Goalkeeper by Vocation

Mauro Ravelo became a goalkeeper by chance, but his dedication led him to build a successful professional career, playing for AC Escaldes and the Andorra national team after training at Marcet Academy.

Not all goalkeepers dream of playing the position from a young age. In Mauro Ravelo’s case, his connection with goalkeeping began by chance during a training session as a child. “One day, my team didn’t have a goalkeeper, so I had to step in. I had an incredible training session, and from that moment, I was hooked. I loved the pressure goalkeepers experience in every action and the leadership that comes with the position. I felt the respect and trust of my teammates, and that’s when I knew I wanted to be a goalkeeper.” That first experience sparked a passion that would drive him to work with dedication and effort, always striving to become an elite shot-stopper.

In 2016, Mauro joined Marcet with the goal of taking his skills to the next level. Initially, he arrived with the intention of joining Tecnofutbol, one of the academy’s teams, but at the time, he wasn’t fully prepared and wasn’t selected. However, his father saw something special in Marcet’s training methodology. So, he decided to enroll Mauro in the professional program, trusting that the experience would help him develop.

“I joined Marcet at the perfect time. It helped me mature and fight for what I wanted. There, I truly understood the sacrifice required to achieve my goals. Beyond football, I cherish the friendships I made—many of them remain close to this day. We became a united family, and that connection still exists.”, says the footballer. From a sporting perspective, Marcet played a key role in refining his abilities and reinforcing the importance of daily effort.

“The coaching staff at Marcet was essential to my growth, but if I had to highlight someone, it would be Rubén Yegba (Marcet Goalkeeper Coach). He brought out the best in me and helped me fine-tune my skills. Thanks to him, I learned the true meaning of sacrifice and commitment in this profession,” Mauro acknowledges. Rubén Yegba himself highlights Mauro’s work ethic and willingness to learn: “He is a very easy player to work with, very calm, always listens attentively, and allows himself to be coached. He was fully committed and trained very hard until he became the goalkeeper he is today. He is an example of perseverance and hard work.” That stage of his journey was a turning point, giving him the confidence and tools needed to take on the challenges ahead in his career.

After his time at Marcet, Mauro continued his development at clubs in Spain, where he kept improving as a goalkeeper. His strong performances led him to sign with CF Badalona, where he had the opportunity to debut in Segunda División B at just 18 years old. It was a crucial step in his career, allowing him to gain experience in a highly competitive league. At the same time, his talent did not go unnoticed in Andorra. From a young age, he began representing his country at different levels, progressing through the U-16, U-17, U-19, and U-21 teams before making the leap to the senior squad. “It’s an honor for any footballer to represent their country. Every international match means defending the colors of thousands of people, which I always carry with pride.” His call-up to the senior national team was a recognition of his hard work and dedication, and although he is still young, his dream is to establish himself as one of the key figures in Andorran football.

Throughout his professional career, Mauro has played for several teams in Andorra’s First Division, a league that has grown exponentially in recent years thanks to the arrival of investors, coaches, and high-level players. Currently, he plays for AC Escaldes, a club with ambitions both domestically and internationally. “The Andorran league is becoming more competitive each year. It has become highly professional, and playing here has allowed me to keep developing. I take great pride in being a professional in such a demanding environment for my age.” One of the most memorable moments of his career so far has been competing in the Europa League qualifiers, an experience that few players get to live. “Playing the Europa League qualifiers was an incredible moment. Competing at the international level is unique—it pushes you to the limit and allows you to keep learning and evolving. Every match in these tournaments is an opportunity to showcase years of hard work.”

Despite achieving essential milestones in his career, Ravelo continues to dream big. His vision for the coming years is clear: to keep growing as a footballer, compete in higher-level leagues, and remain a part of the national team. “I picture myself living incredible experiences through football, making a career out of it, and playing for top-tier teams worldwide. I also want to keep representing Andorra and fulfill my dream of making my official debut with the senior squad.”

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