Marc Marquez and girlfriend Gemma Pinto criticized for lavish lifestyle with huge salary at Ducati!
Marc Marquez, the MotoGP superstar and eight-time world champion, has been making headlines not only for his remarkable resurgence on the track with Ducati but also for his off-track life, particularly his relationship with Catalan model and influencer Gemma Pinto. Since going public with their romance in May 2023, the couple has been a focal point of media attention, with their glamorous lifestyle drawing both admiration and criticism. As Marquez enjoys a lucrative contract with Ducati, reportedly worth €5 million annually after turning down a staggering €100 million offer from Honda, some have questioned whether the couple’s lavish displays are in poor taste given the economic challenges faced by many fans. This article explores the dynamics of their relationship, the criticism they face, and the context of Marquez’s career and earnings.
Marquez’s journey in MotoGP has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his debut in the 125cc class in 2008 to securing six MotoGP titles by 2019, he has long been regarded as one of the greatest riders in the sport’s history. However, a devastating injury in 2020, which required four surgeries to repair a broken right humerus, nearly ended his career. His struggles with an underperforming Honda team led him to make a bold move to Gresini Racing on a year-old Ducati in 2024, a decision that paid off with three Grand Prix victories and a promotion to Ducati’s factory team for 2025. This transition, while professionally rewarding, came at a financial cost. Marquez reportedly paid Honda £4 million to exit his contract early, and his current Ducati salary, while substantial, is a fraction of the €100 million Honda offered to retain him for four more years. Despite this, Marquez has emphasized that his priority is performance over money, a sentiment echoed by Ducati’s Sporting Director, Gigi Dall’Igna, who noted that Marquez’s passion for racing outweighs financial rewards.
Off the track, Marquez’s relationship with Gemma Pinto has been a source of emotional stability during his challenging years. Pinto, a 26-year-old Barcelona-born model and influencer with over 317,000 Instagram followers, has been a constant presence at Grand Prix events, offering Marquez the support he credits with helping him through tough times. Their relationship, marked by romantic getaways to Majorque, California, and Ibiza, and public displays of affection, such as Marquez’s playful fake marriage proposal at Jerez in 2025, has endeared them to many fans. However, their visible displays of wealth—yacht vacations, designer fashion, and high-profile brand partnerships—have sparked criticism. Some fans and commentators argue that the couple’s ostentatious lifestyle, fueled by Marquez’s substantial earnings and Pinto’s growing influencer career, feels disconnected from the realities of ordinary MotoGP fans, many of whom face financial pressures.
The criticism intensified after Alex Teixidor, Pinto’s ex-boyfriend and a Catalan entrepreneur, publicly attacked Marquez on social media in July 2024, calling him “fake, manipulative, and mean.” Teixidor’s comments, made in the context of Marquez’s rise to Ducati’s factory team, stirred controversy and fueled discussions about the couple’s public image. While Marquez and Pinto have remained unfazed, with their relationship appearing stronger than ever, the remarks highlighted the scrutiny they face. Some detractors argue that Marquez’s wealth, combined with Pinto’s influencer status, creates an image of excess that clashes with the gritty, hardworking ethos of MotoGP. Others defend the couple, noting that Marquez’s earnings are hard-earned through years of risk and dedication, and Pinto’s career is a legitimate extension of her personal brand.
Marquez’s success with Ducati has only heightened the spotlight on his personal life. His dominant 2025 season, with seven wins in eight races, including a historic victory at Aragon—his first in 1,043 days—has solidified his status as a Ducati powerhouse. Yet, the financial disparity between his earnings and those of other riders, coupled with the couple’s high-profile lifestyle, has led to debates about privilege in the sport. Supporters argue that Marquez’s sacrifices, including his recovery from near-career-ending injuries, justify his rewards, and Pinto’s presence has been a stabilizing force, helping him regain his mental and professional edge.
Ultimately, Marc Marquez and Gemma Pinto’s relationship reflects the complexities of fame, wealth, and public perception in modern sports. While their lavish lifestyle has drawn criticism, it’s also a testament to Marquez’s resilience and Pinto’s ability to carve out her own identity in a high-pressure world. As Marquez continues to dominate MotoGP, the couple’s ability to navigate scrutiny while maintaining their bond will likely remain a topic of fascination for fans and critics alike.
