Carlota Brunei is the fiancée of Joni Montiel, the Spanish footballer of “Qarabag.” The couple has a daughter and is expecting their second child soon. Not long ago, the footballer proposed to her.
Joni Montiel previously played for the Spanish club “Rayo Vallecano” and has experience with Spain’s youth national teams. In Azerbaijan, he and his fiancée have been living only recently. The footballer joined the club in August of this year but has not yet made his official debut for the team.
İdman.Biz spoke with Carlota Brunei about her life in Azerbaijan, her future wedding, and much more.
– Tell us a little about yourself.
– I am from La Coruña, a beautiful city in the north of Spain. I am passionate about fashion. Perhaps this is because the headquarters of the Inditex Group, which includes brands such as Zara, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, and others, is located in my hometown. I studied fashion design and later obtained a master’s degree in Fashion and Luxury Marketing and Communication. Besides that, I have many hobbies: I regularly go to the gym, practice Pilates, and absolutely love horseback riding.
– Horseback riding is quite an unusual hobby…
– For me, it’s more than just a hobby; it’s a way to escape the hustle and bustle and feel in harmony with nature – and with horses, which I adore. I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that the symbol of “Qarabag” is the Karabakh horse, because I’ve always felt a special connection with these animals. When I jump over obstacles with a horse, it’s an incredible feeling of freedom and unity. I’ve never practiced horseback riding professionally, but I always try to continue training in every city we move to because of football.
– What inspired you to become a fashion designer?
– Since childhood, I loved creating my own style and expressing myself through clothing. It was always important for me not just to follow trends but to feel comfortable and confident. Although the fashion world is highly competitive, for me it’s first and foremost a space for creativity, self-expression, and the joy of the process itself.
– When you travel, you probably notice people’s style around you. What do you think of the style of women in Baku?
– Yes, I really do notice how people dress, even at the airport. I enjoy watching how they combine items, guessing brands, and seeing how luxury pieces mix with more affordable ones. It shows creativity and personal taste. Every country has its own distinctive fashion features. In Spain, for instance, people dress in a distinctly European way. In Baku, I noticed an amazing blend of Asian and European influences. Azerbaijani women create original and expressive looks.
– Do you have a favourite Spanish and Azerbaijani designer?
– Of course. In fact, I don’t have one single favourite Spanish designer. For example, I admire Cristóbal Balenciaga and love the brand Loewe, which was founded in Madrid.
Among Azerbaijani designers, I like Fidan Novruzova – especially her futuristic shoe and clothing collections. Since I recently got engaged and have already started looking for a wedding dress, I came across the brand Sophie Couture and was amazed by the works of its creator, Gunel Babayeva. Another designer who impressed me is Rufat Ismayil. His collections, inspired by traditional Azerbaijani carpets, combine national color with modern aesthetics in a stunning way.
– By the way, in Azerbaijan, national motifs in fashion are becoming more and more popular. Is this trend relevant in Spain as well?
– Yes, I noticed this trend in Azerbaijan: traditional Azerbaijani ornaments, the incredibly beautiful silk scarf kelaghayi, which carries a rich cultural meaning. It’s amazing how such seemingly small details reflect the history and identity of a nation.
In Spain, there is also a growing tendency to return to traditional motifs. Many designers are inspired by national textiles, embroidery, and folklore, reinterpreting them in a modern way. This can be seen in prints, accessories, and even haute couture collections that reference the mantilla, flamenco-style ruffles, or regional embroidery.
– Do you plan to continue your career as a designer?
– At the moment, I don’t work as a designer. However, as we moved from city to city, I tried to develop myself not only in fashion but in other areas too. I’m passionate about nutrition and sports – they’ve become an integral part of my life. So, in the future, I don’t rule out creating my own business that combines both worlds – sport and fashion.
– As you mentioned, you recently got engaged. Congratulations! How did you and your future husband meet?
– Thank you so much! We met in my hometown through mutual friends – funny enough, we had never crossed paths before. From the very first meeting, we instantly connected, and since then, we’ve been inseparable. I think what especially drew us to each other was how different we are. It sparked curiosity and the desire to get to know each other better – and over time, a true bond formed between us.
Later, I moved with him to Madrid when he signed with “Rayo Vallecano,” and that’s when I began building my career in the fashion industry.
– Were you interested in football before meeting your future husband?
– Honestly, football was never something I was into. Even after six years together, I’m still “learning” and trying to understand it. But I love watching Joni play and cheering for him – it’s a very special feeling. I always support and believe in him. And when his team wins, it’s a real celebration for the whole family. We usually cook a delicious dinner at home or go out to a restaurant to celebrate together.
– Was the proposal a surprise for you?
– It was an unforgettable surprise! I was incredibly happy and emotional. Getting married and becoming a mother has been my dream since I was young. In general, marriage is very important to me, especially when it’s with a partner you’ve shared your life with for a long time and are building a family together. Commitment is among the most important values in life for me. Looking back now, I realise that I’m living in harmony with what I’ve always believed in and fulfilling myself as a mother and future wife.
– Have you already started preparing for the wedding?
– Yes! It’s a process that truly inspires me. We plan to have the wedding in the summer of 2027. Of course, with the football schedule, it’s a bit difficult to fix the exact date, but we’ll try to plan everything carefully. I would really love to celebrate this event in Spain.
– Are you familiar with Azerbaijani wedding traditions?
– Unfortunately, I haven’t attended an Azerbaijani wedding yet, but as far as I know, they are very large and beautiful celebrations. I’ve even noticed many flower shops in the city (I love flowers) and wedding venues.
– And how are weddings celebrated in Spain?
– In Spain, it depends on the couple: some prefer intimate family gatherings, while others have big weddings with hundreds of guests that last several days and include pre- and post-wedding parties. My ideal wedding is a classic and elegant celebration filled with white flowers. I would love to share this day with our families and all our friends from different cities where we’ve lived. It will be a wonderful celebration of our love and a great occasion to bring all our loved ones together.
– Let’s talk about your life in Azerbaijan. How did you react when you heard about the offer from “Qarabag”?
– The first thought that came to my mind was: “That’s so far away!” Especially considering we have a 10-month-old child, and I’m pregnant again. But I’ve always loved traveling and discovering new places, so I took the news with joy and excitement. We’re used to moving from city to city and changing homes from time to time, but of course, this is the first time we’ve lived outside Spain – and with a child. It’s a completely new experience.
– What surprised you most about Azerbaijan?
– When we arrived, I was pleasantly surprised: Baku turned out to be incredibly beautiful. I had heard it called a “mini-Dubai,” and honestly, it really did impress me. I love walking around the city, discovering new corners, and visiting cozy cafés to have a cup of coffee or tea. As someone passionate about fashion, one of my favourite places is Port Baku Mall – it features so many luxury brands, and I love strolling through boutiques, finding inspiration, and observing people’s style.
What also struck me in Azerbaijan is the kindness and hospitality of its people. Everyone here is so open and warm – just like back home in Spain.
– Is there anything you find difficult to get used to?
– Yes, probably the hardest thing is the language barrier, and I still haven’t gotten used to the food. But we’ve been here only a short time, so I think that will change. I must admit, though, that I miss Spanish cuisine – and, of course, my family, friends, and our dogs.
– Do you see your life in Baku in the long term?
– Honestly, yes. I would gladly live here for a few more years and watch my two daughters grow up in this beautiful and welcoming country. Fortunately, the club has helped us a lot – including finding a wonderful nanny who speaks English and takes care of our daughter. It really makes adaptation easier and life here even more comfortable.
Leyla Eminova
