Growing with Football

From amateur player to rehabilitation specialist in the Second Division, Miguel Ángel Ortega Valle has turned his passion for sports into a successful career.

Miguel Ángel Ortega Valle discovered his love for football as a child while playing for his local team. Although he quickly realized he didn’t have the technical skills to become a professional player, he never stopped dreaming of a life connected to the sport. “Like any kid, I started playing a sport that was my passion. I always dreamed and tried to perform as well as I could,” he recalls. This passion, nurtured by his family, eventually led him to explore other avenues in football.

His academic and professional journey began with earning a sports instructor certification, but he didn’t stop there. Miguel graduated in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, specializing in Sports and Health, and complemented his studies with coaching qualifications and other certifications. “I practically transitioned from playing to earning my instructor’s certification to begin working with young players,” he shares.

His career took a significant leap when he joined Marcet in Barcelona, working in the performance optimization department. He collaborated with experts like Javier Iglesias and Moisés Falces, sharing experiences within a multidisciplinary team. “We had a great department that covered group and individual physical training and injury rehabilitation. We all contributed to the different areas and shared our skills, which was a tremendous personal and professional growth experience for me,” Miguel highlights.

After working at Marcet, he returned to Andalusia as a fitness coach in the Segunda Federación. His journey led to a new challenge: joining CD Eldense in Spain’s Second Division. “My main role was to assist in the recovery of injured players or those returning after periods of inactivity,” he explains. At the Alicante-based club, Miguel immersed himself in collaborative work alongside doctors, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and other specialists, helping the team secure its place in the Hypermotion League.

Miguel has clear goals: “I hope to continue growing in physical preparation and rehabilitation while staying connected to professional football. I would love to reach the top national division, and why not have an adventure with a national team? That’s something every professional dreams of.”

Miguel Ángel Ortega Valle’s journey is a testament to how passion and dedication can turn challenges into opportunities. From the fields of his hometown to the Second Division, he continues to prove that football is not just played—it’s lived.