Volleyball player Rubén Herrera, born in La Rinconada in 2010, has qualified for the U17 World Cup following his participation in the U18 European Championship, where Spain finished third in their group.
The young Rinconero volleyball player Rubén Herrera Rosado, aged 16, has been a key player for the Spanish U18 national team in the European Championship held in Cisterna di Latina (Italy). Although the team did not make it to the semifinals, they secured a spot for the U17 World Cup, which will take place in Doha (Qatar) from August 19 to 28.
In the European Championship, Spain faced strong opponents such as Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Romania, and the Netherlands. They finished third in Group B, with five wins and two losses, a record that earned them qualification for the World Cup. The last match was a thrilling victory against Bulgaria, the group leader, by 2-3.
For Rubén Herrera, a native of La Rinconada, this is already his second experience in a continental championship. Last year, he was the runner-up in the U16 European Championship, an achievement that hinted at his international potential. Now, as a libero, he has been called up again for a major event.
The Spanish Volleyball Federation has released the list of 16 players who will prepare for the U17 World Cup. Herrera is included in this squad, which will begin their preparation with a friendly bilateral match in Palencia against the French national team, from August 7 to 10.
In the World Cup, Spain will share a group with Cuba, Czech Republic, and Venezuela. The top two from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage. The goal is to surpass the initial phase and compete for the title currently held by Italy, the winner in 2024.
The Spanish U17 team arrives in Qatar with the backing of having been the runner-up in Europe last summer, only surpassed by Italy, which is also the reigning world and continental champion. In the first edition of the U17 World Cup in 2024, Spain finished in fourth place, after losing in the consolation final to Chinese Taipei in a tiebreaker.
For volleyball in La Rinconada, Rubén Herrera's presence in two consecutive international competitions is a source of pride and an encouragement for the local youth. The young athlete balances his academic training with high-level competition and serves as an example for other young people in the area who dream of reaching the top.
After the friendly in Palencia, the Spanish delegation will travel to Doha to compete in the World Cup. There, the team will aim to improve on last year's fourth place and, why not, fight for medals. The Qatari event will be a litmus test for a generation that has already demonstrated its talent in Europe.
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