Adriana Nanclares: Persistence pays off

Last night might have been just another night for many, but not for Adriana Nanclares. The 29th of November 2024 is a date the goalkeeper from Miranda de Ebro will forever remember. It was the day her dream of playing for the senior national team finally came true.

Facing South Korea at the Cartagonova stadium, Adriana was included in the starting eleven and finished the match with a clean sheet to her name.

At just 22 years old, the Athletic Club player and U20 World Champion in Costa Rica in 2022 made her debut under Montse Tomé’s guidance, with family members lucky enough to witness her first match with the senior team. “One of my cousins happened to be in the area, and it was incredibly special for him to see me on the pitch, especially as it’s my debut,” she shared.

But the road to this point has been far from easy for the young goalkeeper. Her passion for football began in a town where women’s football didn’t even exist. With no local clubs for girls, Adriana had to travel long distances for training and matches. “I remember leaving at 5 in the afternoon and not getting home until 10 at night. My dad would watch the training sessions from the car, and my mum too. They made sacrifices you wouldn’t believe, and thanks to them, I’m here today,” she said.

On the day of her debut, Nanclares expressed heartfelt gratitude to her parents, who have supported her every step of the way, dedicating the milestone to them. “You start by playing with boys and have to find your own way for me to join a girls’ team. In the end, it’s also the hard work of my parents, taking me to and from training every day. I’m 100% grateful to them, and this debut is for them.”

Nanclares spoke about juggling football and athletics during her youth and the challenges she overcame to reach where she is today. “I balanced athletics and football, but eventually I chose football. An opportunity came up to join a girls’ team in Vitoria, 30 minutes from home. There are so many obstacles you have to overcome, and it’s such a source of pride to have made it here and achieved my debut.”

Perhaps because of this journey, and her awareness of how important it is for girls to have access to opportunities close to home, the goalkeeper runs football camps in her hometown, Miranda de Ebro. This summer, 40% of the participants were girls, something that fills Nanclares with pride as she reflects on the lack of opportunities she once faced.

Today, that little girl is a proud and happy young woman, having just achieved one of her greatest dreams.