Interviews
JUE 01.06.2023
Esteban Nunez remembers watching soccer with his older brother Andres growing up.
“Just seeing the way he acted towards the club and during matches brought me closer to LaLiga, but more specifically Real Madrid,” Esteban says.
Like his older brother, Esteban began following Los Blancos, watching along as their favorite club headlined by Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Kaká and Xabi Alonso battled rivals FC Barcelona year in and year out for the LaLiga crown. Even if they fell short of glory domestically, Real Madrid continued to dominate in Europe, winning four UEFA Champions League titles between 2013-18.
When Real Madrid announced it was coming to the United States as part of the 2017 International Champions Cup, it was a no-brainer to see their favorite club and players live and in person.
Born and raised in San Jose, California, they made the short trek to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara to watch Real play Manchester United in the preseason summer tournament that July. Unfortunately, Madrid lost on penalties, but it was an experience Esteban wouldn’t forget.
“It’s a crazy feeling,” he says. “It’s just a completely different feeling seeing them in real life compared to through a screen. I can’t really explain it.”
Today, the 20-year-old Mexican-American continues to support Real Madrid from afar while dreaming of attending a match at the Santiago Bernabéu, which is currently undergoing renovations.
While his favorite players growing up are long gone, including Mexican international Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, Nunez—like many others—remains in awe of the ageless Luka Modrić, who at 37 years young continues to play with the stamina, creativity and passion of a teenager.
“I love the way he creates the attacks, but he also puts in a lot of effort defensively that might not get noticed,” Nunez says.
FULL SERIES:
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San Diego, the Birthplace of the first Cádiz Peña in the U.S.
Fate, luck and curiosity brought this fan to Atleti
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Growing up in awe of Sánchez, Real Madrid
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Mexico’s Márquez Converted This Culé
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Living near the Bernabéu led to this fan loving Real Madrid
How a U.S. Elementary School Principal Helped Save Real Oviedo
Growing the Beautiful Game in Montreal and Beyond
Uruguay’s Forlán Helped This Fan Fall in Love With Atleti
Ready to stick with RCD Mallorca through thick and thin
Behind this Barça Fan’s Pregame Ritual
A Fan’s Growing Barça Obsession in Toronto
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Love, Marriage and Real Madrid
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An Eibar fan’s journey from FIFA to fandom
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Dreaming of seeing Barça (and Messi)
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