Maria Herrera Mellado 
Sports have traditionally been a place where values such as discipline, perseverance, and commitment are promoted. However, after the Paris Olympics, it was also exposed how sports can serve as a space for ideological indoctrination and overtly anti-Christian propaganda. In contrast to the moral degradation in other nations, the Hispanic world is motivating people to live out their faith. First, in the Copa América, which began with a prayer, and then in the Euro Cup, with the devotion of Spain’s football coach. He asserts that God is also in football.
“I believe that God is everywhere, even in the world of football,” were the exact words of coach Luis de la Fuente.
While he was globally recognized for his statements during the European Championship, he continues to make headlines. Recently, in an interview with the Christian confession portal Alfa y Omega, he reaffirmed his commitment to living his faith publicly.
“Of course. You only have to live with the same normality as those who hold the opposite view. It seems that society has normalized disbelief and that having a different stance is not normal. But it is. I have chosen another path, and when it’s appropriate or I’m asked, I simply acknowledge my values, my principles, and my beliefs, which are a very important aspect of my life and daily behavior. We need to remove the extraordinary label from something that isn’t. For me, believing in God and respecting those who choose to think differently is ordinary,” said the coach.
Regarding whether the world of football can also be a place to meet God, he replied: “I believe that God is everywhere, even in the world of football, so any place is good for having a relationship with Him.”
He asserts that the Lord gives him peace, security, calm, tranquility, and confidence. He translates this into any social relationship in his life, including his professional occupation. He says that God gives him great confidence when undertaking any project, whether personal, social, or work-related.
He details that the source of his conviction is his family, which he describes as religious. However, he emphasizes that on a personal level, he adopted this as a process of reflection. He also praises the freedom of having chosen this path. He opted to believe in God and be Catholic.
Facing the fear many might feel about living out their faith publicly, the coach explains that his experience has been quite the opposite. He approaches it with freedom and insists that he surrounds himself with people who respect this freedom; he is not interested in others.
Regarding practicing faith within the Spanish national team (La Roja), he explains that it’s about living it normally, so it even fits within the contemporary concept of diversity. “Gradually, people will be able to live their faith naturally,” he asserts.
He mentions that he received invitations and words of encouragement from the archbishops of Seville and Madrid, especially after seeing him pray before Christ of the Expiration (El Cachorro). However, he notes that due to his commitments, he hasn’t been able to accept these invitations.
He then continued discussing the teaching of values such as hard work. In an era of moral relativism, as pointed out by Pope Benedict XVI, Luis de la Fuente contrasts this with clear principles and courage. Like Saint Joseph, patron of workers, the coach of La Roja has been an example for his team.
But above all, he has shown an example of what it means to be Hispanic. “Spain, evangelizer of half the world; Spain, hammer of heretics, light of Trent, sword of Rome, cradle of Saint Ignatius…; this is our greatness and our unity; we have no other,” said historian Marcelino Menéndez Pelayo.
However, in the same vein, he warns of the danger of abandoning this conviction: “The day we lose it, Spain will return to the cantonalism of the Arévacos and Vettones or the kings of the taifas. We are heading towards this more or less hastily, and only a blind person would not see it.”
While highlighting the dangers of the current era, he recalls the greatness of what once was the Spanish kingdom. And the Spanish national coach makes it clear that this spirit remains alive. Through his example, he shows the great results it yields: continental champion.
María Herrera Mellado es una abogada de EE.UU. y licenciada en España. Doctora en Ciencias Jurídicas y Analista política. La Dra. Herrera es conocida por su amplia experiencia en análisis y consultas en el diseño de políticas públicas, propuestas de ley y gestión en relaciones internacionales.
Su reconocimiento proviene de sus contribuciones al análisis y representación legal de diversas organizaciones, empresas e individuos que han visto abusados sus derechos humanos, su privacidad o en la inclusión de políticas efectivas fundamentalmente en el ámbito de la transparencia y la rendición de cuentas, así como la lucha contra la corrupción.
Su formación académica y experiencias profesionales la convierten en una voz respetada en el debate público y en el análisis de temas de actualidad sobre todo en los desafíos políticos y legales contemporáneos.
María Herrera Mellado is a U.S.-based attorney also licensed in Spain. She holds a PhD in Legal Sciences and is known as a media legal and policy analyst.
Dr. Herrera is recognized for her extensive experience in analyzing and consulting on public policy design, legislative proposals, and international relations management.
Her recognition stems from her contributions to the analysis and legal representation of various organizations, companies, and individuals whose human rights or privacy have been violated, or who have benefited from the inclusion of effective policies, primarily in the areas of transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption.
Her academic background and professional experience make her a respected voice in public debate and in the analysis of current issues, particularly in contemporary political and legal challenges.