While LaLiga celebrates its first 'Retro Matchday' under the slogan 'A very much alive legacy', at number 78 on Núñez de la Peña street in La Laguna, the history of Canarian football is lived authentically. There, Luis Martín, 31, has transformed his passion into the business Football Fútbol Club, a space where the 'blanquiazul' sentiment for CD Tenerife transcends trends.
“"For me, this was a dream, and it gives me life."
Martín's love for football and CD Tenerife began in 1998 with a Three Kings' Day gift: a 'Tete' jersey when he was just four years old. Since then, his dedication has been tireless, seeking not modern replicas, but the authentic “match-worn jerseys” that graced the pitch of the Heliodoro Rodríguez López. These garments, he explains, are hard to come by and require contacts, investment, or luck.
The collector from Tenerife has become an expert in 'blanquiazul' attire, valuing details often overlooked, such as advertising and typography, which vary significantly across different eras. His collection, valued at thousands of euros, includes pieces like a Juanele jersey that cost him 220 euros, all carefully stored and protected.
With CD Tenerife leading the league table with 65 points and an 11-point lead over the second-place team, the atmosphere of promotion to Segunda División is palpable in every corner of the shop. This sporting success fuels Luis's next big project: expanding his premises to create a space that combines the shop with an exhibition hall, a viewing area for matches, and even a foosball table, consolidating a true museum dedicated to the team closest to his heart.
