An ‘unconventional’ striker

He defines himself as an “unconventional” striker. Scoring goals simply isn’t enough. He also appreciates the aesthetics of football and likes to show off with “rabonas, backheels and roulettes”. Alan Godoy (Las Palmas, 05/04/2003) has a strong personality, which shows both on and off the field. He has just signed for Deportivo Alavés and received a call from the Spanish U-16s team and is here to talk to us about his time at Marcet as a child.

Question.- How did you come about the High-Performance Academy?

Answer.- A friend of mine who had been at Marcet kept telling me how it had been one of his best footballing experiences. So I decided to give it a go. I started off with an intensive summer course. They then proposed I stay all year for the Professional Program. My family and I thought about it for some time and ended up deciding that it was a good option if I was looking to improve.

P.- And you improved?

A.- Yes. I learned a lot on and off the pitch, collectively and socially… It was one of the years that I felt I had progressed the most technically and personally.

Q.- What happened, career-wise, for you after your experience here?

R.- After Marcet I signed with Atlético de Madrid. Then UD Las Palmas and finally this season, I’ve joined Alavés.

Q.- What has been an especially gratifying moment so far?

R.- Getting called in by the national team. Unfortunately, I suffered an injury just two days before we were supposed to get together and I couldn’t go. But I am sure I’ll be back next time around.

“If you’re losing a game and your legs are giving in, it’s up to your heart to keep you going”

Q.- Did you have a hard time getting to where you are now?

R.- There have been a lot of sacrifices. I left home when I was still a child to enroll in Professional Program full time. I arrived in Barcelona at the age of 12.

Q.- What do you need to be successful in football?

A.- Work is key, day in, day out. If one day you’re not feeling one hundred per cent, football has to make you feel good and turn that day around. If you’re losing a game and your legs are giving in, it’s up to your heart to keep you going. It takes constant effort and perseverance.

In January 2025, Godoy experienced a radical turn in his football career. Coming from Eldense, the 21-year-old Canary Islands forward, known for his dynamic playing style and ability to create goal-scoring opportunities, has been signed by FC Barcelona to join Barça Atlètic, dramatically changing his professional path.

With a history that includes outstanding performances at Nàstic de Tarragona, where he significantly contributed to the team’s near-promotion, Godoy aims to demonstrate his talent. A youth international with the Spanish national team, the footballer is characterized by his distinctive style, combining effectiveness with an aesthetic touch that includes eye-catching plays like crossover kicks, heel tricks, and roulettes.