Patrick Criado

Patrick Criado de la Puerta is a Spanish actor known for his transition from child stardom to leading roles in major international productions. Born in Madrid, he first captured the attention of audiences as Santiago in the long-running series Águila Roja. His career has since evolved to include significant parts in global hits like Money Heist and acclaimed films by Pedro Almodóvar.

As of 2026, Criado stands as one of Spain's most versatile young talents. He balances commercial success with artistic credibility, often choosing complex dramatic roles over typecasting. His ability to portray gritty characters while maintaining a relatable screen presence has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following across Europe and Latin America. [edit]

Picking up an acting job at just ten years old, Patrick Criado started his professional life in commercials before stepping into television. Growing up in Madrid, he balanced school with a demanding production schedule that would have overwhelmed most children. His early years were spent honing his craft in minor roles within Spanish youth programming, building a foundation that few peers possessed at such a young age.

The turning point arrived in 2009 when he secured the role of Santiago in Águila Roja. This historical adventure series became a staple of Spanish family entertainment, and Criado’s portrayal of the young apprentice made him a household name overnight. The show ran for seven seasons, allowing him to grow up on screen alongside its audience. During this period, he focused entirely on his education and training, ensuring he was prepared for the next phase of his career once the series concluded. [edit]

Criado’s breakthrough came with Águila Roja, but his ambition drove him to shed the "child star" label immediately after. In 2013, he starred in the film Family United, earning a Goya Award nomination for Best New Actor. This recognition signaled to the industry that he was ready for serious dramatic work. He followed this with roles in Mar de plástico and El aspirante, which showcased his range in grittier, more mature storylines.

His trajectory shifted toward international prominence in 2021 when he joined the cast of Money Heist for its fifth season as Jesús del Monte. Playing the son of the notorious Berlin brought him global fame and introduced him to millions of new fans worldwide. The role required him to navigate complex emotional arcs while connecting to the show's established lore. Since then, he has continued to take on challenging projects, including the police procedural Antidisturbios, which won him two major awards: the Feroz Award and an Actors and Actresses Union Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Series.

Recent years have seen him collaborate with some of Spain's most revered filmmakers. In May 2026, he starred in Pedro Almodóvar's Bitter Christmas, a performance that received a nine-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival. Later that year, production began on Netflix's adaptation of Nine Queens, where he reunites with Money Heist co-star Álvaro Morte. [edit]

Criado projects an image of humility and dedication. Media outlets consistently describe him as talented and grounded, a rare quality for someone who grew up in front of cameras. His style is modern and understated, fitting for both period pieces and contemporary thrillers. He avoids the typical celebrity trap of oversharing, preferring to let his work speak for itself. On set, colleagues describe him as professional and focused, often taking direction well and collaborating closely with directors. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for Patrick Criado. He does not appear on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list. While he lacks a formal ranking in the current engine, his popularity remains robust among viewers of Spanish cinema and streaming series.

His fanbase is organic and diverse, drawn primarily from the massive global audience of Money Heist and the nostalgic following of Águila Roja. Fans do not use a specific collective name but identify strongly with the broader fandoms of his major projects. Social media interactions show a loyal community that celebrates his award wins and tracks his project releases. Criado engages with this audience through professional interviews and occasional replies, maintaining a respectful distance that preserves his mystique. [edit]

Patrick Criado maintains a minimalist social media presence despite his high profile. His Instagram bio features the phrase "Nunca dejes de creer," which translates to "Never stop believing." This personal motto reflects his approach to both life and acting. He also voiced a character in The Lego Ninjago Movie, expanding his reach into voice acting for international animated features.

Fans often note his seamless transition from children's television to adult dramas. While many child actors struggle to find work after their teen years, Criado successfully pivoted to complex roles without losing his audience. His performance in Antidisturbios is frequently cited as the moment he fully cemented his status as a serious dramatic actor rather than just a former child star. [edit]

Patrick Criado keeps his family life strictly private. Specific details about his parents or siblings are not publicly disclosed, though he was born in Madrid to a Spanish family. He currently lives alone in Madrid, focusing on his career and maintaining a low-key personal life away from the spotlight. There are no reports of pets or extended family living with him. His privacy extends to his romantic life, where he shares almost nothing about his personal relationships. [edit]

Álvaro Morte, Pedro Almodóvar, Victoria Luengo, Ricardo Gómez[edit]

Patrick Criado is known for keeping his romantic life out of the public eye. Despite frequent speculation from tabloids and fans asking about his relationship status, there are no confirmed records of marriages, engagements, or long-term partnerships. Search trends often query his potential wife or partner, but neither his social media nor credible news sources have ever confirmed a romance.

As of 2026, he appears to be single. His Instagram bio focuses on personal philosophy rather than romantic milestones. Colleagues and interviews suggest he prioritizes his career and personal growth over publicizing his private life. This discretion has maintained an air of mystery around him, distinguishing him from other actors who frequently share relationship updates. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Patrick Criado's net worth at approximately $2 million. This figure reflects his steady rise from child actor to international star, driven by lucrative contracts with major streaming platforms and film studios. His primary income streams include recurring salaries from hit series like Money Heist and Águila Roja, along with substantial fees for film roles such as Bitter Christmas and The Red Virgin.

Voice acting work for The Lego Ninjago Movie and upcoming projects like Nine Queens add significant value to his portfolio. As of 2026, his financial growth mirrors his career trajectory, moving from modest earnings in Spanish television to premium rates associated with global Netflix productions. Real estate holdings and business ventures remain unverified, suggesting his wealth is concentrated in active employment and residuals. [edit]

Criado has garnered significant recognition for his dramatic work, particularly for his performances in Antidisturbios and Family United. He won two Actors and Actresses Union Awards and one Feroz Award, solidifying his reputation as a serious actor. While he received a Goya Award nomination for Best New Actor, he has not yet won that specific honor. [edit]