In a groundbreaking move for sports and transgender rights, Spain’s Phoenix FC has become the first all-transgender men’s soccer team to gain Federated status in Europe. Founded by 24-year-old Hugo Martinez, the team marks a significant step towards inclusivity in sports, symbolized aptly by their namesake, the Phoenix — a mythical bird known for rising from its ashes.
Phoenix FC, based in a Barcelona suburb, began their journey in Catalonia’s fifth tier this September. Martinez, who experienced severe discrimination during his transition, including insults and threats from spectators and coaches, was motivated to create a safe space for transgender men like himself. When he started the team, he was joined by enthusiastic players, including 19-year-old captain Lucas Ibanus, who shared similar experiences and fears about integrating into cisgender teams.
Despite the progressive transgender rights law passed in Spain last year, which simplifies the process of legal gender identity change, the struggle against intolerance continues. The Catalan Observatory against LGBT Phobia reported a record 302 cases of discrimination or violence against LGBT individuals in 2023, with a quarter targeting transgender people.
Catalonia’s football association has made strides by allowing mixed-gender teams in men’s leagues for the past two seasons. This policy permits players to participate without using their legal names, promoting a more inclusive environment. However, such policies are not universally adopted across all regional sports federations.
Phoenix FC’s debut might not have been victorious on the scoreboard — they lost their first match 19-0 — but their presence in the league is a victory in itself. Captain Ibanus sees the team as more than just a group of players; to him, it is a family, a haven where members can express themselves freely and feel safe.
This initiative is not only a sports milestone but also a significant cultural shift, advocating for acceptance and equality in athletic communities. As Phoenix FC continues to compete, they not only play for goals on the field but also for greater recognition and respect off it, championing the cause of transgender athletes everywhere.
