As the likes of Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro aim to inspire Spain to glory in Los Angeles, they need look no further than fellow Spanish athlete Pau Gasol for inspiration ahead of the crunch .
Gasol has become a legend in LA after winning back-to-back NBA titles alongside Kobe Bryant in 2009 and 2010. The basketball icon also knows a thing or two about leading Spain to global success, with victory at the 2006 FIBA World Cup alongside two Olympic silver medals and one bronze.
Having started his basketball career with FC Barcelona, Gasol is a massive football fan. He spoke to FIFA about the ongoing World Cup, Spain's clash with Belgium and what it means to be a Spanish sporting icon in Los Angeles.
Pau Gasol: Growing up in Spain, the World Cup was always one of those events that brought everyone together. I remember watching matches with my family and friends, feeling the excitement that spread across the whole country. The World Cups have inspired so many young children, so many athletes, regardless of the sport they played, and they showed the power that sport has to unite people through shared passion.
I've had the chance to experience the World Cup atmosphere over the years; it's one of those unique events that brings the world together. One of the most special memories for me was at the 2010 final in Johannesburg when Spain became world champions… [Andres] Iniesta’s goal for the win in the extra time was epic! It was truly a privilege to be able to experience that moment in person, a historic moment for my beloved country.
Having the tournament spread across North and Central America has created a unique atmosphere, and it's been exciting to see so many different cultures coming together. The quality of soccer has been excellent, and you can feel that every team is giving it their all, which has made for some very competitive matches.
What I've appreciated most is the level of teamwork on display, although there have also been some outstanding players that are shining bright in the tournament like [Lionel] Messi, [Kylian] Mbappe and [Erling] Haaland. I always enjoy watching players who combine technical skill with heart and leadership because those are qualities that translate across every sport and life. As a supporter of Spain, the match-ups of the knockout stage against Austria and Portugal were particularly exciting, and I’m looking forward to the quarter-final game on Friday.
Spain has shown confidence, high level of competitiveness and a clear identity. They've stayed true to the style of soccer that has brought them success while also showing the resilience to find a way to win when matches have become difficult. As a fellow Spanish athlete, it's always a source of pride to see our teams compete with that level of character and unity.
Quarter-final games are all about handling pressure. All the teams that make it this far into the tournament are strong contenders for the title, so in my opinion it’s more about staying focused and disciplined from the first minute to the last. These games can come down to a mistake that the opponent can take advantage of and turn it into a goal that can decide the outcome of the match. Belgium has shown great offensive talent, but at the same time, Spain has not conceded a goal so far in the tournament, so I feel like it’s going to be a very exciting game to watch.
Los Angeles will always hold a special place in my life because it's where I experienced some of the most meaningful moments of my career, both professionally and personally. The city embraced me from day one, and I always felt a responsibility to give something back, not only through basketball but through community work as well. That's something we've continued through the Gasol Foundation, with initiatives that promote healthy habits and help children and families lead healthier lives. For me, success is always more meaningful when you can use it to create a positive impact beyond sport, and Los Angeles has been a very important part of that journey.
Sources: FIFA Official
