Behind the daring and overwhelming personality that Valentín “Colo” Barco (21) shows on the court, is Yazmín Jaureguy (28), the woman who, for three years, has been responsible for his emotional bunker. In addition to those big eyes and that irresistible smile, Yaz – as everyone calls her – has a soft voice and her feet on the ground. Daughter of Ángel – a hairdresser who is a fan of Boca Juniors – and Natalia – a state employee, who was inspired by the princess from Aladdin, the Disney movie, to choose her daughter’s name – Yaz grew up in Castelar, west of Buenos Aires, where she began to dream of a future linked to fashion and advertising. In 2003, her life changed at the speed of a counterattack: she went from planning a career in Clothing Design to becoming an expert in soccer plays and a specialist in moving from one country to another. HELLO! Argentina He spoke with the influencer and model from the Multitalent agency hours after coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed the player born in the town of 25 de Mayo in the Argentine national team.
–How did your relationship with Valentín begin?
–When I was least looking for it. It was at a meeting to which a friend invited me. I came from a relationship that had not worked and I was focused on studying and working. Meeting him was a shock: while his friends were attentive and well-groomed, he didn’t even speak to me and was wearing joggers, socks and flip-flops. When I finished high school, my dream was to be a designer and dedicate myself to haute couture: I had started studying Fashion Design in New York, a career that was cut short by the pandemic. So, when I saw him at that meeting, I thought: “This kid, what’s up with that look?” I thought he was cheeky, you could tell he had a lot of personality.
–If he didn’t talk to you or look at you, how did the story continue?
–He wrote to me on Instagram. “What? El Colo Barco?” Dad said when I told him he was asking me out. In my family, everyone is a big fan of Boca and knew that he was the great promise of the club. But from then on to when I went out with a soccer player it was different: today they love him, but, at first, they were opposed. And I, for my part, felt that, if things progressed, I would feel uncomfortable in their world because I am very much from the neighborhood. But I accepted the date and discovered that he is super attentive and romantic. And that, behind his seriousness, there was shyness and incredible values. Since that day in 2023, we are no longer separated.
–In 2024, when he signed with Brighton in England, you went with him.
–Yes, everything was very fast. At first, I dedicated myself 100% to him and helped him put together the structure with which he operates today: nutritionist, physiotherapist, lawyer and English teacher. And, recently, a psychologist: in general, soccer players appear strong in front of the cameras and in front of the fans, but behind that player there is a person. In that first moment, I dedicated myself completely to him.
–Was it difficult for you to adapt?
–At first, decorating the house entertains you, but then loneliness can be hard, regardless of the climate or the country you are in. In the world of football, women’s place is often lonely, despite the travel or luxuries seen from the outside.
–Were there other players’ wives there?
–You are not always lucky enough to build real bonds. I went to have gallbladder surgery alone and drove with contractions to the hospital so Gemma could be born, because Valentín was playing a game with Racing de Strasbourg and I didn’t want to worry. The players’ wives seem fragile, but we are extremely strong; We endure a lot of pressure and hate.
–You have been his support throughout his journey.
–He has made a lot of effort to get where he is and I support him and defend him at all times. Before, if they made a comment to Valentín, I would go crazy and answer; Now, I control myself a little more… but on the court I am very argumentative. [Se ríe]. We went through hard times, like losing the Libertadores final against Boca or when he didn’t play in Seville because they registered him late. There we changed representatives and looked for continuity in Racing de Strasbourg. Now, with the World Cup, we suffer a lot. Since the list was taking too long, he was convinced that it wasn’t going to make it. “Ready: let’s spend a few days in Buenos Aires before moving to Chelsea,” he told me and packed his suitcases: he packed jackets, sweatshirts and, of course, his joggers… everything for the Argentine winter! I, on the other hand, put summer clothes on for Gemmi and me: I was sure that we would go to cheer him on in Dallas, Kansas, Atlanta….
–Did you have anything to do with her change of look?
–[Se ríe]. He started to pay more attention to it because, before, it was jogging and that’s it. Now he asks me for help putting together outfits and he enjoys changing things up. With her hair, too: there are times when she likes to wear it straighter and other times, with curlers. You have more hair products than me!
–Tell me about Gemma.
–She was a much sought-after daughter, and she makes us happy. The first months were not easy for me: my younger sister, Abril, died suddenly after three months and I was terrified that the same would happen to Gemmi. I spent all my time controlling his breathing.
–He was born on March 28, 2025 and, three months later, they got married in a civil ceremony in Argentina. Is the party coming after the World Cup?
–I had proposed an engagement in Aruba in 2023 and a wedding in Seville. Before I was excited about a big party, but now we are focused on the World Cup and moving from France to England, which is another big dream.
–What are your dreams?
–I want to do many things! Before meeting Valentín, I worked as a model [empezó con Anamá Ferreyra y después siguió sola] and now they are calling me again. Also, after decorating our houses, I want to study Interior Design, and I am starting a baby clothing brand. Valentín is my first fan: he accompanies me, benches me and pushes me away so I can go out on the field.
