Sergio Arribas: A Father, a Footballer, and a 48-Hour Journey Across Spain

Sergio Arribas

 Sergio Arribas: A Father, a Footballer, and a 48-Hour Journey Across Spain

For most professional footballers, the toughest decisions revolve around tactics, training, and competition. For Sergio Arribas, a 23-year-old forward for Almería, the challenge last week was far more personal—and unforgettable.

According to Marca, Arribas lived through 48 hours of emotion, fatigue, and determination, balancing two of life’s biggest moments: the birth of his first child and an important league match.

A Race Against Time

Arribas was training with his team in Almería when he received the call every expecting father anticipates: his wife had gone into labor in Madrid. Without hesitation, he requested permission from his coach, jumped into his car, and drove across Spain. By that evening, his son was born safely, and both mother and baby were doing well.

But Arribas’ journey was far from over. With little sleep and after the emotional high of becoming a father, he spoke again with his coach, confirming he was ready to rejoin the squad for their match against Real Sociedad B in San Sebastián.

The Final Push

On Friday afternoon, Arribas set out once more, this time accompanied by his father and brother, making the four-hour drive north. He arrived just 15 minutes before kickoff, in time to change, join his teammates, and step onto the pitch.

Though he only played 20 minutes as a substitute, his effort symbolized both his dedication to football and his determination to be there for his family. “I tried to score a goal as a gift for my son,” he said afterward, “but that will have to wait for the next round.”

Arribas’ whirlwind journey highlights the sacrifices and commitments professional athletes often make—not only for their careers but also for their loved ones. For him, those two worlds collided in the most memorable 48 hours of his life.