Meet Alonso Muñoz, the rising star cornerback of the Zaragoza Hurricanes, as he takes us on a journey through his football career, filled with resilience, determination, and passion. From his humble beginnings in a small neighborhood on the outskirts of Zaragoza to becoming a cornerstone of his team's defense, Alonso shares his experiences, challenges, and aspirations in this exclusive interview. Get ready to delve into the world of Spanish football through the eyes of a promising athlete who embodies the spirit of perseverance and dedication.
Getting to Know Alonso Muñoz
As his former coach, I know Alonso well. I know the kind of player he is and I know about his game assets, but also about his resilience, his will and his passion.
When he was a junior player I pulled him out of a senior game because I saw the rival Head Coach and Quarterback were looking for the wide receiver Alonso was covering. I changed him for a more experienced cornerback (after explaining to him that a “go route” on his side was coming), the expected play came and the pass was easily deflected without danger.
While the substitution was happening, Alonso was very upset with me. His gaze, his facial expression... He just wanted that play. And maybe I was wrong for that, I don’t know. There are things you have to do when you coach and you live with those decisions. I tried to explain to him why I did that. I always tried to explain my decisions to my players in order to make them know. But he was definitively angry.
The next day he came to me and apologized for his actions. He said “I don’t want you to not count on me because of my behavior”. And I, of course, didn’t. Because I understood him, more than he thought I did. And also because of his work ethic, his everyday behavior, and (why not) because it was a joy to see him playing.
I like to think that these kinds of decisions also helped him to develop, but what I’m completely sure about is that we’ll see Alonso balling outside Spain very soon.
Alonso Muñoz Answers the tough Questions
Alonso, please, introduce yourself and tell us about your current team?
Hi! I'm Alonso, I’m 21 years old and I play cornerback for the Spanish team Zaragoza Hurricanes, where I've been playing for 5 years. Zaragoza Hurricanes is my hometown team and we play in Serie A, the top league in Spain.
Can you share a memorable moment from your football career that truly defines you as a player?
The first thing that comes to my mind is a game against L’Hospitalet Pioners, at home. Before that game, we had lost the first three games and had a 0-3 record, almost ending our expectations for the playoffs.
It was a close game, and I was playing well, but in one broken play Pioners scored a touchdown on me, closing the score to two points and giving them the momentum to win.
Our next offensive possession was a 3 and out, so everything was against us and overall on me, but I’m a resilient player that doesn't give up, and when we were almost in red zone I intercepted a deep pass to the end zone, ending their moment and giving back the ball to the offense, who scored a touchdown on the very next possession to win the game.
Early Life and Entry into Football
Where did you grow up, and how has your hometown influenced your football Journey?
I grew up in a small neighborhood from the outskirts of Zaragoza, knowing nothing about football until I was 10 years old. I started playing soccer and I wouldn't ever imagined that I would end up loving football. Obviously my environment has taken a big part in my career, because here in Spain, this sport is so small and expensive, and you have to give up a lot of things to play and you don't have many opportunities to grow up and develop as a player as in other countries from Europe.
What sparked your interest in football, and who were your early influences in
the sport?
I've always loved American culture, things such as hip hop or the NBA have interested me a lot. It was my father who showed me the sport and the NFL. It was the Superbowl between the 49ers and Ravens, and I just loved the sport, the spectacle and everything about it. So it was love at first sight. My early influences were my dad and my older brother (Joel Muñoz, also a young and talented DB), who also plays with me in Zaragoza Hurricanes.
Career Development and Major Achievements
Can you walk us through your football journey, from your early days to where
you are now?
I started playing football at 15. I was super skinny and not even the most athletically gifted player, so at first everyone laughed at me but I didn't care because I loved football with all my heart.
I played for three U-19 seasons in Zaragoza. I couldn't try to go to the national team because of Covid 19, but I was still able to play the game I love. Then at the preseason of my first year as a senior I tore my left knee meniscus and couldn't play the whole season.
Last year was my comeback year and I was able to play until mid-season where I broke my arm.
But as I said I am a resilient player and I hardly give up, so I came back again to keep doing what I love and pursue my dreams.
What are some of the proudest achievements or standout moments in your football career?
One of the proudest achievements in my career is that interception against L’Hospitalet Pioners that I mentioned before.
Also, in my first year, the senior team staff honored me by giving me the chance to play in a friendly postseason game and be one of the team captains because of the hard work I put in the whole season, double training everyday, junior and senior teams.All the hard work paid off at that moment.
I would tell you one more moment, which was when we reached the playoffs last year, but I couldn't enjoy that feeling because I got injured midseason, and I wasn't able to play in the playoffs.
Personal Narrative
Are there any personal stories or challenges you've faced that have significantly shaped your journey?
The meniscus comeback is an experience that truly defines me, and changed the vision that I had of life, to not take things for granted and much less football. It was something I had never faced before. I had to give up a lot of things in life, and it was a very challenging experience for me. To take a year off and a step back, to take two steps forward, was challenging but I wouldn't change a thing because it made me the man and the player that I am today.
Beyond football, what are some of your interests or passions? Are you involved in any philanthropic activities?
Beyond football, as I said I love sports, music and hip hop culture but one thing that i really like is graphic design and visual art, things such as filmmaking and photography. At this moment I’m the graphic designer of my football team, the Zaragoza Hurricanes. Other things that I love in life is to be around my family and friends and travel around the world.
Playing Style and Impact
How would you describe your playing style and the skills that set you apart on the field?
I like to define myself as a technical and aggressive player to the ball, I really like to make big plays on the ball and make turnovers.
As a cornerback you have a lot of weight on your shoulders every play, so you have to be disciplined and don't risk everything for the big play, but I understand the game, and I know when to make the play on the ball and when to make the play my team needs.
I would like to be known as a lockdown and a ballhawk player, those would be two adjectives that I would love to define my playstyle.
In what ways do you believe you've made an impact on the sport of football or inspired others?
I don't think I have a big role in my country at this moment, I don't really know if i have made an impact on someone or something, but I also have been coaching the female team for two years, and been able to spread the game of football is something that I love, but inspiring others in the future is something that would make me very proud.
Current Role and Future Outlook
What is your current role within your team or the league, and how do you see it evolving?
I think I have a big role in my team, one of the cornerstones of the defense and to teach the new players that come to the team is something that I love, and to be able to give back what other players gave to me in the past.
In the league I've heard that I am one of the promises for the future of my country. I am ambitious and I would like to be the best in what I do, so I have nothing but work in front of me to get to that point.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and what goals do you hope to achieve in your future football endeavors?
Some of my aspirations and dreams are to win the national championship with Zaragoza Hurricanes, be the best cornerback of my country, travel all over Europe and the world (if it is possible) playing football and the ultimate goal is to keep playing the game I love and live experiences with it.
Reflection
In your own words, how would you summarize your legacy and the mark you've left in football?
What I can tell you is that my legacy is nothing that will be at the end of my career and life, because I plan to be in this game for my whole life, by playing, coaching or whatever I can contribute to the sport.
To conclude, is there a particular quote or message you'd like to leave with our readers that encapsulates your journey and philosophy?
Since I started playing football everything I’ve heard are doubts about me, my physique or even my capacity to avoid injuries, if there is something I can tell you, is to believe in yourself no matter what, because you are much stronger than the doubts or problems that come in life. So always believe in yourself and don't take things for granted.
Keep working with passion and discipline and good things will come. Do things with passion and appreciate the good and the bad moments because that will separate yourself from the rest. Keep going!
Comments