On and Off the Pitch

Juanvi Canales combines his experience as a professional goalkeeper with a passion for psychology and goalkeeper coaching.

Juan Vicente Canales Montero, better known as Juanvi, discovered his passion for goalkeeping almost by chance. “Nobody wanted to be the goalkeeper, and I was the only one who volunteered. That’s how it stayed,” he recalls with a laugh. His journey began in Mallorca, playing informal matches in his garden, and from there, he worked his way up to clubs like Espanyol B, Girona FC B, Cornellà, and CF Badalona.

His relationship with Marcet dates back to 2008 or 2009, when he first participated in national trials that awarded the most outstanding players the opportunity to join specialized development programs. “I would fly from Mallorca to train and play matches on the weekends. Until I reached the U12 category, my whole family moved to Catalonia so I could continue at Marcet,” says Juanvi. That family effort marked the beginning of a key stage in his development.

Thanks to the foundation built at Marcet, Espanyol signed him, a step he considers fundamental in his career. “Without the help of Plan Marcet, I wouldn’t have made that leap forward. The technical and tactical training they gave me was essential,” he affirms. Over the years, he defended the goal for top-level clubs and learned that the football journey is as demanding as it is rewarding: “Everyone has their path. You have to focus on the day-to-day and enjoy the journey.”

“Everyone has their own path. What matters is focusing on the day-to-day and enjoying the journey.”

Alongside his athletic career, Juanvi has developed a strong academic vocation. He studies Psychology to help other athletes reach their best version. “I’m excited to contribute to players’ strong mental health. That’s key for them to perform and be happy in the sport,” he says. He has also trained as a Goalkeeper Coach, a path that initially started out of necessity but has since become a true passion.

“It’s incredibly fulfilling to support the development of young goalkeepers with huge potential,” he says of his daily work as a coach. His holistic view of football blends hands-on experience, academic training, and a passion for teaching. This vision projects him beyond the pitch into a future where his role will be key in developing new talent.

When he imagines where he’ll be in three years, Juanvi is clear: “I see myself having finished my degree, building my projects, and helping goalkeepers and athletes achieve their goals.” His story is a testament to how sports can be the starting point for many successful journeys—on and off the pitch.