Europe’s First Transgender Soccer Team, Phoenix FC, Makes Historic Debut in Regional Men’s League

In a groundbreaking moment for European soccer, Phoenix FC, a team made up entirely of transgender men, has made its debut in the regional men’s league in Spain’s Catalonia region. This all-transgender team is the first of its kind to gain Federated status in Europe, symbolizing a significant step forward for inclusivity in sports. The team’s name, Phoenix FC, draws inspiration from the mythical bird symbolizing rebirth—a fitting emblem for a squad challenging societal norms and carving out a space for transgender athletes in a traditionally rigid sport.

Phoenix FC was founded by 24-year-old Hugo Martinez, who himself has faced adversity in his transition. Martinez, who initially played on a women’s team before his transition, encountered widespread hostility, from insults to threats, when attempting to join a men’s team. Reflecting on his experiences, Martinez shared, “I was a boy playing in the girls’ team without a changed ID, so I couldn’t play with the boys either. The abuse came from all directions—the stands, other players, even coaches.”

The team’s debut in September in Spain’s fifth-tier men’s league marked a historic moment. Captain Luk Ibanes, 19, was among the first to join Martinez on this pioneering journey. Like many of his teammates, Ibanes had concerns about playing alongside cisgender men, fearing that the environment would be overly aggressive or unwelcoming. “We were afraid of playing with cis men,” Ibanes admitted. “We thought we wouldn’t fit in or that it would be too violent. So many thoughts went through our heads about whether we could continue playing soccer.”

Despite the hurdles, Spain’s recent advances in transgender rights gave the team some hope. In 2022, the country passed a groundbreaking transgender rights bill designed to make it easier for individuals to legally change their gender identity. While this legislative progress signals societal change, discrimination remains prevalent. In 2023 alone, Catalonia’s Observatory against LGBT-phobia recorded 302 cases of discrimination or violence against LGBT individuals, with a quarter of these incidents targeting transgender people.

Phoenix FC’s journey is more than just a sports story—it’s a narrative about the power of community and creating safe spaces. The team lost its first game of the season, suffering a 19-0 defeat, but Ibanes is quick to emphasize that Phoenix FC’s significance transcends the scoreboard. “Phoenix is a team of trans boys, created entirely by trans boys,” he explained. “But I think it’s more than that. It’s a family, a safe space where you can be free and express yourself however you feel.”

Spain’s Catalan Football Association (FA) has been at the forefront of promoting inclusivity in soccer. For the past two seasons, its men’s leagues have been mixed, allowing players to participate regardless of their official identity. Additionally, players are not required to use their legal name, giving individuals the freedom to play under the name that best represents them. Unfortunately, this is not a standard practice across all regional FAs or sports, highlighting the ongoing fight for transgender athletes’ rights.

As Phoenix FC continues its journey in Catalonia’s league, their presence serves as an inspiring reminder of how sports can be a platform for change. Despite facing discrimination, insults, and setbacks, Phoenix FC’s players remain determined to thrive, paving the way for future generations of transgender athletes to follow in their footsteps. Their debut marks not only a significant achievement for the team but also a victory for LGBTQ+ representation in sports.