A successful start to the season for former Donosti Cup players

One of the highlights has been the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title won by Spain. Spain were crowned world champions on 27 September after beating North Korea on penalties, following a goalless draw in the final. Five players with Donosti Cup experience were part of the winning squad: Laia Lopez, Alazne Estensoro, Martina Gonzalez, Ainoa Gómez, Celia Segura, Cristina Librán and Irune Dorado, contributing to another major achievement for Spanish women’s football.

It has also been an important month for Iván Fresneda, who received his first call-up to the Spanish senior national team. The Sporting CP right-back was included in Luis de la Fuente’s squad for the UEFA Nations League after initially being called up to the U-21 side. He made his senior international debut against the Czech Republic, in his first appearance for the senior team. Fresneda took part in the Donosti Cup with Independiente de Madrid in 2017 and 2018.

In women’s football, Ainhoa Marín received her first call-up to the Spanish senior national team. The current Real Sociedad player, who participated in the 2018 Donosti Cup with Futfem Talents, was included in Sonia Bermúdez’s squad for the international fixtures in October. The squad also features players such as Cata Coll, Irene Paredes and Vicky López, who also have Donosti Cup experience. Coll has additionally been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, one of the most prestigious individual awards in world football.

Professional debuts have also featured prominently. Gipuzkoa-born Xanet Olaiz made his LaLiga debut for Deportivo Alavés on 9 September. The player took part in the Donosti Cup for five consecutive years, first with Mundarro from Astigarraga and later with Antiguoko KE, with whom he played his final edition in 2019. Hirofumi Hashimoto has also taken an important step in his career, making his debut with Fursan Hispania in the United Arab Emirates. The Japanese player took part in four consecutive editions of the Donosti Cup between 2021 and 2024 with Wakatake, before continuing his football career outside Japan.

Meanwhile, Olympique Lyonnais has announced contract extensions for two players who have participated in the Donosti Cup. Julie Swierot and Wassa Sangaré have both extended their contracts with the French club until 2029, a sign of the club’s confidence in two young players who continue to develop their careers at one of the leading clubs in European women’s football.

These names are just a selection of the thousands of footballers who have taken part in the Donosti Cup throughout its more than three decades of history. From youth football to the highest levels of international competition, the tournament has been the setting for the early steps of numerous players who continue to develop and make their mark in the game today.