Joaquín Sabina had many women in his life, but it was Cristina Zubillaga who inspired one of his most iconic songs. The Mallorca-born model entered the musician’s life in the early 1980s, just as Madrid was buzzing with the energy of La Movida and creative minds were seeking new meaning and freedom. They met in one of the capital’s nightclubs, where Sabina—fresh back from London—spotted the striking young woman and invited her for a drink. That evening marked the beginning of a story that soon became much more than just a fleeting affair.
Sabina, known for his sharp wit and charisma, was instantly drawn to Cristina’s independent spirit. She wasn’t content with being just a celebrity’s companion; she sought her own path in the big city. Their relationship developed quickly, though not without complications. At the time, Sabina still maintained ties with Isabel Oliart, the mother of his daughters, adding drama to his personal life. Despite this, Cristina became a muse for him, and their adventures together inspired some of his future songs.
The muse behind the hit
It was Cristina who inspired the heroine in the song “19 días y 500 noches,” where Sabina describes a woman with her head held high, sharp wit, and a short skirt. These lyrics became iconic, and the song earned the artist the Ondas Award in 1999. The lyrics reflect moments from their relationship—from passionate encounters to a painful breakup. At one point, Sabina even took Cristina with him to Cuba, where they met Fidel Castro, one of the most memorable episodes of their romance.
However, their relationship could not withstand the test of time. During one of their trips to Menorca, Cristina suddenly disappeared, worn out by unfulfilled expectations and complicated feelings. This abrupt separation marked the end of their story but left a deep impression on the musician. Later, Sabina often admitted that this love was one of the most significant in his life.
The Women in Sabina’s Life
Cristina Zubillaga was not the only woman who played a key role in Sabina’s life. His first wife was Lucía Correa, who later became involved with singer Manolo Tena. After breaking up with Cristina, the musician spent many years with Isabel Oliart, the daughter of a prominent politician and intellectual. With her, Sabina became the father of two daughters—Carmela and Rocío—both of whom chose creative careers but prefer to stay out of their father’s spotlight.
Today, Sabina is married to Jimena Coronado, a Peruvian photographer from a prominent family in Peru. Despite changes in his personal life, the musician has always maintained relationships with his former partners, reflecting his ability to preserve friendship and respect even after breaking up.
Trials and Support
In 2001, Sabina faced a major challenge—a cerebral ischemic stroke that nearly cost him his life. During this difficult time, all the important women in his life were by his side: his current wife, former partner, daughters, and even Cristina Zubillaga. Despite past grievances, she came to Madrid to visit the musician in the hospital. She had to overcome many obstacles to get into his ward, but in the end, she was among those waiting for Sabina to regain consciousness.
This episode was further proof that Cristina left an indelible mark on the artist’s destiny. Their relationship had long ended, but mutual respect and warmth endured for many years. Sabina has often emphasized that it is these women who make his life vibrant and fulfilling, and his art—authentic and profound.
In case you didn’t know, Joaquín Sabina is one of Spain’s most celebrated singer-songwriters, with songs that have become anthems for generations. His work has received numerous awards, and the album “19 días y 500 noches” is considered one of the best in Spanish music history. Although Cristina Zubillaga was always discreet, she will forever be remembered as the muse who inspired Sabina’s timeless hit.
