He Guatemalan soccer runs through the veins of the brothers Calderon since before they learned to walk. Raul Calderon and Cesar Calderon They were practically born with a ball under their arm, heirs of a passion that their father transmitted to them, Raul Fernando Calderonfeatured Guatemalan former soccer player that not only marked his path in sport, but also his formation as a person.
Since they were little, the Calderón brothers’ lives revolved around a field. While other children played for fun, they grew up breathing socceras a natural part of your routine. His father was much more than a guide: a teacher, counselor and the first coach who shaped his character. He taught them that before excelling on the court, they had to excel in daily life, with discipline, humility and constant work.
Fate wanted their first important steps to be taken together in Aurora FCunder the direction of that same father who saw them grow up daydreaming. They shared a dressing room, training, trips and long talks back home. They were years that strengthened a unbreakable brotherhood and left indelible memories.
“It was one of the most beautiful stages of our careers. We traveled together, we trained together and we grew a lot as brothers. Afterwards, each one took their own path, but we remain united. We always talk and we are attentive to each other,” he says. Cesar Calderontoday of 31 years.
César, current reference of Municipalremembers that stage as one of the most special of his career. He says that growing up with Raúl made him a better soccer player and a better brother. Although each one later took their own path, they never stopped supporting each other.
This journey places them face to face today in a historic final of Guatemalan soccer.
For Caesar, to dispute a third consecutive final reflects the regularity of Municipal. He believes that the group has shown strength and is confident that this time the story will be different. But, beyond sports, he admits that facing his brother has an emotional weight that is difficult to explain.
They both talked a lot about this possibility. They agreed that they should enjoy it to the fullest, because they knew that something like this seemed unlikely.
“We talked about it a lot. We told ourselves that we should enjoy these weeks because it was something very unlikely. We know that one is going to win and the other is going to lose, but that’s football. “Everyone will give everything for their team.”
Raúl enjoys it
On the other side appears Raul Calderonolder brother, 33 yearsside of Xelaju MCwho lives these days with serenity and tries not to let himself be carried away by anxiety.
“The truth is, it’s something very nice. I’m enjoying it a lot, trying to live every day with joy and calm, without being overwhelmed by emotions.”
He acknowledges that he enjoys it because it represents the materialization of a childhood dream. Remember that when they were children they even argued about colors. If Caesar chose blue, he chose red. They were innocent rivalries that caused smiles and calls for attention from their parents.
“We always dreamed of being champions together, but now everyone defends their colors.”
Raúl also remembers those family video calls when, after both had sealed their place in the final, everyone agreed that the family was already assured of a medal. Champion or runner-up, the surname Calderón had already won.
Both already know what it means to lift a separate title and sincerely celebrated each other’s successes. Therefore, this final has a different nuance: pure competition, mutual admiration and family pride.
Divided heart
The players’ father repeats that he will be happy, no matter who lifts the cup. His mother, with the sensitivity that only she understands, accepts that he will live joy and sadness at the same timebecause one will celebrate while the other must digest the defeat.
When the ball rolls, during 180 minutes to gothey will stop being brothers and become rivals. After the final whistle they will hug each other again as always: like those children who grew up chasing the same dream and who today, although separated by a t-shirt, continue to write together a unforgettable story for Guatemalan soccer.