Marianela Núñez

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Marianela Núñez's career is marked by extraordinary longevity and acclaim. She has been a principal dancer with The Royal Ballet for over two decades, a rare achievement in the demanding world of ballet. Her technical mastery and artistic depth have earned her comparisons to Lionel Messi in Argentina, where she is celebrated as 'The Messi of ballet.' In 2015, she was appointed OBE, a testament to her influence and excellence. Her 2026 solo show, Marianela: Timeless, was a milestone, showcasing her enduring brilliance in four different roles.

AwardsNúñez's most significant honour is her appointment as Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2015, recognising her outstanding contribution to dance. This prestigious national award reflects her status as one of the world's leading ballerinas.

Honours & Distinctions

Officer of the Order of the British Empire

UK Government·2015

Awarded for services to dance.

Rankings & Lists

The Messi of ballet

Argentinian media·2026

Magazine Covers

The Guardian

2026-07-28

The Messi of ballet: Marianela Núñez, the Buenos Aires bombshell shaking up British dance

Financial Times

2026-06

Interview feature: 'I fell in love with ballet and couldn't let it go'

Records & Feats

Longest-serving principal dancer at The Royal Ballet

Career Milestone·2026

Served as principal for over 20 years, a rare achievement.