José Javier Hombrados: A Legend of Handball
José Javier Hombrados, born in Madrid in 1972, is a name synonymous with Spanish and international handball. With a career spanning 31 years, including 29 seasons in the Asobal League, Hombrados has left an indelible mark on the sport. His recent induction into the Asobal League Hall of Fame is a testament to his unparalleled skill and dedication.
Having played for esteemed clubs such as Atlético de Madrid, CB Cantabria, and BM Ciudad Real, Hombrados has amassed an impressive record of 770 games. His trophy cabinet boasts five Champions League titles, seven Asobal leagues, and seven Copas del Rey. Additionally, his contributions to the Spanish National Team, including two European silvers, a world gold, and two Olympic bronzes, further solidify his legacy.
However, Hombrados’ impact transcends his on-field achievements. As the President of the Madrid Handball Federation, he serves as an inspiration to aspiring young players, instilling in them the same passion and dedication that defined his career.
In a recent interview, Hombrados reflected on his career and the honor of being selected to the Hall of Fame alongside other handball greats such as Talant Dujshebaev, Enric Masip, and Juanín García. He praised the selection committee for recognizing the contributions of referees like Ramón Gallego, highlighting the importance of all individuals in the sport.
When asked about his most memorable moment, Hombrados pointed to the 2005 World Cup in Tunisia, where Spain clinched their first world championship title. He described the victory as a defining moment in his career, showcasing the team’s unity and spirit.
Despite his illustrious career, Hombrados revealed that one regret was never playing for Barcelona, a team synonymous with handball success. He acknowledged the economic challenges that impact the competitiveness of the league, emphasizing the need for greater investment in the sport.
Looking ahead, Hombrados expressed optimism for Barcelona’s chances in the Champions League, praising their competitive team and resilience. He also touched on the departure of goalkeeper Gonzalo Pérez de Vargas, noting the impact it may have on the team’s performance.
As a leader in the handball community, Hombrados remains committed to nurturing young talent and promoting the sport at the grassroots level. His dedication to the Madrid Handball Federation and his passion for the game continue to inspire the next generation of players.
In conclusion, José Javier Hombrados stands as a true legend of handball, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the court. His remarkable career and unwavering commitment to the sport serve as a beacon of inspiration for handball enthusiasts worldwide.
Hombrados) posing for a photo of the historic BM Ciudad Real
– What is also part of life are failures and disappointments, in your case they are conspicuous by their almost complete absence, especially in the sporting field. Still, do you remember a time when you felt like you failed but it made you stronger in the long run?
We had an opportunity, I think the only one we have had, in my case, to be in the Olympic final, where many of us were to blame, me the first, but we did not manage to pass in the Olympic Games. from Beijing to the final. We lost against Iceland, where we had many chances to have achieved it, but it was not to be. We had a very bad time. It was a very dark day (he repeated it up to four times), but, fortunately, two days later we managed to fix it a little by winning the bronze medal against Croatia. So, they were very bad days, but we fixed it. And we have learned a lot from it. In sport we learn every day, above all, not to relax, not to trust, not to believe that the rival is worse and belittle him… many things that you then have to apply in life itself. Also having empathy with others and a lot of values that sport teaches you and, without realizing it, every day you have a life lesson.
– How do you change the chip in two days?
It is achieved by trying to be the most agile in getting rid of the bad. I think that there the group was very good in terms of unity, in saying ‘We are going to fight for what we have left, we have nothing to lose and everything to gain.’ And, in that sense, Spain was always quite good. We have been able to get rid of the negative quickly, we have been a team player and we have managed to get out of difficult moments like that in Beijing. I think that’s the goal. What is past is past and you have to look forward, whatever mistakes you have made, accept them and fix what is in your power.
– Is what you say about moving forward your philosophy of life?
Yes. Life gives you a path and if that had to happen, it happened for a reason. The most important thing is to look forward, it is useless to look back. I am not one of those who thinks that what I have done will keep me going, but that I have to take advantage of the learning I have had during that time and improve every day.
I was clear about when and how I wanted to retire. And it was without announcing it, so that it would be as if it had not ended
-What did you think when you said goodbye to handball as a professional player?
He had things very clear. She didn’t want to anticipate it. I said nothing. I knew it was going to be my last game, I knew when it was going to be, but I didn’t say it until it had happened. I didn’t want to finish, so I didn’t do anything special so that it would be as if it hadn’t finished, with nothing special to announce and tell about it. They are sad moments because things end, but others begin. You have to think more about the good that begins than the bad that ends.
– If you still want to continue playing, Torrejón could have a place as a goalkeeper in Handball (jokingly).
Being president of the federation is complicated because it would be partisan (laughs).
– He is, as he says, President of the Madrid Handball Federation, in addition to having his own company. Do you have free time?
Yes, I’m doing my things. It’s true that I have quite a few open fronts. I have my own company where I do a little bit of everything. It is the life of the athlete. We are people who have a certain vocation for service and it is difficult for us to say no when they ask us for something. That conditions us and causes us to get into many puddles. This is something I have internalized. I was talking about it with another athlete and I’m not the only one, it happens to others too.
– I am going to focus on your role as president. I know firsthand, because I played school handball, that you are very close to the training of young people and the development of handball in schools.
My goal, and I always tell them, is for them to play handball with passion because they like it and enjoy it with their friends. The rest are motivations, they are dreams like dreaming of playing in the Olympics or in an Asobal team, but the most important thing is the day to day, sharing moments and enjoying them. That passion that I have, I try to transfer and transmit it, and sometimes it is difficult because you have to be close, and having a managerial position takes me away from being in the yard on a day-to-day basis. But it is true that this is a part in which I believe the most and where true professionals come from. Nobody is born a professional, people become professionals and will realize that they can be one, perhaps at 17 or 18 years old.
I would be delighted if someone thought of me for the Princess of Asturias Sports Award, but those are big words.
– He has achieved everything that most only dream of. Do you have any goals to achieve, such as being president of the Spanish Handball Federation (RFEB)?
I am very much into whatever emerges, so right now I have no medium-term goals. My goal is to continue as president of the Madrid Federation, to continue with my business activity. Beyond that, I have no long-term goals. Above all, today, in this world where we live, thinking beyond a year is too much, perhaps.
– This week the Princess of Asturias Sports Award was presented to Carolina Marín. When is it your turn?
I think I’m already out of the loop (laughs). I don’t know, I would be delighted if someone thought of me, but those are big words.
– Finally, could you make a historical ideal ‘7’?
It’s complicated, I couldn’t tell you. There are so many friends and players with whom I have lived, that to make an ideal 7 I would have to put three per position and all three teams would be good. If you allow me, that is my ideal 7.
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