Enrique Iglesias’ iconic romantic ballad Hero has completed 25 years, with the Latin pop star marking the milestone by sharing the song’s music video on social media.
Iglesias took to Instagram to revisit the track, which became one of his most recognised English-language hits. In his caption, he shared a line from the song: “hold me in your arms tonight #hero.”
Released in 2001, Hero featured on Iglesias’ second English-language studio album, Escape. The song was written by Iglesias along with Paul Barry and Mark Taylor.
The track also gained renewed significance in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in the United States. Following the attacks on the World Trade Center, Hero was among the songs selected by radio DJs in New York City for special remixes incorporating audio from police officers, firefighters, civilians at Ground Zero and politicians commenting on the tragedy.
Iglesias began his recording career in the mid-1990s with Mexican label Fonovisa, releasing three Spanish-language albums — Enrique Iglesias, Vivir and Cosas del Amor. He went on to become one of the decade’s most successful Spanish-language recording artists before expanding his international profile with English-language music.
With estimated worldwide sales of more than 100 million records, Iglesias remains one of the best-selling Latin music artists. He has scored five Billboard Hot 100 top-five singles, including two No. 1 hits, and has achieved 14 No. 1s on Billboard’s Dance charts, the most by a male artist.
Iglesias has also been recognised by Billboard as the Top Latin Artist of All Time and was honoured with the title at the 2022 Latin Billboard Awards. In 2016, Billboard ranked him among the most successful male dance-club artists of all time.
The 25th anniversary of Hero comes as the singer continues to celebrate a song that has remained a defining part of his international music legacy.