The Spanish national futsal team is undergoing significant changes under head coach Jesús Velasco, who is set to introduce four new players in the upcoming match against England on February 4. After initially considering 30 players, Velasco has finalized a 14-player roster that features 11 changes from the team’s last appearance in 2024. Only three players – Ricardo Mayor, Renato Lopes, and Francisco Paniagua – remain from the previous squad that secured victories against Switzerland (9-0) and Bosnia (6-1) in the European Championship 2026 qualifying matches.
The team will begin their preparation camp tomorrow, with plans to travel to Loughborough on February 2. Among the notable additions is goalkeeper Asier Llamas, who at 31 receives his first senior team call-up. Llamas, who recently extended his contract with Osasuna Magna through 2027, previously represented Spain at U19 and U21 levels. In a recent conversation with Diario de Navarra, Llamas expressed surprise at his selection, noting that the coach had typically favored younger players. He will share goalkeeping duties with the experienced 38-year-old Jesús Herrero from Movistar Inter.
The defensive line welcomes Adri Rivera, a former U-19 European champion like his teammate Ricardo Mayor. The 23-year-old Alcorcón native currently plays for Wanapix Sala 10 Zaragoza on loan from ElPozo Murcia Costa Cálida. Following Raúl Gómez’s injury in a recent league match, Manolo Piqueras of Illes Balears Palma Futsal earned his first national team selection at age 28. Having previously played for the U21 squad.
ElPozo Murcia’s David Álvarez, who turns 27 next month, joins as a new wing-defender. The right side of the field will be covered by Javi Mínguez and Renato Lopes, while the left side features an abundance of talent including Miguel Ángel Mellado, Francisco Paniagua, Pol Pacheco, and Dani Zurdo.
Pablo Ramírez’s injury
Due to Pablo Ramírez’s injury, Jesús Gordillo receives his first call-up under Velasco’s leadership. The Toledo-born striker from Illes Balears Palma Futsal, who participated in the Uzbekistan World Cup, joins the squad alongside returning player Dani Gabriel. Who missed the World Cup due to personal matters.
In other developments, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has established a new U23 category to bridge the gap between youth and senior levels. Technical director Albert Canillas has selected 14 players, primarily from Spain’s top two divisions, for a training camp running through January 30. The squad will face winter champions Movistar Inter in a friendly match on January 29.
The U23 roster includes goalkeepers Diego Torres and Alejandro Palazón. Defenders Nacho Gómez, Joan Miguel Piris, and Pol Salas. Wingers Eloy de Pablos, Alex Naranjo, Marc Puigvert, Pablo Muñoz, Ion Cerviño, and Alberto Lahuerta Galindo. Wing-forward Jorge Espín, and forwards Nicolás Brown and Jorge Carrasco.
