Three Young Athletes, One Shared Dream:The Latino Heart Beating Strong in U.S. Soccer

Fernanda Pina Salinas, Diego Pina Salinas, and Matías Abraham Sánchez Villalobos share something powerful in common: a deep, burning passion for soccer. Their stories are not just about talent, but about discipline, family sacrifice, and an unshakable belief that dreams—when pursued with heart and soul—know no borders.

Fernanda: “I learned that success isn’t about being seen, but about never giving up”

Born on the island of São Miguel in Portugal, Fernanda Pina Salinas has turned every defeat into a lesson and every criticism into motivation.“Since I was a little girl, soccer has been my way of expressing myself. At first, I was afraid of failing, but one day I realized that if I wanted to shine, I had to be brave,” she shares.

Her journey has been full of challenges—from playing against boys’ teams at Juniors FC to experiencing the demanding world of international soccer in Spain. Through it all, her relentless drive to improve has kept her moving forward.

Today, Fernanda’s goal is clear: to play Division I college soccer and become a professional.“I train every day because soccer doesn’t give you anything for free. But every time I step on the field, I remember why I started—my love for the game and the pride of my family.”

Diego: “The ball is my best friend. It taught me discipline and never to settle”

Diego Pina Salinas admits that as a child, he never wanted to kick a soccer ball—he preferred catching it with his hands and running. That changed the day a friend invited him to train at Juniors FC.

“From that moment on, the ball never left my side. I practiced at home, in the street, everywhere. I felt like I always needed it close,” he recalls.

Diego built his path through hard work and persistence.“It took time to find my ideal position, but when I started playing on the wings, I found where I belonged.”

At just 14 years old, Diego has competed in tournaments in Spain, delivered memorable assists, and scored goals against top-level teams.“For me, soccer is about consistency. Being talented isn’t enough—you have to be patient, work harder than everyone else, and never stop learning.”

Now, as part of Houston Rangers MLS NEXT 2, Diego has a clear objective:“I want to get better every day, score lots of goals, and reach the professional level.”

Matías: “I want to reach college soccer—and after that… nothing can stop me”

Venezuelan-born Matías Abraham Sánchez Villalobos has had soccer in his blood since he was four years old.“When we arrived in the United States, the first thing I asked for was a soccer ball,” he says with a smile.

Now 13, Matías trains at Junior Athletics Academy and also works with personal coaches to sharpen his technique. But his greatest strength is his discipline.

“Matías eats well, sleeps well, and trains every day. He understands that talent alone is not enough,” his family explains.

His first major dream is to earn a college scholarship through soccer—just as his older sister did through tennis.“I want to follow in her footsteps, play at the college level, and if I take the next step from there… nothing can stop me,” he says confidently.

Beyond the field, Matías also dreams of becoming a sports journalist.“I know all the teams, transfers, and tournaments. I’d love to tell soccer stories—but first, I want to live them on the field.”

Three Different Stories, One Beating Heart

Fernanda, Diego (children of Chilean parents), and Matías represent thousands of Latino youth who, through sacrifice, family support, and boundless passion, chase their dreams in a land of opportunity. They are more than soccer prospects—they are symbols of resilience, identity, and Hispanic pride in the United States.