Footballer Yéremy Pino, a native of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, along with Pedri González from Tenerife, was a prominent member of the squad that earned the second World Cup star for the Spanish national team. The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, accompanied by the Minister of Education, Vocational Training, Physical Activity and Sports, Poli Suárez, congratulated the player at a reception held at the Government's Gran Canarian headquarters.
The forward played a significant role in Spain's victories against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, securing first place in the group stage. Despite an injury sustained against the Celeste, Pino was able to lift the World Cup trophy on July 19th.
A full international since 2021, the current winger for England's Crystal Palace marks a historic season after winning the Conference League with his club in his first year away from Spain. The Gran Canarian adds this title to his personal honors, including the UEFA Nations League (2023) and the Europa League (2021) with Villarreal.
Fernando Clavijo highlighted that "The Canary Islands once again demonstrate that it is a land capable of nurturing top-level athletes." He valued that "having Yéremy Pino and Pedri González among the world champions must be a source of pride for all Canarians and confirms that our football continues to be a benchmark." He also expressed his conviction that "their success will ignite the enthusiasm of many children who today dream of one day wearing the national team's jersey and will see in their example a demonstration that achieving it is possible."
Poli Suárez emphasized the "capacity for overcoming" of the Gran Canarian international, recalling "a very tough injury" two years ago that prevented him from playing in the Eurocup. "He returned stronger, worked to regain his best form, and today he is a world champion," stated the minister, highlighting "that story of effort and perseverance, as it represents the best message any athlete can receive."
Yéremy Pino shared with the president and the minister the positive atmosphere within the national team during the World Cup concentration and celebration days, emphasizing "the great camaraderie enjoyed among all the players and the technical team."
Pino, along with Pedri González, represented the islands within the Spanish World Cup squad, joining other illustrious Canarian footballers like David Silva and Pedro Rodríguez, who earned a star in 2010. The Canary Islands will also be a main protagonist in the next World Cup, to be held in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with Gran Canaria as one of the host venues.
