The national football coach, Luis de la Fuente, is proposed as a worthy recipient of the Nazareno de Plata for his discreet and sincere public testimony of faith, which has won the admiration of the Archbishop of Seville.
The national football coach, Luis de la Fuente, has been highlighted in an opinion piece as deserving of the Nazareno de Plata, a distinction previously awarded by the Council of Brotherhoods. His profile as a sincere Catholic, without ostentation or fuss, has earned him the admiration of the Archbishop of Seville, Monsignor José Ángel Saiz Meneses, who has already dedicated a public recognition to him on social media.
De la Fuente, originally from La Rioja but closely linked to the city of Seville through his career as a footballer and coach, has stated on several occasions that he prays for health, not to win matches, thus respecting his opponents. This attitude, far removed from the overexposure of influencers and trendy singers, makes him an example of viral faith that transcends the sporting realm.
A testimony of faith without noise
The article emphasises that it is not necessary to take to the streets to give a public testimony of faith, and that sometimes a statement, a gesture, or a clean look is enough. Luis de la Fuente embodies this style: he speaks with the strength of sincerity, without noise or fuss. His way of expressing faith, compared to the rhythm of the Holy Week processions, has been described as masterful.
The Archbishop of Seville, Monsignor Saiz, delivered a memorable homily at the inauguration of the president of the Council of Brotherhoods, Francisco Roda, in which he defined the Council's work as that of safeguarding a spiritual heritage that belongs to the Church and the faithful. The prelate called for moderation and that certain matters be dealt with behind the scenes, not in the public eye.
The night centre for homeless people, a social project of the Congress
The article also celebrates the completion of the works for the night centre for homeless people, which will be named after Saiz Meneses in honour of its promoter. This initiative, a result of the II International Congress of Popular Piety, is located on Don Remondo Street, at the foot of the Giralda, right in the centre of Seville, not in a remote area.
The project has the endorsement of Caritas and the support of the Council of Brotherhoods. It is expected that the centre will soon begin operations and that it will be a lasting testament to the congress that culminated in the grand procession along Paseo de Colón. The presentation by the Sisters of the Cross, who participated out of obedience to the archbishop, left a lasting impression on many.
Football and faith, a contest during Holy Week
The article mentions that a music band has refused to play at a procession because it coincides with the World Cup final that Spain is playing in. This anecdote reflects how football and faith compete for the attention of the people of Seville. Luis de la Fuente, with his serene style, builds bridges between both worlds.
For the reader from Seville, the figure of the coach represents a model of how to live faith in a professional environment without ostentation, and his potential recognition with the Nazareno de Plata would be a gesture that unites elite sport with the city's brotherhood tradition.

