Two Goya Awards winner and a 14-time nominee from Malaga, the Spanish actor spoke about football on Radio Marca Asturias, sharing his candid take as a devoted fan.
Antonio de la Torre, acclaimed in Spain for his dramatic range and multiple Goya recognitions, discussed Málaga CF, Real Madrid, and the thrilling, money-influenced landscape of modern football during his appearance on Radio Marca Asturias. He spoke as a fan who understands both the beauty and the fragility of the game, offering reflections grounded in his own experiences in Spanish football culture.
Saving Málaga would feel like winning the World Cup
The actor, a lifelong Málaga supporter, described the club’s struggles as a persistent trial rather than a sudden setback. He compared a potential rescue of Málaga to the joy he felt when Spain claimed the World Cup, noting that while the outcome would be bittersweet, the perspective is what matters. He emphasized that losing, though painful, is a normal part of life and a force that shapes resilience in both sports and everyday living. (Goal)
The conversation highlighted a difficult season in which Málaga faced tough opponents and mounting pressure. He observed that the team often appeared to be fighting from behind and that even when signs of life show up, the odds can still seem overwhelming. Yet he held onto a belief that a spark could emerge, changing the narrative for supporters who stay loyal through thick and thin. (Goal)
I can’t be a follower of a distinctly capitalist club
When it came to Real Madrid, the actor acknowledged the club’s current dominance in European competition, while making clear that personal allegiance had shifted for ideological reasons. He recalled his family ties to Madrid, noting that his father once supported the club, but his own stance evolved. He pointed out that in Malaga, loyalties often reflect deeper values, and he questioned whether a sport driven by vast budgets can truly be equal or fair. He suggested that the broader reality of the competition sometimes tilts the balance, implying that the game can feel unequal and not accessible to all. (Goal)
He added that the spectacle around Madrid and Barcelona, shaped by enormous financial resources, risks dulling the drama that makes football compelling for many fans. He implied that a different kind of competitive spirit could emerge if financial disparities were managed differently, preserving the edge that makes matches gripping rather than predictable. (Goal)
Money can erode the romance of football
The conversation turned to the romantic era of football, with the speaker reflecting on players who defined a generation and the excitement of those early, unpredictable results. He lamented the way money has reshaped the sport, arguing that the era of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi carried a unique emotional charge that is increasingly missing. He suggested that today’s era, shaped by big budgets, has dulled some of the spontaneity and magic that once thrilled fans. He recalled a memory from his youth of a dramatic Málaga victory and contrasted it with the present-day climate, where the financial arms race tends to overshadow the human story on the pitch. (Goal)
Loyal listener and admirer of José María García
The actor revealed his long-standing habit of listening to José María García, a legendary sports journalist, and even mimicking his distinctive style during a radio interview. He recalled his background as a sports journalist before turning to acting, including work on Canal Sur where he hosted a program discussing the World Cup and regional teams. This history explains his nuanced understanding of sports media, framing his views with both personal experience and professional insight. (Goal)