Juan Pablo Galavis: 10 Things to Know About the 'Bachelor'

The new 'Bachelor' is Juan Pablo Galavis. He is instantly recognizable to fans of the franchise and its sister series, 'The Bachelorette,' since he competed as a contestant on the most recent season of that show, but was sent home early on. Although we barely got to know him, his popularity never waned and he remained a fan fave. Now he is being rewarded, and his role has been reversed -- he has been invited to be 'The Bachelor.' He hopes to find love, and we expect a line out the door and wrapped around the corner on the show!

We love him. You love him. To tide you over until Season 18 kicks off on Jan. 6, 2014 -- we know, an eternity for fans of the show and of this jaw-droppingly handsome hunk -- we've compiled a list of 10 things you should know about Juan Pablo. Brush up on your facts now so you are well-prepared when the show kicks off this winter.

One thing's for sure: Juan Pablo Galavis will help melt that chill in the air this January. Swoon!

10
He is the first-ever Latino 'Bachelor.'
It's a cultural first. Despite being on the air for 11 years, the show has never had a Latino 'Bachelor.' That is, until now!
9
He is not new to TV.
Juan Pablo is a former TV presenter for a Miami-based Spanish sports show called 'Mega News.' So he is not new to TV by any means.
8
He was born in the U.S. but not raised here.
He was born in the United States -- in Ithaca, N.Y., which is centrally located and in Tompkins county. He moved to Venezuela at the tender age of two and was raised there. He returned to the U.S. for college.
7
He's a Leo.
Juan Pablo's birthday is Aug. 5, making him a Leo. Rawr! Are you compatible with this strong, dominant fire sign? Brush up on your astrology, ladies, and see if it's written in the stars.
6
He has played soccer internationally.
Professionally, 'The Bachelor' has played with the Primera División Venezolana with Caracas FC, Deportivo Italia and Monagas Sport Club. In 2008, he signed with Miami FC. If you are a fan of soccer, that's impressive. But if you don't care about his soccer background, that's OK, too. Enjoy the eye candy.
5
He holds a soccer record at his college.
Speaking of soccer, Juan Pablo played for Roberts Wesleyan College, a Christian liberal arts school in Rochster, N.Y., and holds the record for third all-time assists.
4
He follows other reality stars on Twitter.
His Twitter feed boasts follows by the likes of Lo Bosworth, Ali Fedetowsky and Jessica Sanchez -- alums of 'The Hills,' 'The Bachelorette' and 'American Idol,' respectively. If you want to follow Juan Pablo, do it here.
3
His baby mama is actress Carla Rodriguez.
Actress Carla Rodriguez is his ex, and she is also Camila's mother. The former couple are said to be on good terms despite splitting. That's good news for the contestants attempting to win his heart this season -- no drama with the ex.
2
He would like two more children.
He wants to expand his family, telling Us Weekly that he would like two more kids. He told ABC that he did 'The Bachelorette' because "I came here to find somebody that is in the same place as me. Somebody who wants to have a family and have kids." That's why he signed on for 'The Bachelor' -- to get what he wants.
1
His daughter is his top priority.
Juan Pablo has a daughter, Camila, born in February 2009. She is the love of his life and the reason he decided to retire from soccer. Can we get an "Awww?" We love a man who knows what's important in life and who puts his little girl first.

Categories: Lists, News

Juan Pablo Galavis: 10 Things You Should Know About the New ‘Bachelor’