The 2026 World Cup is witnessing records and notable moments, but for three individuals from Sevilla, the competition represents a personal and professional milestone. These three specialists are part of the coaching staff for the Qatar national team, led by Julen Lopetegui, and share a background rooted in Andalusia.
Their presence at the tournament highlights the growing importance of specialists in modern football. Beyond coaches and players, physical preparation, nutrition, and data analysis are crucial for high performance. The Qatari team, which took on the challenge of qualification with reduced chances, achieved historic access to the final round, a feat that is now part of the country's sporting history.
José Luis Silva, the goalkeeping coach, has an extensive career linked to Sevilla FC, where he worked with goalkeepers such as Bono, who won the Zamora Trophy. After a stint in Saudi Arabia, he accepted Lopetegui's call for this project.
Borja de Alba, the physical trainer, was educated in Sevilla and grew within the Sevilla FC academy before joining Lopetegui's team, accompanying him through his time in England and now in Qatar. His work has focused on adapting the players to the tournament's climatic conditions and schedules.
Antonio Ballesteros, the sports nutritionist, has worked at clubs like Real Betis, where he led the nutrition department during a successful period. In Qatar, his challenge has been to manage specific nutritional aspects of the local culture, such as Halal food and high temperatures.
These three professionals represent a generation of Spanish talent that has found a space in international football to develop their careers. Although far from Sevilla, their Andalusian roots accompany them in their contribution to the growth of a Qatari team that has already made history in the World Cup.
