A Celebration of Oviedo’s Football Legacy

omidbasir- It was a magical two hours during which the Oviedo community had the opportunity to close their eyes and rewind time, reminiscing about some of the greatest figures in their history. Generations spanning from the 1960s to the present converged on the pitch at Carlos Tartiere. Featured were Marianín, the top scorer of the 1972-73 Primera season, the legendary duo of Carlos Muñoz-Hicks, and heroes like Esteban and Michu, who fought valiantly for the club during challenging times and facilitated its return to professional football. The current era was perfectly represented by Santi Cazorla, who shared the field with these legends.

It had been 30 years since Nenad Gracan, a skilled midfielder who captivated fans at the old Tartiere in the early 90s, last set foot in Oviedo. Other historic players such as Dely Valdés, ‘Tito’ Pompei, Abel Xavier, and Franck Rabarivony also answered the call from APARO and Fondo Norte, creating a magical day that unified the Oviedo community around their idols.

Esteban, who understands what it means to cherish the blue shield, articulated why it was easy to gather such stars: “We are not a club known for numerous titles; we are not materialistic, but we are very sentimental.” This sentiment ensures that many are fondly remembered for their time at Carlos Tartiere: “Dely or Tito are players who crossed the ocean to come here, and they are remembered as Oviedo players. When I walk the streets of Madrid or Barcelona, people often say: ‘Esteban from Oviedo.’ I spent many years in Oviedo, but I also played for Atlético de Madrid, Sevilla, Celta, or Almería, and people remember me for my time in Oviedo, just as it is for them.”

Gracan affirmed Esteban’s statement: “I was born in Rijeka and played there; it is my home, but Oviedo is equally important to me.” Dely Valdés highlighted the bond between the team and its supporters: “This is a team that makes a mark. Firstly because of the people. That is what I most remember about here, as well as the city, which is clean, beautiful, and spectacular.” Pompei took it a step further, stating: “Oviedo is my place in the world.” The Argentine, who was one of the most sought-after players, also underscored the significance of those who fought for the team during difficult times: “I encountered players who were in Third Division, and they said our generation was important. I told them no; the real heroes, the most important in Oviedo’s history, are the ones who were in Third Division.”

Abel Xavier also took the opportunity to reminisce about his time at Oviedo and offer advice for the future: “This club matters because it is deeply connected with its people. We must not lose our identity. Football is becoming increasingly modern and commercial, but the pillars of this club must remain intact. From the youth academy to the first team, everyone must understand what Oviedo is all about.”

He concluded with a clear message: “To succeed, it is not enough to possess technical or tactical skills; it takes heart and passion. That was present in the past, and we need to recover it for the present. Fans want commitment on the field, and players must grasp that to excel.”

Cazorla, the most celebrated among them, had the chance to share the pitch with many of the footballers he idolized when he was just a young ball boy in the Oviedo academy. He relished the experience and now faces the task of helping the team secure their place in the top tier, aiming to celebrate their 100 years in the highest category.