After a foundational debut year, Manu is ready to take on his second season with Seoul Calcio FC. Credit: Seoul Calcio FC
For Manuel Saal know as "Manu", a 29-year-old goalkeeper from Valencia, being an athlete is defined by more than just professional status. It is a mindset rooted in a "passion to compete and a drive to get better." With a mix of Spanish flair and German discipline, he has brought his talents to the heart of South Korea, guarding the net for Seoul Calcio FC.
His love for the game ignited during the 2006 World Cup. What started as a childhood fascination quickly turned into a lifestyle of watching, playing, and breathing football. Since those early days, the sport has fueled his personal drive.
While football has always been a primary hobby rather than an academic focus, it provided him with a deep appreciation for team atmosphere.
The kick-off
Joining Seoul Calcio FC elevated his engagement. The club reintroduced a sense of discipline and structure that challenged him to sharpen both his physical fitness and his goalkeeping techniques.
His footballing DNA is a blend of his favorite clubs: Valencia and Bayern Munich. Credit: Seoul Calcio FC
"Manu" still vividly remembers his first day at the club. Seeing the players' absolute commitment on a sand pitch left a lasting impression. That impressive dedication demonstrated that Seoul Calcio was a community for those who truly respect the craft and the grind of the sport.
Living and playing in Seoul has refined "Manu’s" view on team cooperation. For him, effective unity is the secret: "teamwork is quite important, not just to play good, but also to enjoy the game, which on an amateur level is even more important".
When the pressure of a match rises, as a guardian net he remains composed followed by a steady principle: transform pressure into discipline. By focusing entirely on his coach's instructions to improve, he converts nervous energy into a focused, reliable performance between the posts.
His footballing DNA is a blend of his favorite clubs: Valencia and Bayern Munich. A true student of the game, he admires the tactical intelligence of Thomas Müller and still finds inspiration in Arjen Robben’s legendary 2013 Champions League winning goal.
During a football match into the Seoul Saturday Soccer League. Credit: Seoul Calcio FC
As a seasoned player, advice to young athletes is practical. He encourages them to decide early whether they are playing for recreation or pursuing a career. Once that path is chosen, he believes one's conduct must align with that ambition.
Today, Manuel Saal represents the vibrant international spirit of the Seoul football scene. Whether he is diving across the sand or organizing his defensive line, his journey highlights how the sport serves as a universal language of dedication and growth.
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