Kirian Rodríguez: Las Palmas’s leader hits new heights after cancer recovery | Sid Lowe

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Kirian Rodríguez described life as a rollercoaster. During the pre-season of the summer of 2022, he informed his team Las Palmas that something was wrong. He was experiencing fatigue, loss of appetite, and insomnia. After medical tests, it was discovered that he had an inflamed spleen, kidney pain, and high calcium levels. A cyst was removed and a biopsy revealed that he had Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer. At 26 years old, he underwent six rounds of chemotherapy, marking them off on a calendar. He had to take pills and receive injections, causing weakness and hair loss. However, the biggest fear for him was not being able to play football again, which is what truly brings him joy.

Many others also find happiness in this. During an interview with ESPN, Kirian shared that cancer is often associated with death and he felt the need to be strong. Despite his illness, he announced it confidently in a press conference surrounded by his teammates and assured them that he didn’t want pity. He promised to still be there for them, cheering from the stands and being the same spirited person he always was. Most importantly, he promised to return to playing again. He didn’t rush his recovery, but he did set a date as a mental goal to work towards. This public promise was a source of positivity and a conscious decision. He believed that the winter window would be the best they had ever had because he would be back.

Two days later, while waiting for his first chemotherapy session in the hospital waiting room, Kirian overheard a woman discussing a football player with the same illness, not realizing that he was sitting across from her. He held back for a moment until she mentioned that he probably wouldn’t be able to play again. “Ma’am,” he interjected, “at least give me a chance.” As the treatment progressed, he continued to attend his daily training sessions at Barranco Seco, a routine he had been following for ten years since joining as a teenager from Tenerife. Slowly but surely, his hair grew back and his strength returned. “The day I am cured will be the day the fourth official displays my number,” he declared.

In November 2022, he completed his chemo cycle; in January 2023, he was given the all clear; and then, in April, the fourth official did. On a Sunday night in Zaragoza, 271 days later, Las Palmas’s No 20 stepped back on to a football pitch. Kirian Rodríguez Concepción, the best signing they could have ever made.

On this particular Saturday afternoon, 258 days later, Kirian’s score increased once again. This time, he returned in the opposite direction. With four minutes remaining, he completed his task and handed over the captain’s armband before receiving a standing ovation. It’s not just that he played again; it’s that he played at a higher level and better than ever before. He put on a remarkable performance, making it difficult to choose just one moment or image that captures his growth and success.

Possibly it was the initial goal, a minute-long play unfolding at his feet: from Kirian to Mika Mármol to Kirian to Sergi Cardona to Kirian to Alberto Moleiro to Kirian to finish, not so much a shot as another pass, this time into the goal. Or the way he celebrated it, pointing at the 20-year-old, who was born in the same town, whom he is mentoring and who had assisted. Maybe it was the celebration of the second goal, as he embraced Juanma Herzog, a 19-year-old from the Canary Islands like himself, who had just scored on his debut and was crying. Or how he skillfully scored the third goal in a 3-0 victory, once again putting the spotlight on the player who made the assist, all of it centered on Javi Muñoz.

Perhaps it was his 65 passes on the field, the moment of connection with Dani Parejo, the small smile and exchange of words when his opponent hit the crossbar, the composed authority with which he led this game and every game, and the evident control he possesses. His strength is not forced or heavy-handed, but rather carried with ease and consideration for the team above all else. This was also evident in the standout moment when the fans stood up for him and he stood up for his teammates, defending them.

Six days prior, Las Palmas suffered a loss in the Canary Island derby when second division team Tenerife defeated them 2-0 in the Copa del Rey. Kirian only played for 20 minutes during the match. It was their worst performance of the season and upon returning late at night, the fans were angry. Now, after a week has passed and a victory in the league has been secured, Kirian approached the fans. The leader of the fans’ group announced “quiet, the captain wants to speak” as Kirian made his way towards the stands. A silence fell and he began to address them.

Kirian expressed that their bond is extraordinary and as a group, they are exceptional. They all experience hardships and frustrations, just like everyone else. They have received undeserved insults that have caused them pain, just as it hurts all of you. They also shed tears. It is important for them to stay united, even when they face defeat and disappointment. They may fall, cry, or do whatever it takes, but in those moments of suffering, they rely on the support of others more than ever. The crowd responded with applause, signifying a reconciliation, and then they began to sing: How Could We Not Love You?

Indeed. In April, when Kirian made his first appearance of the season after 38 weeks, Las Palmas were down 1-0 against Zaragoza. However, by the time he was substituted, they had managed to equalize. He then went on to start the final four games of the season, all of which were successful, securing automatic promotion due to goal difference. This marked their return to the first division after six years. García Pimienta, the club’s manager, stated that the greatest achievement was not just the promotion, but also Kirian’s return as a footballer.

Kirian was an impressive footballer who had never been to Las Palmas before. It took six weeks for the team to win their first division game against Granada, and Kirian was the one who scored the winning goal in the 90th minute with an outstanding shot. During the previous season’s final games, they played against Eibar, Cartagena, Alavés, and Villarreal B. However, this past Saturday, Kirian scored two goals against Villarreal’s main team, helping Las Palmas move within three points of a European spot.

“It has been a challenging week with the disappointing result in the cup game. However, this team trains with a high level of dedication and professionalism. It truly is an exceptional group and a joy to be a part of. Our team camaraderie is unmatched and it is difficult to find such unity in a dressing room. When the weekend arrives, we must make the most of it. We hope that we have not yet reached our full potential,” Kirian expressed. “Football has placed us where we are now – riding the wave of success,” echoed a voice from the stands at the end of the match.

Kirian, the top scorer for Las Palmas with five goals, encompasses much more than just his scoring ability. He has a background in psychology and practices mindfulness before every game. Despite being part of a small team with a low salary limit, they still manage to have possession of the ball more than any other team, except for Madrid and Barcelona. Kirian believes that if they were to simply kick the ball, they would likely be facing relegation by January. Additionally, growing up in the Canary Islands means having a strong connection to the game of football, something that Kirian never wants to change.

“I am at a loss for words when it comes to him. He is a player who evokes a unique emotion,” García Pimienta states. “This sentiment has been present since the beginning. However, this season he has elevated his game in terms of leadership. He consistently performs at a high level and is always hungry for the ball; he never shies away.”

García Pimienta stated that the player had faced difficulties in the previous year, but is now performing exceptionally well. He has been significantly more active in plays compared to the other midfielders in Las Palmas, completing three times the number of passes and creating twice as many chances. In La Liga, only one player, Aleix García from Girona, has completed more passes and had more touches. Additionally, only two players have completed more passes in the opposing team’s half, and only six have recovered possession more times.

Perhaps there is no one who has performed better this season, and certainly no one you would rather watch play. As he exited the field on Saturday, even the opposing coach was applauding Kirian’s exceptional performance. This may have been the defining moment for him. Villarreal manager Marcelino García Toral expressed his happiness in seeing Kirian move past previous struggles. When asked if this was the highlight of his career, Kirian responded, “Without a doubt. This is for everything: my family, my community, my team, and my island. All of it has come together after what I experienced last year. I am savoring this moment to the fullest, because life is full of ups and downs.”

Source: theguardian.com