Ricky Rubio is one of the most impactful talents to emerge from European basketball. He made his professional debut in the Spanish league at just 14 years old and played in the Olympic Games three years later, breaking every record for precocity. After 12 seasons in the NBA and being named MVP of the 2019 FIBA World Cup, he’s recognized internationally for his leadership, court vision, and unique feel for the game.
In 2016, the loss of his mother to lung cancer marked a turning point in his life. Two years later, The Ricky Rubio Foundation was born — a commitment to transform pain into action. Today, the Foundation is fully focused on lung cancer, with a clear mission to advance scientific research and promote physical exercise as part of cancer treatment, working closely with oncologists, physical trainers, and people affected by the disease.
Beyond the clinical approach, the Foundation is deeply committed to humanizing the patient experience. Programs like I Am Ready — validated by Vall d’Hebron University Hospital — help children better understand and cope with the challenges of treatment. At the same time, bold initiatives like 41/2002 aim to raise awareness, break stigma, and open up new conversations around lung cancer and smoking cessation. Through all of this, Rubio’s mission remains clear: to bring visibility, dignity, and real support to those living with one of the world’s most overlooked diseases.
