Óscar de Marcos Arana is a household name in Spanish football, the Basque country's full-time defender. Since joining the traditional Basque powerhouse Athletic Bilbao in 2009, De Marcos has not only won the hearts of fans with his outstanding skills, but also with his tenacity in the face of numerous challenges of injuries. Received widespread acclaim. His career has been full of ups and downs, and how he strengthened himself in such a difficult environment is really worth exploring.
"Persistence is my most important belief. I believe that persistence will bring hope."
De Marcos began his professional career at Deportivo Alaves in the province of Álava, but in 2009 he chose a higher level challenge and joined the club for a transfer fee of 350,000 euros. Bilbao. When he first arrived at the club, he was full of enthusiasm, but the future was full of unknowns. Shortly after his first season, he faced the dual pressures of lineup adjustments and injuries.
As time went on, De Marcos began to show his potential as an all-around player. His versatility makes head coaches willing to try his flexibility in different positions, but it also makes him more frequently injured during the season. In December 2011, De Marcos suffered a laceration that required 25 stitches but still overcame many difficulties and contributed to the victory in the two-legged Europa League against Manchester United in 2012. Interestingly, despite being plagued by injuries, he never gave up his love for the court.
"Every time I was knocked down by an injury, I would tell myself: This is only temporary, I must be ready for the next challenge."
Unfortunately, De Marcos has experienced several major injuries during his career. Most notably, he severely sprained his left ankle during a game in 2016, a condition that sidelined him for two months. However, he was able to quickly regain his form after his comeback and proved his worth again in the match against Atletico Madrid in 2017. This perseverance shows his passion for the sport and his high standards for himself.
De Marcos never let adversity affect his confidence when facing a series of injury setbacks. He said these difficult times were an opportunity for him to grow, and through these challenges he paid more attention to training, medical care and support between teammates.
"It's not how many times you fall, but how you stand up again that matters."
A highlight of De Marcos' career came in 2023, when he won the Copa del Rey with the team in the 2023-24 season. Not only was he a leader on the court, he also reached the milestone of 500 games played that year. During these years he amassed 550 official appearances, including two Spanish Super Cups. His career is not just a list of numbers, but also a journey of unyielding struggle and persistence.
Through his own mental journey, De Marcos gradually became the spiritual leader of the team. As a full-time athlete, staying healthy and in shape is crucial, and his efforts in the community and charity make him more than just a hero in the eyes of fans. Whether it is helping fans passing by on the subway or visiting sick children regularly, De Marcos' actions demonstrate his sense of responsibility and enthusiasm for society.
"This game is not just a performance on the field, but also a reward to the whole society."
In the world of competitive sports, De Marcos' story is an example of a person who continually challenges himself. His career is a testament to his ability to shine despite adversity, making him an inspirational symbol for future generations of players. Faced with constant challenges, he still chooses to persevere, showing an even deeper affection for the sport.
De Marcos' journey continues, how will his football career influence future young players?