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Juan Roig Alfonso, born on October 8, 1949, in Valencia, is a Spanish businessman widely known for his role as executive president and largest shareholder of Mercadona, as well as the owner of the Valencia Basket basketball club. In addition to being one of Spain’s most influential entrepreneurs, Juan Roig has been a fervent supporter of sports and entrepreneurship in the Comunitat Valenciana. His mother, Trinidad Alfonso, left a deep impression on his life, shaping his philanthropic work through the Fundación Trinidad Alfonso, which today drives numerous sports, cultural, and business projects across the region. This article will explore the life of Juan Roig, his values, his business vision, and his work as president of Fundación Trinidad Alfonso.
The Beginnings of Juan Roig
Juan Roig was born into a hardworking family in Valencia. His parents, Francisco Roig Ballester and Trinidad Alfonso Mocholí, founded Mercadona in 1977 as part of the Cárnicas Roig group, a chain of butcher shops based in Pobla de Farnals. From a young age, Juan Roig witnessed the effort and dedication his parents put into their businesses, and this experience shaped him both personally and professionally.
Juan studied at Jesuit and Franciscan schools before graduating in Economics and Business Studies from the University of Valencia. Later, he completed a PDD at IESE Business School. In 1981, along with three of his siblings, he acquired Mercadona from his parents, and over time, he bought the majority of the company’s shares, turning it into Spain’s leading supermarket chain. This leadership earned him numerous awards, including the Prince Felipe Award for Business Excellence in 2010.
Fundación Trinidad Alfonso and the Inspiration from His Mother
While Juan Roig is best known for his business success, his contribution to sports and society through the Fundación Trinidad Alfonso is equally notable. The foundation, created in 2012, is a tribute to his mother, Trinidad Alfonso, and the values of effort and generosity she instilled in him. For Juan Roig, “you must give before you can receive” is a universal truth that has guided his life and decisions, and the foundation is a channel to transmit these values to society.
In his words, the creation of Fundación Trinidad Alfonso marked the “kilometer 0” of his commitment to sports and the Comunitat Valenciana. This organization has served as a vehicle to channel his sports philanthropy and support various projects that promote the culture of effort, both in sports and society.
If you want to know more details about Fundación Trinidad Alfonso and its role in Valencian sports, we invite you to read the article Discover Fundación Trinidad Alfonso and its role in the Valencia Marathon.
Juan Roig’s Commitment to Sports
One of Fundación Trinidad Alfonso’s main areas of focus is sports. As a great lover of sports, Juan Roig has supported and driven key initiatives that have helped position the Comunitat Valenciana as a sports reference at both national and international levels. A prime example of this commitment is his support for the Valencia Marathon, an event that has been transformed thanks to the foundation’s investment and values.
The Valencia Marathon is now one of the most important in the world, and it is known not only for its excellent organization but also for the speed of its course, making it a key event for elite runners and undeniably helping to make the Valencia Marathon what it is today.
Additionally, Roig is the largest shareholder of Valencia Basket Club, a team that has seen significant growth under his leadership. His investment has not only boosted basketball in the city but has also consolidated the team as one of the best in Spain.
This support extends beyond professional sports. Juan Roig has been a staunch advocate for sports entrepreneurship through initiatives such as Lanzadera, a project designed to support young entrepreneurs in their early stages, and Angels Capital, which finances and advises startups. In recent years, he has invested millions of euros in these initiatives, fostering an ecosystem of innovation and development in the Mediterranean.
The Importance of the Valencia Marathon in Juan Roig’s Vision
The Valencia Marathon is one of the greatest examples of the successful collaboration between Fundación Trinidad Alfonso and the city of Valencia. This event has grown spectacularly in recent decades, attracting thousands of runners and spectators from around the world. The marathon is not only recognized for its excellent organization but also for the records and top times achieved on its fast course.
To learn more about how this race has evolved and its most important milestones, we suggest exploring the history of the Valencia Marathon.
Another essential aspect of the marathon is its location. The City of Arts and Sciences has been the epicenter of the marathon in recent years, providing a spectacular setting for both runners and the public. Read more about this iconic venue and its importance in the event here.
Additionally, the marathon offers attractive prizes for the winners, many of them driven by Roig himself, which adds extra motivation for elite athletes. Find out more about the winners and prizes of the Valencia Marathon.
Recognitions and Contributions
Juan Roig’s success and influence are not limited to Mercadona or the sports world. Throughout his career, he has received numerous recognitions for his business and philanthropic work. In 2007, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the Polytechnic University of Valencia, and later, in 2018, by the University of Valencia. He has also presided over important organizations such as the Family Business Institute and was a founding member of the Business Competitiveness Council.
His contributions to the business world and sports have earned him several awards, including the Gold Medal for Merit in Work in 2016 and the Prince Felipe Award for Business Excellence in 2009. Juan Roig is a firm believer in family-owned businesses, as long as family members actively and positively contribute to the company’s growth.
Beyond the business world, Juan Roig has donated significant amounts of money to various causes, including organizations such as the FAES Foundation and Women for Africa, reinforcing his commitment to philanthropy.
Learn more about Juan Roig’s achievements and recognitions.
Juan Roig’s Legacy in the Comunitat Valenciana
Throughout his life, Juan Roig has left a deep mark on the Comunitat Valenciana. His commitment to the region has manifested not only through his business success with Mercadona but also in his contributions to sports, education, and entrepreneurship. Through the Fundación Trinidad Alfonso, he has driven projects that reflect his passion for sports and his desire for the Comunitat Valenciana to become a model of the culture of effort.
His vision is clear: to promote values that inspire new generations and project the best of his homeland through sports, effort, and innovation. Juan Roig has shown that business success and philanthropy are not mutually exclusive but can go hand in hand to build a more just and prosperous society.
Thanks to his efforts, the Comunitat Valenciana has established itself as a dynamic region of great importance in both the sports and business fields, and his legacy continues to grow, fueled by his unwavering dedication and forward-looking vision.
👉 Find out everything you need to know about the Valencia Marathon thanks to our complete detailed Marathon guide with everything an athlete should know about the event and its surroundings.
Mired is a journalist passionate about sports and a critic specialized in large-scale events, who collaborates with our website to offer a unique perspective on the world’s most important races. Known for her ability to spot key details across multiple websites and her deep knowledge of the Valencia Marathon and Half Marathon, Mired combines detailed analysis with a fresh narrative that reflects her expertise, authority, and trustworthiness. Follow her posts to stay up to date with the latest news in the world of running and sports events in Valencia.
