How Marca overcame its challenges to remain the voice of football in Spain

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Updated 12 March 2023
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How Marca overcame its challenges to remain the voice of football in Spain

  • The iconic publication’s Editor-in-Chief Jose Felix Dias speaks exclusively to Arab News about his life in journalism, the 2022 World Cup, Saudi football and the ambitions of Arab footballers

Few sporting publications command the respect that Spain’s Marca has consistently had since its launch in 1938.

Jose Felix Diaz, its current editor-in-chief, began his journey at Marca in 1992 while still at university, his first beat being that of covering Spain’s third division.

Since then, he has risen through the ranks, covering La Liga, FIFA World Cups, the UEFA Champions League and other competitions, to become the holder of the newspaper’s top editorial position.

A love affair with the iconic publication saw him stay there until 2009, when he made the move to El Confidencial. However, by 2014 he was back at Marca, the place where he feels most at home.

He spoke exclusively to Arab News about his journey in journalism and life in football.

Journalism has changed drastically in recent years, how is Marca doing during these times?

The newspaper as a “paper” was wounded, and the pandemic increased the depth of this wound. In Spain, newspapers were waiting for one to get going again, because it would pave the way for others to fight too, and Marca was one of the first to continue fighting and continues to do so.

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Reading newspapers is not the same as browsing the internet. The newspaper makes you feel as if you are the one who wrote it, or as if you were with the people who wrote it and experienced it. Therefore, the difference between reading newspapers and reading on the internet is huge.

Apart from the pandemic, what were some of the biggest challenges that Marca faced?

Marca had an unsuccessful experience in TV because of the high expenses required, such as getting the (broadcasting) license, accreditation, and organizing a team.

As for documentaries, Marca has a partnership with Amazon. There are different documentaries and reportages made by many journalists at Marca in almost all of Spain, and others around the world. Moreover, Marca is always trying to provide different choices, and not limit its content to news, in order to provide the viewers with other options and help them to watch and experience different things.

Marca is a globally known and very popular brand, are there plans to set up other language editions, maybe even Arabic?

It is not easy to move Marca to Saudi Arabia, although the Kingdom is currently considered a large and open market. However, we are thinking about taking this step later in the future and involving people to work with Marca in Arabic, taking into consideration all the developments and changes happening in Saudi.

The relationship in terms of sports between Spain and Saudi Arabia is a close and solid one. We have seen this recently between the Spanish and Saudi football federations, as well as partnerships in other sports too. Also, the positive thing that caught my attention is that the Kingdom began to open up to sports, which introduces Saudi Arabia to the world. People now are beginning to know about Saudi Arabia, its traditions, and its people. I also like the great change and work that Saudi politicians and leaders are doing these days.

Are there major cultural differences that would stop a European brand succeeding here?

I think the problem might be that Europeans believe that, for example, if they come to Saudi Arabia, life will be the same as they are used to in their countries. But they must respect the rules and adapt to life in Saudi Arabia, just as how the Saudis must adapt to the life in every other country they visit. Each country has its own laws and traditions that we must respect.

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As for me, I noticed during my visit to the Kingdom that many things have changed, whether socially, in sports, developments in facilities, or even regarding what the Europeans always talk about, which is the issue of women, who can now drive and be in high and important positions. I also think that Europeans should visit the Kingdom, especially since visa matters have also been improved.

I believe that people should not judge the Kingdom without visiting it. Visiting the country will give them the chance to notice that people here are hospitable, kind, and love sports. I also want to praise the leaders who participated in giving a beautiful image of Saudi Arabia to the world, especially since sports has now become an important reason that reflects a positive image of the country and its people.

What where your views on the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar?

I have attended five editions of the World Cup, and this one was the best and most organized one yet. The thing that made it even better is that the stadiums are close to each other. Before, I used to attend some matches of the Spain national team, but this time, I had time to attend other teams’ matches. I believe that Qatar did a great job in organizing the World Cup.




Editor-in-Chief Jose Felix Dias (R) with Arab News reporter Khaled Alarafah during his visit to the Founding Day activities held at the SRMG headquarters in Riyadh. AN photo by Huda Bashatah

What do you think of Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr?

Because of Ronaldo’s contract with a Saudi team, there were banners all around Madrid with Ronaldo on them, which is attracting people to visit Saudi Arabia.

In the last two or three months, the whole world has been talking about Saudi Arabia and the (Roshn) Saudi League. I think (Ronaldo) is a great addition to the Saudi League, and I thank the leaders in the country for giving the green light and support for the clubs to bring any player to the team.

I believe that this step benefits Saudi football, and the country as a well, which is considered a tourist destination with a rich history, originality and traditions. In addition, I think that Ronaldo’s step in coming to the Kingdom opens the door for other players to come to the Saudi League. All this helps Saudi Arabia to take a big place in the sports industry, which is important in attracting fans.

Europe is beginning to discover the Arab world through sports. There are many Spanish players in the Saudi League, such as Alvaro Gonzalez at Al-Nassr, Cristian Tello at Al-Fateh, and Alvaro Medran at Al-Taawoun. Medran is the youngest, and I think that this is not his last stop.

Therefore, the arrival of Ronaldo will be a reason for many other players to play in Saudi Arabia, and according to my information, the next players coming to the Kingdom might be Sergio Ramos, Angel Di Maria and Marcelo.

Saudi football has became a destination for great players, not only players at the end of their career, but young players too. I also don’t think that it is impossible to see Messi in Saudi Arabia, and the beginning of another rivalry with Ronaldo.

Morocco, and to a lesser extent Saudi Arabia and Tunisia, impressed at the World Cup. What is your opinion of Arab footballers? And should more be playing abroad?

The mentality of the Arab players must change, not just the Saudi players.

For example, the mentality of Arab players is not as ambitious as non-Arab players because of their comfortable living conditions and high salaries, which might lead them not to play abroad, and this is what the European players who played in the Arab world and Gulf countries noticed.

Apart from this, Saudi Arabia did well in winning against Argentina when no one expected that, but for the Arab teams to catch up with the European and Latin teams, this requires time, hard work, and a change of the Arab players’ mentality to play with no limits on their ambition, which is the reason that great players and teams have succeeded in the past.


Eddie Howe ‘not 100 percent’ on Newcastle return after pneumonia

Updated 25 April 2025
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Eddie Howe ‘not 100 percent’ on Newcastle return after pneumonia

  • Newcastle boss went into hospital on April 11 after feeling unwell for several days
  • He missed his side’s Premier League fixtures against Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa

LONDON: Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted he does not feel “100 percent” after returning to work following his serious bout of pneumonia.
Howe went into hospital on April 11 after feeling unwell for several days and missed his side’s Premier League fixtures against Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.
The 47-year-old, who led Newcastle to their first major trophy in 56 years earlier this season, is not completely recovered but was keen to get back to work with the League Cup winners.
“I’m OK. I’m not 100 percent in my body, but I’d like to think I’m very close to 100 percent in my mind, which is the most important thing,” Howe told reporters on Friday.
“I tried to take a positive from every experience, I think that’s really important to try and do that, but this has been a real challenge because your health, you take for granted.
“I certainly have and when you don’t have the luxury of feeling normal, it can be very difficult.
“I certainly have been through a range of emotions, but thankfully I feel like I’m on the road to recovery, which is the most important thing and I’m delighted to be here.”
Assistant coach Jason Tindall filled in for Howe, securing comprehensive wins over United and Palace before last weekend’s 4-1 loss at Villa.
With fifth-placed Newcastle in the midst of a tense battle to qualify for the Champions League via a top five finish, Howe will be back at St. James’ Park for Saturday’s clash with lowly Ipswich.
“For those first two games, I was watching and involved. I wasn’t feeling well enough to probably enjoy the performances, but a big thank you to the players because they gave everything in those two games to get two massive wins for us,” he said.
“The staff behaved and acted absolutely brilliantly so a real tribute to them and now I’m back I hope I can add something to the group as we go into the last five games.”
Asked if his illness could have become life-threatening without quick action, Howe said: “I’m one of those people, probably like most men, that you sort of go through everything, you don’t necessarily offer yourself to doctors and people but think ‘I’ll be ok in a couple of days, I’ll fight through it’.
“So I was very thankful the doctor here, Paul Catterson, acted quickly because without that quick intervention it could possibly have had a different outcome.”
It will be a while before Howe feels able to join in training with his players, but he is relieved to get back to the daily routine.
“I came back in and it was normal service resumed, probably minus running around,” he said.
“A lot more reserved physically and I think I’m gonna be that way for a while, but certainly back to normal service.”


Bologna book final with Milan after cruising past Empoli in Coppa Italia

Updated 25 April 2025
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Bologna book final with Milan after cruising past Empoli in Coppa Italia

  • Bologna will play in the Coppa Italia final for the first time since their victory in 1974
  • Italiano: We dedicate this final to the people of Bologna, who support us tremendously

BOLOGNA, Italy: Bologna eased into the Coppa Italia final following a 2–1 victory over Empoli at home on Thursday, which handed them a resounding 5–1 aggregate win as they set up a showdown with AC Milan.

Bologna strolled into their Coppa Italia semifinal second leg with a comfortable cushion, with Empoli facing an uphill task of overturning a three-goal deficit.

Giovanni Fabbian compounded Empoli’s misery after just seven minutes when the unmarked midfielder headed in a cross to extend Bologna’s aggregate advantage.

While the visitors may have felt their Coppa Italia run was already over, they still responded in the 33rd minute as Ola Solbakken’s angled drive was parried by Federico Ravaglia into the path of Viktor Kovalenko, who slotted in the rebound.

Both sides used the closing stages to express themselves more freely, playing with flair and imagination, but it was Thijs Dallinga who met a cross to head in another Bologna goal four minutes from time, sealing the win.

First final in 51 years

Bologna will play in the Coppa Italia final for the first time since their victory in 1974.

“It was a goal, the dream of this city and the club: we have honored this competition from the start, and when you reach the final stretch, everyone wants to go all the way,” Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano told Mediaset.

“We dedicate this final to the people of Bologna, who support us tremendously.”

Bologna will face Milan at the Stadio Olimpico on May 14.

“That would upset Milan, but we hope to play a great match, arriving in top condition,” Italiano added.

“Our self-esteem is already sky-high, and we know we’re facing a team of champions, but we’ll try to use our strengths. We can’t wait to get to Rome, and we hope to have those 30,000 fans at the Olimpico.”


Atletico thump Rayo, Valladolid relegated after Betis defeat

Updated 25 April 2025
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Atletico thump Rayo, Valladolid relegated after Betis defeat

MADRID: Atletico Madrid cruised to a 3-0 La Liga win over Rayo Vallecano on Thursday as they bounced back from defeat at Las Palmas last weekend.
Real Betis bolstered their Champions League ambitions with a 5-1 win over Real Valladolid, confirming the visitors’ long-expected relegation.
Atletico have little to play for in the rest of the season with leaders Barcelona 10 points clear with five matches remaining, but produced a solid derby display.
Alexander Sorloth opened the scoring in the third minute after Giuliano Simeone, son of coach Diego, crossed for the Norwegian target man to nod home at the back post.
It was a formula which should have led to more goals for Atletico but the striker wasted several presentable opportunities.
Sorloth headed over a few minutes later and then was denied by Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla.
Atletico were outplaying Rayo but the visitors could have levelled when Isi Palazon drilled toward the far corner and Jan Oblak made a fine save.
Sorloth spurned another headed opportunity before Conor Gallagher struck just before half-time.
Rodrigo de Paul lofted a cross into the area which the former Chelsea midfielder nodded beyond Batalla.
Oblak tipped over a Palazon header as Rayo looked for an equalizer, before Atletico substitute Antoine Griezmann fired narrowly wide after a Julian Alvarez backheel teed him up.
Julian Alvarez rounded off the win in the second half with his 15th La Liga goal of the season after Griezmann sent him through.
Real Betis bolstered their hopes of finishing in the top five as they hammered Valladolid at the Benito Villamarin stadium with playmaker Isco on the scoresheet.
Former Brazil great Ronaldo is the majority shareholder at Valladolid, who were promoted last season but immediately return to the second tier after losing 25 of their 33 games so far.
Betis moved fifth, two points above Villarreal who have a game in hand which they will play on Sunday against Espanyol.
Earlier Osasuna beat Sevilla 1-0 and Leganes grabbed a late 1-1 draw at home against Girona, leaving the Madrid side 19th and four points from safety.


Dortmund’s Gross and Beier doubtful for Hoffenheim clash, says coach

Updated 24 April 2025
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Dortmund’s Gross and Beier doubtful for Hoffenheim clash, says coach

  • Dortmund, in seventh place with four games left to play, are desperate for a top-four finish to secure a Champions League spot for next season
  • “Gross has knee ligament problems,” Kovac told a press conference

BERLIN: Borussia Dortmund will likely be without the injured Pascal Gross and Maximilian Beier when they travel to Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga on Saturday, coach Niko Kovac said on Thursday.
Dortmund, in seventh place with four games left to play, are desperate for a top-four finish to secure a Champions League spot for next season.
They have won three of their last four league matches and drew against Bayern Munich, as they battle to make up for lost ground earlier in the season.
“Gross has knee ligament problems,” Kovac told a press conference in Dortmund. “I still have some hope but honestly I don’t think he will make it.
“Maxi is a similar case. He did not train. He can walk but running is painful but I also have not yet given up. But obviously we will not take any risks.”
Both players were injured in last week’s 3-2 win over Borussia Moenchengladbach but are not expected to be out too long.
Dortmund are on 45 points in seventh place. Eintracht Frankfurt, third with 52, host fourth-placed RB Leipzig (49) on Saturday. Freiburg (48) are fifth and visit Wolfsburg, while Mainz 05, who travel to Bayern Munich, are sixth with 47.
“The finish is approaching. The feeling I get is during this crunch time everyone player wants to be there, to go beyond any pain,” Kovac said.
“I am happy that the lads recognize the situation. Everyone can read the standings. Everyone knows what is at stake and everyone has to increase their focus,” he added.
“It does not matter thinking what can happen on May 17 (season finale). We have to keep doing our homework and focus only on the next game. We cannot look at the teams in front of us. We just have to keep winning to put pressure on them.”


Jamie Vardy leaving Leicester after 13 years and club hail their ‘greatest ever player’

Updated 24 April 2025
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Jamie Vardy leaving Leicester after 13 years and club hail their ‘greatest ever player’

  • The 38-year-old former England international will depart at the end of the season
  • “I want to keep playing and do what I enjoy most: Scoring goals,” he said

LONDON: Jamie Vardy is leaving Leicester following their relegation from the Premier League, ending the striker’s 13-year stay at a team he famously helped to win the English title in 2016 at preseason odds of 5,000-1.
The 38-year-old former England international will depart at the end of the season, Leicester said on Thursday in a statement in which the club described Vardy as its “greatest ever player.”
The announcement came two days after Vardy took to social media to express his “anger and sadness” at a season he called a “total embarrassment,” with Leicester having been consigned to relegation with five matches still to play.


Vardy, who intends to continue playing, will go down as a Premier League great, having scored 143 goals — placing him No. 15 on the competition’s all-time list. He once netted in a record 11 straight games in Leicester’s improbable title-winning campaign that will be remembered as one of the great underdog stories in sporting history.
“Nine years ago, we did the impossible — we won the Premier League,” Vardy said in a video message on Instagram in which he also recounted winning the FA Cup in 2021 and reaching the Champions League quarterfinals in 2017. “Those memories will last a lifetime.”
Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha described Vardy, who joined from lower-league team Fleetwood Town for 1 million pounds (now $1.33 million) in 2012, as a “unique” and “special” player.
“He holds a place in the hearts of everyone connected to Leicester City, and he certainly has my deepest respect and affection,” Aiyawatt said. “I am endlessly grateful for everything he has given to this football club.”
Vardy has five games left for Leicester. His final home match will be on May 18 against Ipswich.
Leicester have just 18 points from 33 games and are in next-to-last place.
“My only regret, and I’m devastated about this, is that I’m not saying goodbye on the back of a much better season,” Vardy said. “This isn’t the way I wanted my career here to finish.”
Vardy insisted “this isn’t retirement.”
“I want to keep playing and do what I enjoy most: Scoring goals,” he added. “Hopefully there’s one or two more for Leicester before the end of the season and many more in the future.
“I might be 38 but I’ve still got the desire and ambition to do so much more.”