The Spanish edition of the Esquire Man of the Year 2025 awards was held on the evening of December 10 in Madrid. Hosted by actor Álvaro Morte, the gala brought together leading figures from culture, music, sport, film, gastronomy, fashion and the arts.
Dan Brown received the first-ever Global Icon of the Year award for revolutionizing the contemporary thriller and captivating millions of readers around the world with his blend of mystery, history and symbolism, in works that have become part of popular culture, including his most recent novel, The Secret of Secrets. On stage, Brown expressed his gratitude and recalled his time studying in Gijón and Seville, as well as his affection for Spain.
The line-up of honorees included Dani Martín (Music Man of the Year), Luis de la Fuente (Sport Man of the Year), David Uclés (Literature Man of the Year), Gordon Ramsay (Gastronomy Man of the Year), Julio Peña (Film Man of the Year), Hernán Zin (Journalism Man of the Year), Eduardo Guerrero (Performing Arts Man of the Year), Unai Bartra (Fashion Man of the Year) and the first Honorary Man of the Year, awarded posthumously to Antonio Flores and accepted by his daughter Alba Flores.
Beyond the awards, the ceremony delivered powerful live moments: Coque Malla opened the gala performing Cero; Dani Martín delivered an exclusive set and later closed the evening alongside Malla with No puedo vivir sin ti; and Eduardo Guerrero’s surprise dance to Siete vidas added an emotional tribute to Antonio Flores. Alba Flores’s appearance on stage to collect her father’s award was one of the most moving points of the ceremony.
The Real Casino de Madrid, decorated for the season, again proved the ideal setting. Guests were welcomed by the new Hyundai IONIQ 9, enjoyed drinks and experiences throughout the venue, and closed the evening with a post-gala party featuring Andrea Vandall. The event was supported by: Rioja, Martin Miller’s, Solán de Cabras, Auchan Collection, Abanderado and Palladium Hotel Group.
The celebration brought together representatives from across Spain’s cultural and entertainment landscape, as well as Hearst Spain’s leaders, including CEO Cristina Martín Conejero and Editorial Director Benedetta Poletti. The 2025 Esquire Man of the Year Awards were the result of close collaboration between the Esquire editorial team, the Hearst Events department and the event’s sponsors, consolidating the gala as one of the most important men’s magazine events in the country.
