Sports
Tearful Marcelo wants to keep playing after leaving Real Madrid
AFP
Marcelo said an emotional goodbye to Real Madrid on Monday as the most decorated player in the club’s history but insisted he has no plans to retire.
The 34-year-old has spent 15 years at the Santiago Bernabeu and will be a free agent when his contract expires at the end of the month.
Marcelo won 25 trophies at Real Madrid, including five Champions League, six La Liga and two Copa del Rey titles.
Among those attending a farewell ceremony in Valdebebas were Marcelo’s teammates, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, as well as Carlo Ancelotti and Raul, who is currently in charge of the club’s B team.
“When I signed for Madrid, in my head I thought I could reach the top, and here I am the player with the most titles in its history,” said Marcelo who broke down in tears.
“It’s not goodbye, I don’t feel like I’m leaving Madrid. If you don’t give me a ticket, there will be trouble,” he joked.
Marcelo said he would have no problem playing against Real Madrid in the future, keeping open the possibility he will join another team in Europe.
“I haven’t thought about retiring, I think I can still play,” he said. “I don’t think playing against Madrid will be a problem, I couldn’t have done any more. I’m very professional.”
Marcelo collected his fifth Champions League title last month as Real Madrid defeated Liverpool in Paris to win a 14th European Cup.
But he did not play in the final, with Ancelotti favouring Ferland Mendy at left-back for Madrid’s biggest games last season. Marcelo made only five starts in La Liga.
“This season I’ve hardly played but I have felt useful even without playing. I felt a responsibility,” Marcelo said. “Sometimes I would be furious with Ancelotti and then the next day we were sharing kisses and hugs.”
Marcelo joined Real Madrid in 2007 and made 545 appearances for the club in all competitions. He scored against Atletico Madrid in the 2014 Champions League final to make it 3-1 in extra-time, as Real Madrid won 4-1 in Lisbon.
“You are irreplaceable,” said Perez. “You should be proud of your brilliant career.”
Sports
Shakira ignites El Salvador with near sold-out residency at Mágico González Stadium
The recently renovated Jorge “Mágico” González Stadium is rolling out the red carpet for Colombian superstar Shakira, whose string of concerts has sold out almost entirely, confirming the powerful bond between the artist and Salvadoran fans.
The scale of the experience begins as soon as attendees arrive at the venue. Outside the stadium, organizers have installed several photo spots so concertgoers can capture a souvenir from the major event.
Fans attending the Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour will witness a top-tier visual production, where technology and robotic lighting effects will shape an atmosphere that shifts dramatically from one segment of the show to another — moving from the intensity of ’90s rock to the festive explosion of urban pop.
Security and crowd management have been top priorities, with a coordinated operation aimed at ensuring smooth entry and exit, allowing spectators to focus solely on enjoying hits that have defined generations.
Beyond the music, the event marks a milestone for the country’s live-entertainment industry, positioning El Salvador as a destination capable of hosting artist residencies once reserved for cities such as Las Vegas or London.
The excitement is already visible across the capital: hotels are at full capacity and local businesses are riding the wave of enthusiasm sparked by the latest songs from the Colombian star.
Central America
El Salvador to host World Cup qualifiers vs. Guatemala and Panama at Estadio Cuscatlán
El Salvador’s national football team will host its final round World Cup qualifying matches against Guatemala and Panama at Estadio Cuscatlán, the honorary president of the National Sports Institute (INDES), Yamil Bukele, announced Thursday via a statement on his X account.
The official explained that this decision comes after the American rock band Guns N’ Roses, originally scheduled to perform at Estadio Cuscatlán on Saturday, October 4, will now hold their concert at Estadio Jorge “El Mágico” González. This change allows both of La Selecta’s qualifying matches to be played at the “Coloso de Monserrat.”
“After a series of efforts and in response to popular demand, we are pleased to announce that our senior national team’s CONCACAF World Cup qualifying matches next October (Oct. 10 vs. Panama and Oct. 14 vs. Guatemala) will take place at Estadio Cuscatlán,” the statement reads.
Bukele also thanked the event promoters and the band for agreeing to the stadium change. “We sincerely thank Guns N’ Roses and StarTicket for agreeing to move the concert originally scheduled for October 4 at Estadio Cuscatlán,” the statement adds.
Additionally, Bukele expressed gratitude to the FESFUT Regularization Commission for their efforts with CONCACAF to make this possible, and he urged fans to stay tuned to official channels to purchase tickets and support La Selecta in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Central America
El Salvador featured in El País: A rising star in Central American tourism
El Salvador’s tourism industry continues to gain international recognition, this time featured in a comprehensive article by the Spanish newspaper El País. In its travel section, El Viajero, the outlet published an extensive report titled “Everything Hidden in El Salvador: From Hosting the Pompeii of the Americas to Becoming the New Surf Paradise”, highlighting the country’s top attractions and its growing reputation as an emerging destination in Central America.
According to the report, El Salvador offers “three undeniable reasons to attract travelers: its volcanoes, Mayan archaeological sites, and exceptional beaches — not to mention its cuisine and wildlife.” The Spanish publication emphasizes that, despite being the smallest country in the region, El Salvador has stood out in recent years as an alternative to overcrowded destinations, attracting celebrities and international tourists seeking a quieter, more exclusive escape with perfect waves.
El País also notes that, after “a period of instability, the country is now safe, its roads are in excellent condition (even better than in neighboring countries), and visitors can enjoy its natural landscapes, wild beaches, volcanic scenery, hot springs, Mayan ruins, and even one of the best coffees in the Americas.” One of the country’s biggest advantages, the article adds, is its compact size, allowing travelers to explore mountains, beaches, and the capital all in a single day.
The report dedicates significant space to San Salvador, describing the capital as “a showcase of Salvadoran culture, identity, and diversity.” It highlights the National Museum of Anthropology (MUNA), the Museum of Modern Art (MARTE), and the National Library (BINAES), calling the latter “a cultural landmark and symbol of technological innovation” thanks to its virtual reality spaces, robotics labs, and 5G connectivity.
Gastronomy also plays a central role in the feature. El País praises the country’s iconic pupusas, while also mentioning yuca with chicharrón, elote tamales, and horchata. It recommends visiting the famous “Pupusódromo of Olocuilta”and several high-end restaurants in San Salvador, such as Nau and Faisca do Brazil, as well as the diverse dining options along El Hipódromo Avenue.
Finally, the article showcases some of El Salvador’s natural and cultural gems, including San Salvador Volcano, Lake Coatepeque, and the archaeological sites of Joya de Cerén — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — along with Tazumaland San Andrés. It also highlights Ruta de las Flores and Suchitoto, praised for their colonial charm and vibrant cultural offerings.
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