Harold Aguilera Castilla departed from the Cuban national futsal team’s training camp in Portugal on Friday, August 23, following a friendly match against Ukraine. Aguilera, who was named the top player in Cuba for 2023, managed to escape in Viseu, situated 125 kilometers from Porto. The 22-year-old striker from Camagüey joins the growing list of Cuban athletes who have used international competitions and training camps as opportunities to defect.
Aguilera played a crucial role in helping the ‘Caribbean Lions’ secure their spot as CONCACAF runners-up for their sixth FIFA World Cup appearance. His departure is a significant blow to coach Osmel Valdivia, who is now left without one of his key players just three weeks before their World Cup debut in Uzbekistan. Cuba is set to face the favored Brazil on September 17 in Group B, which also includes Thailand and Croatia—a notably challenging group where Cuba is expected to be the underdog.
The Cuban futsal team, which has participated in five previous World Cups, is currently on a European tour that began in Portugal. Their recent performance has been disappointing, with heavy defeats to Portugal and Ukraine (9-0 and 7-0 respectively). In their final match in Viseu, Cuba, with only 11 players available, also suffered a 4-1 loss to Costa Rica. The team was missing Aguilera, who had defected, as well as injured Yoannis Ríos and Jonathan Hernández, who has yet to be released by his Argentine club, Newell’s Old Boys.
Cuba
Cuba is next scheduled to travel to Spain for two friendlies against Third Division teams, La Palma Futsal and Cumbres Mayores, on August 28 and September 1, respectively. They will complete their preparation in Jaén before heading to Uzbekistan on September 9, with matches planned against Real Betis Futsal and Jaén Inland Paradise.
Given Aguilera’s recent defection and the previous escapes of Lázaro Castro, Ernesto Duanes, and Bárbaro Sheiler. There is growing concern within the Cuban delegation that more players might abandon the World Cup campaign in search of better opportunities in Spain. Cuban media has neither confirmed nor denied Aguilera’s defection. The news was first reported by journalist Andy Lans in ‘Play-Off Magazine.’
The trend of athletes defecting continues, with Yumichael Lawrence of the Cuban volleyball team also recently deserting during the NORCECA Final Six Tournament in Quebec. Additionally, Cuban judoka Dayle Ojeda, who defected during the Paris Olympics, has arrived in Valencia seeking political asylum and intends to compete for Spain.
In a surprise turn of events, Ukraine defeated Portugal 6-3 in the final match of the Viseu tournament, marking a significant victory over the European and World champions and disrupting Jorge Braz’s 52nd birthday celebrations and captain João Matos’ 200th match. Mykola Mykytiuk from Córdoba scored and was a standout performer alongside goalkeeper Shukov. Portuguese coach Jorge Braz commented that it was a valuable test, noting that physical fatigue is part of the preparation process.