Right-back Juan Iglesias wore the captain's armband in his first match as a Sevilla player, a closed-door friendly against Juventud Torremolinos.
The Sevilla FC began their 2026-2027 pre-season with a narrow victory over Juventud Torremolinos (1-0) in a match held behind closed doors at the training ground. The only goal came from a penalty, scored by Sierra at the start of the second half. However, what truly caught attention was the sight of Juan Iglesias donning the captain's armband in his official debut wearing the white and red shirt.
A debut with an armband
The right-back, signed this summer from Getafe, came onto the pitch in the second half and, to the surprise of many, wore the captain's armband. The explanation is simple: almost all the players who entered during that period were academy graduates, except for fellow defender Pedrosa. Iglesias' experience at 27 years old weighed in the coaching staff's decision.
The match served to see the first glimpses of the other two signings: Senegalese defender Arouna Sangante and midfielder Jon Guridi, who played the first 45 minutes. Coach Luis García Plaza took the opportunity to give minutes to the young players and assess the physical condition of the squad.
The local angle: Torremolinos, the stage for the debut
The match was held at Sevilla's facilities, but the opponent was Juventud Torremolinos, a team from Primera RFEF competing in the southern group. For the Torremolinos fans, seeing their team face a top-flight team is always a draw, even though the match was behind closed doors. The Málaga club showed competitiveness and held their own for much of the match.
For the residents of Torremolinos, this news reflects that elite football is close to home. Juventud Torremolinos, which dreams of promotion to the Second Division, rubs shoulders with teams of Sevilla's stature, something that fills the city with pride.
A detail that speaks of leadership
For a newcomer to wear the armband in his first match is not common. In Sevilla, where captains like Jesús Navas have been emblems, the gesture indicates that Iglesias arrives with credentials. The dressing room has welcomed him well, and his experience in the First Division (over 150 matches) will be key in a young squad.
The pre-season continues with more friendlies. Sevilla's next commitment will be against Málaga CF on the Costa del Sol, another high-voltage clash for the fans of the province.
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