Four-time top scorer and best player in the Euro Beach Soccer League, two-time best player at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, five-time European champion and two-time World Cup finalist: Ramiro Amarelle has an honours’ list that few in the game can rival.

However, his achievements in the sport are not limited to those as a player, with the former Spain international contributing to the popularisation and expansion of beach soccer. Initially a professional footballer on the books of Deportivo La Coruna, Amarelle then decided to swap grass for sand. It was to prove an inspired choice for the former Milano and Barcelona beach soccer star.

Now an experienced coach, the 43-year-old gave an exclusive interview to FIFA.com, in which he chatted about his playing days, the development of beach soccer, Spain’s participation at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Russia 2021 as well as his own ambitions. FIFA.com: As one of the legends of beach soccer, what are you most proud of in terms of your achievements? Ramiro Amarelle: I’m proud of my entire career trajectory, on and off the field. I tried to be true to my values and have always done my best to help my team-mates, respect beach soccer and contribute to its development. I’ve made many sacrifices, including in my personal life, so that this sport can have a future, and so I feel truly honored.

What are your best memories with the Spanish national team? I’ve represented my country all over the world. It was an honour to play for them for 16 years and wear the captain's armband. I still clearly remember my meeting with the president of the Spanish Football Federation to ask him to integrate beach soccer into the federation and to recruit a coach specialising in the discipline. The evolution and improvement of beach soccer in my country and globally are the best achievements of my career.

With Spain, you twice reached the final of the World Cup, in 2003 and 2004. What do you remember of those occasions? It was an unforgettable era for beach soccer. We went from a collection of former professional footballers to a group of players specialised in beach soccer. We didn’t see ourselves being at the very highest level professionally, as we had to overcome many difficulties. We had to learn to cultivate the mentality and qualities of beach soccer players. Being a pioneer in a specialty is always difficult, but it was worth it. I've always felt very lucky in that regard.

How would you assess the Roja side set to take part in the Beach Soccer World Cup in Russia? The team are improving year on year. We have a good squad of talented players, so I hope this progression will be reflected on the pitch. Hard work, team spirit and humility are the keys to our success, and I believe this group has what it takes to win the World Cup in Russia.


You started at Deportivo La Coruna as a footballer before switching to beach soccer. What motivated that change? 
Beach soccer offered me the chance to become a professional in a sport that did not yet exist. I didn’t hesitate to take up the challenge. Joaquin Alonso allowed me to join a team made up of former players who were stars, like Quique Setien, who became my sporting and personal role model. Santi Soler was another who had faith in me, and I cannot thank them enough. The history of this sport is tied in with several names, mine included. Joan Cusco has allowed beach soccer to be what it is today. I’m lucky because I had the opportunity to fight for and bring to fruition a project to develop a sport, and I can only be grateful for that.

In your experience, what are the qualities required to be a great beach soccer player? At first, people thought it was sufficient to have technique and talent, but that’s not enough. Like any high-performance athlete, you need to have a strong mentality. That’s a determining factor and what makes the difference. Nowadays, a player must have a very specific physique, one that’s able to withstand periods of maximum intensity and have the technical ability to carry out the tactical plays the game requires.

You won so much as a player with the only thing missing being a World Cup title. Is that your main goal as a coach? I had a lot of goals when I was a player, but the World Cup was not one of them. Every time I took part, I tried to win it but without success. There are numerous prerequisites to winning it, which is why, as a coach, I try to control every possible aspect of the preparation of my players and teams to help them achieve such a goal. I’d like to win many World Cups, but above all, I’d like to make beach soccer better and for it to help make people better as well.

Do you dream of coaching Spain one day? I’m also a dreamer, so yes, I can imagine coaching my national team. I've played and coached all over the world, so it's still possible.