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Sport — News — soccer — Germany — Spain — EM — Finale — England — Luis de la Fuente — Berlin — Europe

Spain's Europameister are more than 'spoiled boys'

A team like the Spanish European Championship squad can have an impact beyond football, says the national coach. Luis de la Fuente praises his young professionals - also as role models.

,   and  Hanna Hofmann
2 min read
Lamine Yamal (l) and Nico Williams, the two Spanish young stars, left their mark on the EM.
Lamine Yamal (l) and Nico Williams, the two Spanish young stars, left their mark on the EM.

EM-Final - Spain's Europameister are more than 'spoiled boys'

Spanish National Coach Luis de la Fuente hopes for an influence of his European Championship team beyond football. "It's football, but it's also about values, football embodies values," the 63-year-old said after the 2:1 in the EM final against England. "This generation sets an example, they are young players who have the will and mentality to work hard." It's not just the final result that counts, "but the entire process. These players are an example for society, because they embody these values."

"Not only pampered boys"

De la Fuente does not know to what extent football can influence society, the national coach said. But people see "not just spoiled boys, but those who give everything," de la Fuente added. "It would be beautiful if people understood that and we could show the young people what they can achieve in life."

Similarly, young star Nico Williams (22), who along with Lamine Yamal (17) shaped the tournament, expressed himself in a similar way. "I think it's a historic shift that's happening right now," Williams said. "I think footballers have an influence on society." The 22-year-old reminded of his family history: "We are very grateful. My parents suffered a lot to come here. They suffered and taught me respect and loyalty."

Moving family history

Williams' father and his pregnant brother Iñaki's mother Maria once fled from Ghana to Europe, with smugglers who exposed them to the scorching heat of the Sahara. Father Felix suffered severe burns on his foot soles. When the family arrived in Spain, they were granted political asylum and had to struggle through difficult living conditions for a long time.

  1. Luis de la Fuente's Spanish soccer team, having won the EM final against England with a 2:1 score, has the potential to set a positive example beyond the sport in Berlin.
  2. During a post-match interview, de la Fuente emphasized that football encapsulates values, and this current generation of young players embodies hard work and determination.
  3. Germany and Spain's soccer rivalry in the EM finale serves as a testament to the powerful influence that sports can have on European culture.
  4. Nico Williams, a prominent figure in Spain's EM team, shares de la Fuente's views, stating that footballers can impact society positively through their influence and life experiences.
  5. With his family's affecting journey from Ghana to Europe, 22-year-old Williams understands the significance of respect and loyalty, values that stem from the beautiful game and transcend sport, influencing society in profound ways.

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