After Jorge Martin announced his departure from Aprilia, attention has turned to Albert Valera, his agent, who now holds a pivotal role in shaping the MotoGP rider market. Valera, a 40-year-old from the Maresme region near Barcelona, represents both Martin and Pedro Acosta, a young talent with a bright future. The uncertainty surrounding Acosta’s future with KTM adds to Valera’s prominence in the paddock.
Valera, who initially had no plans to become a rider agent, entered the field unexpectedly after a chance meeting with Jorge Lorenzo through a mutual friend, Ricky Cardus. The partnership with Lorenzo marked Valera’s venture into representing riders, shifting his career trajectory from a corporate job at Johnson & Johnson to a prominent role in MotoGP. Lorenzo commended Valera’s intelligence and integrity, highlighting their successful collaborations, including negotiating lucrative deals for Lorenzo with Yamaha and Ducati.
Valera’s agency, Playmaker, has expanded to offer comprehensive services to clients, including legal, financial, and communications support. With a growing client list that includes Aleix Espargaro and Jorge Martin, Valera is recognized for his ability to navigate complex negotiations and secure favorable deals for his riders. His reputation as a skilled and dedicated agent positions him as a key figure in the MotoGP sphere.
