Juan José Camacho Pérez, known as Catela, born on April 14, 1995, in Cádiz, is the standout player in Spanish futsal. As Barça’s left winger, he was named the MVP of the Spanish Cup. Amidst a critical period marked by injuries in Cartagena, the Cadiz native led the Barça team, securing their seventh cup title in history and the first of the season. Demonstrating remarkable resilience against the challenges posed by the calendar and refereeing decisions.
Transformation
In just 14 months, Catela has transformed from being publicly criticized by his coach, Jesús Velasco, to signing a contract extension until 2026 under President Joan Laporta. Velasco’s stark comments about Catela’s physical condition—”Catela has a physical problem and is overweight. A significant, excessive overweight. He cannot sustain a high tempo for prolonged periods.”—issued an ultimatum for the Andalusian. However, behind the public scrutiny and social media backlash lay a plan to address Catela’s unhealthy habits. Which had persisted since his departure from Cádiz at the age of 17 to join Zaragoza.
Catela’s journey began with a notable performance in the youth Spanish Cup with Jerez 93, where despite losing the final to Barça, his last-minute goal forced extra time, showcasing his potential. Over a decade later, Catela found himself alongside his former teammate Miquel Feixas in a crucial shootout, with Feixas once again playing a decisive role. Catela’s father, a former player for Cádiz B during the era of Magical Gonzalez, influenced his early years in the sport.
After starting futsal at Virgili at 16, Catela moved to SD Jerez 1993. Catching the eye of Zaragoza scouts after defeating his former team in the Spanish Cup semifinals in 2013. His debut in the First Division followed, where he quickly gained recognition, earning the title of the second-best young player globally in 2014, trailing only his Barça teammate Adolfo Fernández.
A pivotal moment
A pivotal moment came in September 2015 when Catela, away from home and struggling with an injured ankle, found a lifeline with Santiago Futsal. Under Santi Valladares’ guidance, he underwent a transformative period both on and off the court, focusing on a healthier lifestyle and showcasing his talent. This led to his national team debut in 2016 at just 21 years old.
Subsequent transfers to Palme and Viña Albali Valdepeñas marked significant phases in Catela’s career, where he continued to shine despite challenges. His stint with Viña Albali Valdepeñas saw him secure runner-up positions in both the Spanish Cup and League during the COVID-affected season, further elevating his status in the sport.
A move to Dinamo Samara in Russia was short-lived due to unforeseen circumstances, leading him back to Spain and eventually to Barcelona in March 2022. Despite initial registration challenges, Catela’s determination and resilience prevailed, culminating in a contract extension with Barça until 2026.
Catela’s journey is emblematic of perseverance and redemption, transforming from a target of ridicule to a symbol of admiration within the futsal community. His recent renewal with Barça underscores his invaluable contribution to the team’s success, with a promising future ahead.
