Football is often painted as merely a game, yet behind the scenes lies the rich and sometimes tumultuous personal lives of its players. Lucas Pérez is one such player who embodies this reality as he navigates his career changes alongside his challenging personal history.
At 36, when most thought he would retire with Deportivo La Coruña, the club where he made his mark, Pérez shocked fans by joining PSV Eindhoven, competing in the Champions League. This decision, as reported by El Partidazo de COPE, stemmed from his dissatisfaction with Deportivo’s management, who he felt had not treated him well. "The club did not handle things properly with me. There were times when the board and the coach were not transparent," he stated, shedding light on the internal strife he faced.
But what stands out is Pérez's poignant backstory. He revealed the painful experience of being abandoned by his parents at the age of two and placed in the care of his grandparents. "I was raised by my grandparents. My parents left me in an orphanage because they could not or did not want to take care of me," Pérez explained, showcasing the emotional toll these events had on his life and career.
This season, he faced another challenge as he was served notice for child support by his father, which dredged up old wounds. He expressed, "Finding my father during the holidays was discomforting. Given the circumstances at the club, where I felt neither valued nor supported, I had to be honest with them about my struggles. It wasn’t easy." This honesty speaks volumes not only about his character but also about the pressures athletes often endure off the pitch.
Transitioning from Pérez’s struggles to another compelling narrative, we meet the Szymanowski siblings, Marianela and Álex, who have shown remarkable resilience amid life’s challenges. Born in Argentina, they were uprooted by the economic crisis of 2001 and relocated to Spain, where they embarked on rigorous journeys to carve out their futures.
Marianela, who now plays for Villarreal, recalls the shift vividly. "It was a huge change. Suddenly, we were in another country with different ways of living and speaking. It was hard to adapt," she said, speaking to Olé about the cultural upheaval they faced. Her brother, Álex, who made his mark by competing against football legends like Messi and Ronaldo, shared, "Until then, football was my life; I dreamed of playing for Argentina. Suddenly, we found ourselves somewhere new, without knowing anyone, uncertain about the future.”
The Szymanowskis' life was anything but easy after relocating. They had to hustle—picking up odd jobs, including house painting and working at restaurants, to help support their family. "We did everything. We sold things, painted houses... whatever it took," they recounted, affirming their commitment to make their dreams come true regardless of the obstacles.
Marianela, passionate about advancing women’s football, noted, "Women had to fight so much more just to be seen. But things are changing for the good, and it's wonderful to be part of this evolution." Both siblings cherish their Argentine roots even after years abroad, with Marianela stating, “I will always root for Argentina,” reflecting their enduring connection to their homeland.
Álex added, “I was born Argentine, but Spain has also shaped me. It's the country which gave us opportunities when we had few.” Their experiences reveal the bittersweet nature of immigration—the pursuit of dreams shadowed by nostalgia for their homeland.
The Szymanowski siblings not only tackled their personal challenges but also left indelible marks on their clubs and represented Argentina with pride. Marianela spoke about her time with the Argentinian Women’s National Team, saying, “There’s nothing like representing your country. It’s the greatest pride.” Her unwavering dedication has been pivotal as women’s football continues to gain visibility.
Today, Marianela remains active at Villarreal, where she is carving her legacy, and Álex has joined the Kings League after overcoming injuries. Despite different paths, their stories converge on one fundamental theme: perseverance. They echo the realities most players face behind the glamour of football and showcase the grit and passion required to thrive both on the pitch and off. The Szymanowskis are emblematic of what it means to forge your destiny against adversity.