Fenix FC breaks barriers in Catalonia’s fifth-tier league, championing transgender rights and inclusivity.
MADRID, SPAIN- In a groundbreaking moment for European sports, Fenix FC, Spain’s first all-transgender men’s soccer team, has made its debut in a regional league in Catalonia. Overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and societal prejudice, the team has now achieved federated status in the Barcelona suburb of Sant Feliu de Llobregat, competing in the fifth tier of the men’s league.
Fighting for Equality on the Pitch
Fenix FC’s journey began three years ago when team founder Hugo Martinez, 24, faced harassment after transitioning while still playing for a women’s soccer team. Struggling with discrimination from fellow players and spectators, Martinez set out to create a safe space for trans men in the sport. His online call for interested players led to the formation of Fenix FC, a symbol of resilience and solidarity.
“Fenix isn’t just a soccer team,” says team captain Luke Ibanez, 19. “It’s a family—a place where we can truly be ourselves.”
A League of Their Own
Spain’s recent trans rights legislation has been instrumental in enabling Fenix FC’s inclusion. The Catalan Football Association confirmed that men’s leagues have been mixed for the past two seasons, allowing players of any gender to compete. While Fenix FC’s debut match ended in a 19-0 defeat on September 21, the team’s mission is about more than just winning—it’s about equal access to the sport they love.
Despite setbacks on the field, Fenix FC’s presence is a victory for visibility and acceptance in a society where intolerance still runs deep. In 2023, Catalonia recorded 302 cases of LGBT discrimination, with trans people being disproportionately affected.
A Safe Space for Trans Athletes
For Fenix FC’s players, the team represents a refuge from the challenges faced by trans men in competitive sports. Many, like Martinez and Ibanez, hesitated to join cisgender teams out of fear of exclusion or violence. Now, they’ve found a place where they can thrive both on and off the field.
“Our team is about more than soccer,” adds Ibanez. “It’s about creating a safe space where we can be who we really are.”
As Fenix FC continues its season, the team’s message of resilience, acceptance, and the power of community continues to soar, much like the mythical bird it’s named after.
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