Gijón, Spain – Former Spanish international footballer Carlos Marchena recently met with the first-team players of Sporting Gijón to discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise when transitioning out of professional sports. The session, held at Mareo, forms part of a broader initiative aimed at providing athletes with the tools to navigate life after retirement, focusing heavily on mental wellbeing.
The program, titled “Preparados,” is a collaborative effort between the LaLiga Foundation and the Fundación Blanca, an organization founded by Lola Fernández Ochoa to support athletes. Marchena has been sharing this initiative with clubs across Spain in recent months, recognizing the critical need for psychological support during a significant life change. The core of “Preparados” is a program of psychological accompaniment designed to help footballers adjust to life beyond the pitch.
The timing of Marchena’s visit coincides with Sporting Gijón’s preparations for their Sunday match against Ceuta at El Molinón. The team conducted a training session at Mareo without the full participation of Juan Otero, who continues to work on regaining fitness. Otero is aiming to be available for selection against Ceuta, a match that sees both teams positioned in the mid-table standings with little at stake in terms of promotion or relegation. The club is currently offering a 2-for-1 ticket promotion for the match.
Marchena’s own career spanned 13 seasons, amassing over 400 appearances for clubs including Sevilla, Valencia, Villarreal, and Deportivo La Coruña. He also earned 69 caps for the Spanish national team, playing in the 2002 and 2010 FIFA World Cups, as well as the 2008 UEFA European Championship – winning each tournament once. His experience at the highest levels of the game provides a unique perspective on the pressures and demands faced by professional athletes.
The focus on mental health within the “Preparados” program reflects a growing awareness within the sports world of the psychological toll that a career in professional athletics can take. Retirement often brings about a loss of identity, structure, and social connection, leading to challenges such as depression, anxiety, and difficulty adjusting to a modern normal. The LaLiga Foundation and Fundación Blanca are attempting to proactively address these issues by equipping players with coping mechanisms and support networks.
While the Sporting Gijón squad prepares for their upcoming match, the broader conversation sparked by Marchena’s visit highlights the importance of holistic athlete development – one that extends beyond physical training and tactical preparation to encompass mental and emotional wellbeing. This initiative underscores a shift in the industry towards recognizing the athlete as a whole person, not just a performer on the field.
Sporting Gijón’s match against Ceuta is scheduled for Sunday at 16:15 local time (14:15 UTC). Fans interested in attending can take advantage of the current 2×1 ticket offer. The club will provide updates on Otero’s fitness leading up to the match.
The “Preparados” program represents a proactive step towards supporting athletes during a vulnerable period in their lives. By prioritizing mental health and providing resources for post-career transition, LaLiga and Fundación Blanca are demonstrating a commitment to the long-term wellbeing of those who contribute so much to the world of sport.
