationally famous through his career at FC Barcelona and with Spain’s national team. His personal life also attracted global attention during his relationship with Shakira, with whom he shares Milan and Sasha.
© Europa Press via Getty ImagesPiqué and Shakira announced their separation in June 2022 after more than a decade together. Their joint statement at the time read, “We regret to confirm that we are separating.” The former couple subsequently built separate lives while continuing to share responsibility for their children.
Piqué has since remained active in sports and business, most notably through the Kings League, following his retirement from professional soccer.
