Interviews
JUE 08.06.2023
You always remember your first.
For Luke Rustum, it was the Madrid Derby between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid on April 8, 2017—a feisty 1-1 draw between intracity rivals that also featured five yellow cards.
“My first taste of the (Santiago) Bernabéu I was completely taken aback,” Rustum recalls. “I heard from people that it was the best stadium but I didn't realize it would be as crazy as it was. I can’t compare it to anything in the United States. This is a completely different culture that revolves around this sport and especially this team.
“The amount of passion these fans have is something I had never experienced.”
Rustum’s first taste of Real Madrid live and in person had him yearning for more. That’s why the third-year student at the University of Miami returned to the Spanish capital to study abroad this winter and spring.
Arriving in January, Rustum, originally from New Jersey, spent nearly five months in the city, not only honing his Spanish, but also his fervent fandom for Los Blancos.
“Since I’ve been here I think I’ve been to about six Real Madrid matches,” he says, specifying he attended all three UEFA Champions League group stage home matches as well as three LaLiga contests. “That was a huge part of me coming here, so I knew I had to take advantage of it because who knows, I may never be in Madrid again, at least for this amount of time.”
While he doesn’t know what the future holds, especially as it pertains to returning to the Bernabéu, Rustum’s fandom only continues to grow. First falling in love with Real during the days of Cristiano Ronaldo, he’s even converted his family into supporters, often watching matches together with his father whether it’s at home, the bar or the stadium.
It’s also no surprise Rustum took his sister to see Real Madrid play Almería when she visited in April; he says she was in awe of the atmosphere as well as the skill level of the players during her first-ever soccer match outside of the United States.
“I’ve definitely loved my experience here,” he says. “Madrid is certainly a city I’d have no issue living in. I’ve had a great time here and really, really like the culture.”
FULL SERIES:
A Breakaway from Household Support
Real’s remontadas roped in this fan
Unexpected Encounter Leads to Unforgettable Experience
Sevilla Fandom Comes Full Circle
UD Almería unites community in New Jersey
Basque Roots Grow in Meaning for Boise Student
Local peña helps Celta Vigo fans overcome morriña
San Diego, the Birthplace of the first Cádiz Peña in the U.S.
Fate, luck and curiosity brought this fan to Atleti
Real Sociedad fandom blossoming in Boise
Growing up in awe of Sánchez, Real Madrid
Ortegas proudly promote Real Betis around the globe
¡Vamos mi Sevilla! ¡Vamos Nueva York!
Mexico’s Márquez Converted This Culé
Covid can’t stop this Valencia CF socio
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
Villarreal Academy Creates New Fans in Nebraska
Zamorano, Casillas Led this Fan to Real Madrid
All in on El Submarino Amarillo
Love, Marriage and Real Madrid
Watching Madrid at Bernabéu would be a “dream”
An Eibar fan’s journey from FIFA to fandom
Gamer Guillen closer to seeing Barça in Spain
Falling in Love with Real through FIFA
Dreaming of seeing Barça (and Messi)
A Barça bar is best for business
Bringing Real Madrid to Sin City
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