Where is Madonna’s ex Carlos Leon now? The celebrity trainer-turned-actor dated the Material Girl in the 90s, co-parents their daughter Lourdes Leon – and recently made his New York Fashion Week debut

Oct 16 , 2024

Lourdes Leon is the 28 year old daughter of Madonna and Cuban personal trainer Carlos Leon. Photo: @carlitoleon/Instagram

Leon is now married to a Danish model and fashion designer, and recently walked the runway for the first time for Willy Chavarria; he’s still on good terms with his ex and his daughter

We’re used to seeing 28-year-old Lourdes Leon’s mother Madonna making headlines, but last month it was her father’s name that was on everyone’s lips.

Carlos Leon made his runway debut at Willy Chavarria’s New York Fashion Week show, walking in wide leg trousers, a white shirt and a classic black tie. Lourdes rocked a striking red minidress paired with casual white trainers as she cheered her dad on from the front row.

Carlos Leon (centre) hugs his daughter, Lourdes Leon, backstage at New York Fashion Week last month. Photo: @carlitoleon/Instagram

After the show, the father-daughter duo shared a heartwarming moment, smiling for photos and showing their close bond. Despite Madonna and Leon splitting months after Lourdes was born, their co-parenting has clearly paid off – Leon’s relationship with his daughter remains strong.

Carlos Leon prepares to walk the runway for Willy Chavarria at New York Fashion Week in September. Photo: @carlitoleon/Instagram

So, who is Carlos Leon? Here’s everything we know about Madonna’s former partner.

He’s Cuban

Carlos Leon was born in Cuba. Photo: @carlitoleon/Instagram

He might be a resident of New York now, but Leon’s journey began on the Caribbean island of Cuba. Born in Havana in 1966, he spent his early years in the city before eventually moving to the US to build his career.

He’s a personal trainer turned actor

An old photo of Carlos Leon at an event with actor Antonio Banderas. Photo: @carlitoleon/Instagram

Leon’s rise to fame happened after years of hustling in New York City. He was – and still is – a personal trainer to the stars, but shifted into acting with minor roles in major films such as The Replacement Killers and The Big Lebowski. Leon also appeared onstage in on and off-Broadway productions and has made guest appearances on TV shows including Ugly Betty, White Collar and Law & Order.