National Team

RFEF President Welcomes Ilia Topuria to the Ciudad del Fútbol

Rafael Louzán, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), met with UFC Lightweight World Champion Ilia Topuria during a special visit to the Spain national team training session ahead of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Georgia.

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Fri, 10/10/2025 - 14:27

The world’s top athletes came together this Friday on the training pitch at the Ciudad del Fútbol for an extraordinary encounter with one of the best mixed martial artists in the world.

Topuria, the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, was welcomed by Louzán and enjoyed a relaxed meeting where he learned about the different activities carried out at the national football centre.

“With faith and determination, anything is possible,” Topuria told the Spain squad.

Later, the UFC champion and the RFEF president observed the main training session at Las Rozas, ahead of Spain’s qualifier against Georgia at Estadio Martínez Valero in Elche — representing both nations Topuria competes under.

“I wish you the best for these two matches, because your success is everyone’s success. With faith and determination, anything can be achieved,” Topuria addressed the players.

In return, the Spanish internationals presented him with a personalised team jersey signed by all players, making for a memorable exchange between the FIFA World No. 1 team and one of Spain’s sporting icons on the eve of a crucial test in their journey towards a second World Cup star.