Zapatero was born in a wealthy family in Huaidolide, Castilla-Leon Autonomous Region. His family has long been engaged in left-wing politics. His father, juan rodriguez Rosano, was an outstanding lawyer; His mother died in 2000. His grandfather, juan rodriguez Rosano, was a member of the * * * Economic Association and an official of the * * * Party. He was executed by nationalists in the Spanish Civil War when Zapatero's father was only 8 years old. Some people think that Zapatero is also a member of the * * * Economic Association.

Zapatero grew up in Leó n and began to receive secondary education in the religious school "Discípulas de Jesús" in September 1966. 1970 In September, he entered Colegio Leonés, which was the only private boarding school in Leon at that time. Later, he entered the University of Lyon to study law and graduated from 1982.

After graduation, Zapatero became a professor of constitution at the University of Leon. 1986 Elected Member of Parliament. 1990 married Espinosa and had two daughters.