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Cuban-American Benjamin León, U.S. Ambassador to Spain, Expecting a Child at 81

Monday, June 29, 2026 by Abigail Marquez

Cuban-American Benjamin León, U.S. Ambassador to Spain, Expecting a Child at 81
Benjamín León Jr., United States Ambassador to Spain and his wife Mavileibys Campa Felipe - Image © Facebook / US Embassy Madrid

Benjamin León Jr., the U.S. Ambassador to Spain, is about to embark on fatherhood once again at the age of 81. His wife, Mavileibys Campa Felipe, who is 38, revealed her pregnancy during a U.S. Embassy reception in Madrid, celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The news broke through images from the event attended by Madrid's Community President Isabel Díaz Ayuso and the city's Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida. While walking the red carpet, Mavileibys, also known as Mavi León, frequently placed her hand on her belly, signaling the couple's joyous anticipation, as reported by Hola.

This upcoming child, expected before the year's end, will be the first for the couple together and the fourth for León, who has three adult children from a previous marriage: Silvia, Lourdes, and Benjamin III.

The couple, who have a significant age gap of 43 years, married in 2025 with a ceremony in Key Biscayne, Florida. Since moving to Madrid in February 2026, Mavi has stood by León's side at all official engagements, including presenting credentials to King Felipe VI.

Born in 1944 in Oriente Province, Cuba, Benjamin León Jr. emigrated to the United States in 1961 at the age of 16, fleeing the Cuban Revolution with just five dollars in his pocket.

Settling in Miami, he established one of South Florida's largest healthcare empires. Alongside his father, he founded the Clínica Asociación Cubana, securing Florida's first Health Maintenance Organization license in 1973, and later sold it to UnitedHealthCare in 1994 for around $500 million.

He then founded Leon Medical Centers, a network focused on senior care, serving over 44,000 patients in Miami-Dade with a team of more than 2,300 professionals.

Mavileibys also hails from Cuba, creating a shared heritage and strong connection with Miami's Cuban-American community. Those close to the couple highlight their mutual admiration, with León calling this phase of his life "one of the most exhilarating."

Appointed by President Donald Trump as ambassador on January 3, 2025, León was described as "a successful businessman, equestrian, and philanthropist." His appointment was confirmed by the Senate on December 19, 2025, and he was sworn in by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on February 10, 2026.

Since arriving in Madrid, León has maintained an active diplomatic schedule, including meetings with Cuban dissidents like José Daniel Ferrer to discuss freedom in Cuba, and negotiations with the Spanish government on defense matters.

Mavileibys's pregnancy comes at a time of significant public visibility for the couple, who are balancing their diplomatic duties with this new personal journey that will see the Cuban-American ambassador become a father again at 81 with his current wife.

Frequently Asked Questions about Benjamin León Jr.'s Personal and Professional Life

Who is Benjamin León Jr.?

Benjamin León Jr. is the U.S. Ambassador to Spain and a prominent Cuban-American businessman known for founding Leon Medical Centers in Miami.

What is the significance of Mavileibys's pregnancy?

Mavileibys's pregnancy is significant as it marks the first child they will have together, and it highlights a new personal chapter for the couple amid their diplomatic responsibilities.

How did Benjamin León Jr. start his career in healthcare?

Benjamin León Jr. began his healthcare career by founding the Clínica Asociación Cubana with his father, later establishing Leon Medical Centers, specializing in senior care in Miami.

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