Overcoming Challenges

Cristobal Benito did not have an easy start in the sport, but over the years, he found a dream to fight for after his steps through Europe and the United States.

“My beginnings in football were not easy. I saw that I wasn’t progressing in my regular team. I was getting overwhelmed and needed something more to grow in football,” Benito recalls. He learned about Marcet through a summer tournament he couldn’t attend. “It upset me, and together with my father, we researched the academy. From there, I took a winter course in Madrid and then to Barcelona, where I got a scholarship. I was at Marcet for five years”.

“Apart from a lot of hard work on my part, the opportunity to play at Coastal Bend College was thanks to Marcet, who put me in touch with the right people. From there, it has been a fairly easy process,” shares the young Spaniard about his transition to the United States. Although it involved exams and studying English, he describes it as a “very normal and correct process.”

Regarding his expectations of returning to Europe, Cristobal is clear: “The truth is that returning to European football will not be easy, but they prepare us very well in the United States. I have expectations that this return can happen. Going to the US doesn’t mean you can’t play in Europe again. People think it’s like retiring, but no. My team has a lot of talent, and it is on par with several European teams.”

Cristobal defines himself by his technique, ball control, and intelligence. “I improved physically; now I’m 1.90 meters tall, and as a central defender, it helps me a lot. There are always things to improve. Now, physically, I’m fine, but you can always be better.”

“My dream in the future remains to be a professional football player. In the end, it is what one has been training for all their life,” concludes Cristobal, with his sights set on achieving his most ambitious goal.