On an indoor soccer field just four kilometers from the Beirut suburbs heavily impacted by Israeli airstrikes, Barcelona native Paco Araujo passionately coaches a group of children. Demonstrating a resilience he attributes to the Lebanese people during his 13 years in the country. “Four defenders against me, but it doesn’t matter! I’m Superman, I’m Messi!” he humorously shouts at one of the young players from the sideline. Paco moves non-stop during the game. Offering constant instructions, covering up to 30,000 steps in a single morning of training. He arrived in Lebanon in 2011 to coach the national futsal team, a role he held until 2020, with stints in Qatar, Kuwait, and Canada. Now, he teaches soccer to over 70 Lebanese children, guiding them in their athletic pursuits.
“I remember last Sunday, some parents of kids from 2017 messaged me, asking, ‘Coach, we have training tomorrow, right?’ I thought, ‘How can there be training, when last night was horrible with all the bombings?’” he recalls. “But when I saw parents bringing their 6-7 year-olds with the motivation to continue and momentarily escape the chaos, I didn’t think twice. I showed up,” he adds after finishing his last group for the day.
Spain Evacuation
When Spain began evacuating citizens from Lebanon, Paco was certain he would stay. While he acknowledges the difficult experiences caused by the ongoing Israeli bombing campaign, which began three weeks ago, he remains resolute. “There were tough days, with bombings at night, planes, drones, and explosions. It makes you wonder, did I make the right choice staying?” But for Paco to leave, the situation would have to become “really, really, really bad,” as he feels deeply respected and valued by the parents of his players.
Currently, he trains alone at a camp in Hazmieh, just outside Beirut, since the camp in Furn el Chebbak, near the heavily bombed Dahye suburbs, is no longer safe. Many children have fled the country, others have moved to safer areas, and some fear attending training. Yet, Paco remains driven. He says that the Lebanese people have taught him how to keep going despite adversity, citing their ability to rise from the ruins after the Syrian war, the 2019 protests, the economic crisis, and the 2020 Beirut explosion.
“If we’re in the middle of a war, with bombs just a few kilometers away, and I’m here working, it’s because I’ve adopted some of that spirit and mentality,” he says.
The children sometimes ask him why it’s easier to succeed in football in Spain. Paco understands the toll the ongoing crises have taken on them—affecting everything from school to sports, with local competitions suspended and the future uncertain. “But despite everything, they still dream of becoming good players, going to Europe, and playing for clubs like Barça, Madrid, or Atlético,” he says. Through his perseverance, Paco not only helps them edge closer to their dreams but also provides a sense of normalcy amid the turmoil.
Mohammad Fajor, watching his son train from the sidelines, expresses how sport offers children a brief return to normality, especially as schools remain closed. “We’re very grateful because he stayed despite everything. Everyone else left, but he stayed, and hasn’t missed a single session,” he says. Nazek Tabbara Abu Zaher, another parent, praises Paco for his dedication. Although her child has to travel half an hour by car after being displaced by Israeli attacks, she believes training is vital. “We don’t want to stop, even in war. We don’t want them to feel like we’re unsafe and still hope for a better Lebanon,” she concludes.
