Tuesday night, just before eleven o’clock, breaking news sent shockwaves through the football world. Pelayo Novo was struck by a train in a neighborhood of Oviedo. The news spread quickly, like gunpowder in a dry room, and posters of Elche and Franjiverde fans were filled with disbelief and sorrow. The Asturian midfielder had become a symbol of the promotion run that took Elche to the First Division in 2013, a time when his name was spoken with pride among supporters. A player who wore the green-and-white striped shirt more than eighty times, his death at age 32 leaves a life that seemed full of possibility cut short.
Pelayo Novo’s death shocked Elche
JA Galvanized
Pelayo Novo joined Elche at the age of 21 in the 2012-2013 season, leaving his beloved hometown of Oviedo for the first time. The club from his region was in the Second Division B and sought more than battles at mid-table; he delivered. The promotion campaign was a dramatic one, with Elche leading from day one to the final whistle, and Novo contributed as a skillful, energetic midfielder with a deep love for the ball. He was not easily categorized: he defended stubbornly yet played with an instinctive forward impulse, a blend that made him more than a typical midfielder. His energy, strength, and precise shots drew praise from coaches who called him a player with a rare eight-and-a-half in his repertoire, a smart mix that kept him dangerous and unpredictable on the field.
Elche team hold a minute’s silence in memory of Pelayo Novo
JA Galvanized
In the ascent to the top tier, the team faced tough odds, and Escribá’s era featured its own challenges. Novo appeared in 26 matches during that promotion season, starting four of them. His joyful and spirited nature endeared him to fans, who remember him as a bright presence both on and off the pitch. The promotion celebration at the Juegos del Mediterráneo stadium in Almería, with Novo wearing an Elche scarf tied around his head and the Asturias flag fluttering, is etched in the memories of those fans. He often stood out in social moments as well, joking with friends like Berry Powell and Aarón Ñíguez during the celebratory parades around the city.
In the following season, Novo did not fit into Escribá’s plans for the First Division and spent time on loan to Córdoba, chasing promotion again. He then returned to Elche, this time on loan to Lugo, before the club’s administrative relegation altered the course of his career. He eventually returned to Elche in the Second Division, making appearances under Rubén Baraja and contributing 18 appearances in one league campaign. The 2016-2017 season saw him remain with the Franjiverde squad, becoming an important member with 27 matches, even as the club faced relegation to the lower tier.
That period also marked the end of his deal with Martínez Valero. Novo sought opportunities abroad, trying his luck in Cluj, Romania, but soon returned to Spain to join Albacete. After a few more seasons, he deepened his bond with the Manchego club and became a source of resilience for teammates and fans alike. A friend and sports reporter, Jesús Hernández, recalls Novo’s happiness and pride during these years, even as life’s hardships mounted. A serious fall at the Abba hotel in Huesca led to a long hospitalization, ending his playing career and leaving him bound to a wheelchair for life.
In the months that followed, Novo found new purpose. He embraced wheelchair tennis and began reshaping his life around a leadership role with the Oviedo Foundation. He had already overcome the dark days after the Huesca incident, and his spirit began to chart a different path. Novo’s friends and supporters watched him navigate this difficult transition with quiet courage, and his resolve inspired many who faced their own battles.
Pelayo Novo also spoke to friends and fans about how life could surprise you, even after the toughest setbacks. He remained connected to football through memories and relationships built in Elche and Oviedo, and he carried forward a belief in new horizons. He married his partner Iciar in June, and even as the weight of his experiences lingered, he found joy in small moments—from attending the Tomorrowland festival in Belgium to continuing to support the clubs and people who had shaped his career. His friends remember him as a bright, generous, and deeply loyal person who left an imprint on all who knew him.
Ultimately, Pelayo Novo’s story is one of perseverance, resilience, and human warmth. He faced unimaginable adversity, remained committed to his passions, and found purpose beyond the football field. His memory lives in the friendships he forged, the fans who celebrated his early triumphs, and the ongoing work of the Oviedo Foundation as it pursues a future that honors his legacy. Rest in peace, Pelayo Novo.