The Marbella City Council has welcomed the two footballers and the physical trainer from Málaga CF, all natives of the municipality, for their contribution to the promotion to La Liga.
The Marbella council opened its doors this Monday to pay an emotional tribute to Dani Lorenzo, Aaron Ochoa, and Dani Jiménez, the three members of the Málaga CF squad who are from the city. The mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, along with the sports councillor, Lisandro Vieytes, presided over the institutional event, which was also attended by the families of the honorees.
A promotion with a Marbella accent
The mayor highlighted that the return of Málaga CF to the elite of Spanish football “has a marked Marbella accent”, as the three honorees “have come from here and are very linked to Marbella.” Muñoz emphasised that they represent “a magnificent example for our youth.” During her speech, the mayor conveyed the pride of the entire city for the success achieved and stated that “it is a great satisfaction to have athletes who have contributed to this feat.”
The mayor insisted that all of them “have grown from grassroots sports, have worked with humility, and have shown that, with dedication and perseverance, dreams can come true.” She also thanked the families for their support throughout their sporting careers. Muñoz explained that the recognition aims to go beyond sporting success: “We want to thank you for your promotion, but also for the magnificent image you project of Marbella wherever you go.”
The mayor expressed her belief that “this promotion will just be another chapter in trajectories that still have a long way to go” and wished the three “the greatest success in this new stage in La Liga.” Their example, she said, will serve as inspiration for many young athletes in the municipality.
Emotion and memories from the youth academy
The midfielder Dani Lorenzo thanked the recognition received from his city and assured that “it is an unforgettable season, and to be valued in your city is a tremendous pride.” He recalled that both he and several of his teammates “have lived Málaga very closely since we left the football fields of Marbella.” He highlighted that “being able to fulfil the dream of playing in La Liga with the team from your hometown is an enormous satisfaction.” Looking ahead to the new season, he acknowledged that “it will be a very demanding season”, although he assured that the squad faces the challenge “with great enthusiasm because we have earned our place there.”
Aaron Ochoa also wanted to thank the tribute from the City Council and recalled his footballing origins in the city. “I am very grateful because my journey started here, at Los Compadres, before joining Málaga,” he explained. The young footballer pointed out that the return to La Liga will represent “a very complicated challenge,” although he made it clear that both he and the rest of the team face the new season with enthusiasm and a strong desire to compete at the highest level.
Finally, the physical trainer Dani Jiménez described the tribute as “something very beautiful” and assured that receiving recognition from his city “brings immense happiness.” He highlighted that one of the most exciting aspects of the promotion has been sharing it with players who are also from Marbella, which makes the achievement even more special.
The event concluded with the presentation of a commemorative plaque to each of the honorees and a small cocktail in the council chamber. The three athletes posed alongside the mayor and their families on the steps of the City Hall, where chants of “¡A Primera, a Primera!” from the attendees could be heard.
With this tribute, Marbella puts the finishing touch on a historic season for Málaga CF, which on June 21 certified its return to the top tier after defeating Almería in the playoff. The three Marbella natives will undoubtedly be key players in the new project of the La Rosaleda club, which is already preparing for the upcoming campaign in the elite.
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