An era has come to an end. The legendary Joaquín Sabina, one of Spain’s most iconic musicians, has decided to leave the stage at the age of 76. For decades, his concerts have filled venues across the country, making him one of Spain’s most commercially successful artists. Now, following in the footsteps of Joan Manuel Serrat, he’s hanging up his guitar to enjoy a well-deserved rest, even as other veterans like Raphael continue their musical journeys.
Retirement doesn’t mean financial hardship. On the contrary, Sabina has secured himself a more than comfortable pension. His net worth is estimated at around €5.7 million, with liquid assets exceeding €6 million. This allows him to look to the future with confidence, despite his previous disputes with the tax authorities. Now he will have more time for his family: his second wife, Jimena Coronado, and his two daughters, Carmela and Rocío, from his previous relationship with Isabel Oliart.
A few years ago, Sabina’s name was at the center of a high-profile royalties tax dispute. The conflict with Hacienda reached the Supreme Court, where the artist ultimately lost. He was forced to pay €2.5 million after his final appeal was rejected in 2023. Initially, the claims amounted to €4 million, so the outcome could be seen as a partial victory. In one interview, the singer admitted he felt persecuted, but ultimately acknowledged his lack of financial expertise, saying: “I’m a complete novice in these matters.”
Following this incident, the author of hits such as “Calle Melancolía” and “Lo niego todo” put his affairs in order. Today, his artistic activities are managed through a single company, Ultramarinos Finos, in which his wife Jimena holds a 50% stake. In addition, he invests in research and development through economic interest groups, diversifying his financial portfolio.
Sabina’s material wealth is built on two main properties. The first is his famous apartment in central Madrid, which became the epicenter of his bohemian lifestyle. The second is a summer house in Rota, Cádiz province, where the musician finds peace and privacy by the sea. The Madrid residence is a spacious 300-square-meter duplex, complete with its own recording studio. Sabina and his wife initially purchased the lower floor, later acquiring the upper floor and undergoing extensive renovations in 2008. In one interview, he described his interior as “baroque,” far from minimalist, filled with numerous artifacts from American tours, works of art, and objects with cherished personal memories.
Incidentally, Joaquín Ramón Martínez Sabina, known worldwide as Joaquín Sabina, is not just a singer, but a true poet and composer whose work has become a symbol for several generations of Spaniards. Born in 1949 in Úbeda (Jaén), he is celebrated for his raspy voice, ironic and profound lyrics, and his unmistakable stage presence—always sporting his iconic bowler hat. His music blends elements of rock, folk, bolero, and ranchera. In a career spanning more than forty years, he has released dozens of albums—many going platinum—and has written songs for other renowned artists. Sabina is regarded as one of the greatest singer-songwriters in the history of Spanish-language music.
