Real Oviedo President Martín Peláez Honored as ‘Ovetense of the Year’ Following Primera División Promotion

In a city where football is woven into the social fabric, few achievements resonate as deeply as a return to the top flight. For Martín Peláez, the president of Real Oviedo, the journey to the Primera División was more than a professional milestone—it was a homecoming. On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Peláez was officially recognized for his leadership and impact on the community, receiving the “Ovetense del año 2025” (Ovetense of the Year 2025) award.

The gala, hosted by the magazine Vivir Oviedo, served as a celebration of a transformative era for the “conjunto azul.” The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the city of Oviedo, and for Peláez, the honor is inextricably linked to the club’s sporting resurgence. The jury specifically cited his pivotal role in steering Real Oviedo back to the Primera División last season, ending a long period of anticipation for the local fanbase.

A Night of Recognition at Deloya Latores

The ceremony took place at 8:00 p.m. Local time (UTC+2) at the Restaurante Deloya Latores, a venue that played host to nearly 300 guests. The attendee list reflected the broad influence of the club, bringing together prominent figures from the social, economic, and sporting sectors of both the city and the wider Principality of Asturias.

The event was directed by Santiago González-Alverú, the head of Vivir Oviedo, and supported by sponsors including Lexus, Leomotor, and Banco Sabadell. Peláez succeeds Cristina Álvarez Mendo, the director of the Vuelta Ciclista a Asturias, who held the title last year.

For the global observer, the “Ovetense del año” award is more than a local trophy; It’s a barometer of community sentiment. In a region where the identity of the city is often mirrored in the fortunes of its football team, Peláez’s recognition signals a deep acceptance of the Mexican executive by the Asturian people.

Closing the Ancestral Circle

While the award celebrates recent sporting success, the narrative of Martín Peláez in Asturias is rooted in a century of family history. Peláez is not a stranger to the land, despite being born in Mexico City. His connection to the region is biological and emotional, creating a bridge between the Grupo Pachuca’s investment and the local heritage.

Records show that Peláez’s maternal great-grandfather, José Álvarez, was an Ovetense. His paternal grandfather, Benigno Peláez, hailed from Bierces, a small village in Piloña. This ancestral link was a factor noted by Jesús Martínez, the president of the business conglomerate that acquired the club from Carlos Slim, when appointing Peláez to lead the project.

Peláez arrived in the role in the summer of 2022, transitioning from his position as vice president of Pachuca. His mission was clear: professionalize the structure and fight for a return to the elite of Spanish football. The successful promotion last season validated that strategy, turning a corporate acquisition into a community triumph.

The Man Behind the Presidency

In the high-pressure environment of Spanish football, Peláez has earned a reputation for being “pausado”—calm, and measured. He is described as a family-oriented man, a trait that has helped him navigate the intense passions of the Oviedo supporters. He is married and the father of three children: Daniela and twins Martín and María José.

Beyond the boardroom and the touchline, Peláez is an avid golfer, a hobby that mirrors his approach to club management: patience, precision, and a long-term view. This temperament proved essential during the grueling campaign that eventually saw Real Oviedo secure its place back in the Primera División.

His leadership style has been characterized by a blend of Mexican sporting expertise—brought via the Grupo Pachuca model—and a deep respect for Asturian traditions. By honoring the club’s history while implementing modern operational standards, Peláez managed to align the expectations of the ownership with the dreams of the fans.

Strategic Implications of the Promotion

The promotion to the Primera División is a financial and sporting catalyst for the club. Returning to the top tier increases broadcasting revenue, enhances the club’s profile for international sponsorships, and allows Real Oviedo to attract a higher caliber of talent.

However, the challenge now shifts from the joy of ascent to the necessity of sustainability. Peláez has expressed a desire for a Real Oviedo that continues to “inspire” (ilusionar) its followers. This involves not just surviving in the top flight, but establishing the club as a stable, competitive entity that can compete with the giants of Spanish football.

The “Ovetense del año” award serves as a morale booster, but the real test for the Peláez administration will be the club’s ability to maintain this momentum in the face of the increased competition and pressure of the Primera División.

Key Facts: Martín Peláez and Real Oviedo

• Appointment: Became President in Summer 2022 following the Grupo Pachuca acquisition.
• Major Achievement: Led the club to promotion to the Primera División in the 2024-2025 season.
• Ancestry: Great-grandfather José Álvarez (Oviedo) and grandfather Benigno Peláez (Piloña).
• Award: Ovetense del año 2025, granted by Vivir Oviedo magazine.
• Management Style: Known for a calm, family-oriented approach and professionalization of club structures.

As Real Oviedo settles back into the top tier of Spanish football, the relationship between the club and the city has never been stronger. Martín Peláez has managed to transform himself from a foreign executive into a recognized figure of the community, proving that in football, shared success is the fastest route to integration.

The club continues to focus on its current campaign in the Primera División, with official updates and match results available through the club’s official channels.

Do you think Real Oviedo can maintain their status in the Primera División under Peláez’s leadership? Share your thoughts in the comments below.