Author: Sevilla FC Academy

The match did not start well for the Sevillistas, after an unfortunate play that ended in an own goal. Nevertheless, the incident didn’t affect the team’s spirit and, right after the restart, they created a chance to equalize. Soon after, another opportunity came for the team in red-and-white through a header from David Torres.

La Rambla, however, also had chances to test Sevilla’s goalkeeper Bob Almenas, who stood firm to keep the scoreline intact. Before the break, Edu Mangles scored the equalizer with a thunderous right-footed strike from a set piece.

The second half began with a great save from Mario Rodríguez, who denied a one-on-one that could have put the opposition ahead. From then on, Sevilla’s pressing and ability to build play from midfield nearly resulted in a second goal, after a fine combination between Pedro Berruezo and Khalid Aljirafi created a one-on-one for Parker Byas, which was well stopped by the rival keeper. Pedro Berruezo himself had another chance to put the team ahead shortly after with a shot from the edge of the box, followed by a third opportunity involving him, Khalid Aljirafi, and Parker Byas once again.

Finally, the deadlock was broken thanks to a well-taken penalty by Abdullah Aljirafi, sealing Sevilla’s first preseason win.

Sevilla FC would like to thank La Rambla CF and the town of La Rambla for their kind invitation and hospitality in hosting this friendly match between our two sides. We take this opportunity to wish them every success in the upcoming season.

Sevilla FC “D” squad list: Bob Almenas, Tomás del Grosso, David Torres, Estévez, Fabián Rodríguez, Khalid Aljirafi, Tristán Figueroa, Edu Mangles, Parker Byas, Manu Cruzado, Pedro Berruezo. Mario Rodríguez, Gavyn Nobles, Borja Tellado, Nacho González, Álex Gonzálvez, Pablo G., Pablo de la Rosa, Fidel Morán, Abdullah Aljirafi, and Raymond Higham.

Sevilla FC “D” played its first match of the 2025/26 season last Friday against CD Salteras in the Aljarafe town. The match served as the squad’s first on-field test ahead of an exciting new campaign. It also marked the debut of the team’s new coaching staff.

Manu Cruzado sounded the first warning in the 3rd minute with a free kick from outside the box that ended up in the goalkeeper’s hands. Just five minutes in, Pedro Berruezo latched onto an exceptional through ball from David Torres behind the defense and finished first time with his left foot to beat the keeper. Twenty minutes later, CD Salteras equalized after capitalizing on a rebound in the box that led to a one-on-one, leaving Bob Almenas with little chance. Before halftime, a fine run from Abdullah Aljirafi nearly produced the game’s second goal.

The second half opened with another effort from Manu Cruzado, a shot from outside the box. In the 75th minute, Pedro Berruezo produced an excellent individual play down the wing, combining with Manu Cruzado before the Ceuta-born midfielder slotted the ball past the goalkeeper with a composed finish. With just seven minutes remaining, another loose rebound in the box allowed the home side to level the match once again.

From Sevilla FC, we thank CD Salteras for their kind invitation and hospitality, and we wish them a wonderful season. Likewise, we extend our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Juan Fernández, who passed away in the days leading up to the match and was remembered in the initial minute of silence—especially to CD Salteras players Fernando and Sergio, President Manolo, coach Diego, and, of course, his children Juan, Joaquín, and María de los Ángeles.

Sevilla FC “D” squad list: Bob Almenas, Tomás del Grosso, David Torres, Estévez, Fabián Rodríguez, Felipe, Tristán Figueroa, Fernando Olomo, Parker Byas, Manu Cruzado, Pedro Berruezo. Mario Rodríguez, Gavyn Nobles, Borja Tellado, Nacho González, Álex Gonzálvez, Pablo G., Pablo de la Rosa, Fidel Morán, Abdullah Aljirafi, and Raymond Higham.

Photo: Lucas Yébenes.

Aljirafi is a versatile box-to-box midfielder, capable of playing as a holding midfielder, playmaker, or even an attacking midfielder. He is distinguished by his vision, ability to pick out passes, and late runs into the opponent’s box. Throughout his career, the young player has experienced several stages of international training and competition:

• Patuxent FA (USL League 2, United States), where he played the 2024 season.
• SYC MLS Next (Academy), where he recorded 32 matches, 17 goals, and 16 assists over two seasons.
• Richard Montgomery High School (Maryland), where he was named “Player of the Year” in his final season after captaining the side to the regional championship.
• Saudi Future Falcons (SAFF), representing Saudi Arabia in the prestigious international program, competing in tournaments against elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Newcastle, and Valencia.
• Arlington Academy (ECNL Boys), where he helped the team reach the No. 1 ranking nationwide in the United States, contributing 22 goals and 29 assists.

Khalid expressed his excitement about this new chapter in Nervión:

“My biggest aspiration is to represent the Saudi national team in World Cups and establish myself in European football. At Sevilla, I want to grow, contribute my leadership and creativity, and help the team achieve its goals.”

With this addition, Sevilla FC D strengthens its midfield with a young player who combines international experience with great potential for growth.

Almenas served as captain and starting goalkeeper for the North Cross varsity team, where he stood out for his leadership, shot-stopping ability, and determination. During his time in U.S. high school soccer, he was named to the 1st Team All-Conference and also received an Honorable Mention in the Roanoke Times All-Timesland Soccer Teams. In his most recent season, he recorded an 82.5% save percentage, consolidating himself as one of the key figures of his team.

Known as “Bob,” the young goalkeeper has a clear mindset: “My family and my desire to play football at the highest level push me to be the best version of myself. Every time I train and play, I do it for them and for my dreams.”

His move to Sevilla FC “D” represents an important step in both his sporting and academic career, as he will also continue his studies at Universidad Loyola in Seville.

With his arrival, Alejandro “Bob” Almenas becomes the third Puerto Rican player to join Sevilla FC, following in the footsteps of Leandro Antonetti (Sevilla Atlético) and Fabián Rodríguez (Sevilla FC “D”), further consolidating the growing presence of Puerto Rican talent at the club.

Through this signing, Sevilla FC reinforces its commitment to international talent and to offering young prospects from around the world the opportunity to develop within a highly demanding sporting and educational environment.

At the helm of the team will once again be Óscar Olomo, who returns for his second consecutive season as head coach. Olomo has extensive experience within Sevilla FC’s youth academy, where he previously coached several teams in the women’s section, including multiple seasons in charge of the Sevilla FC Femenino B.

Alongside him, Antonio José González will also continue as assistant coach for a second season. A product of Sevilla FC’s youth system, González played for the club’s reserve team between 1994 and 1997. He went on to enjoy a long professional career as a defender with clubs such as Granada CF, Xerez CD (where he played five seasons, three of them in the Second Division), CD Numancia —making his LaLiga debut in the 2004/05 season, with 19 appearances—, Córdoba CF (achieving promotion to the Second Division), and Lucena CF.

The fitness department will be led by Pablo Díaz, who most recently worked with the Sevilla FC Infantil B side, winning the latest international edition of LaLiga FC Futures, and previously with the Alevín A, which finished runner-up in the national edition.

José Luis Gil joins as goalkeeping coach. A former Sevilla FC academy player through to the youth stage, he brings extensive experience as a goalkeeper at La Palma CF and holds a PhD in Sports Science from the University of Seville.

The club would like to thank former fitness coach Abel Ramírez for his hard work and commitment, wishing him the very best in his new role with Hatta Sport Club in the United Arab Emirates. In addition, the team’s previous goalkeeping coach, Francisco Salvago, will now continue his work as goalkeeping coach for the Juvenil D.

With this technical structure in place, Sevilla FC “D” approaches the new season with both ambition and continuity, further strengthening its commitment to the development and growth of young footballers in a highly demanding environment.

Byas, a Maryland (USA) native, joined Sevilla FC “D” in March 2024 after standing out in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL), where he took his first steps as a semi-professional footballer. Since arriving in Seville, he has caught attention with his pace and power.

Reflecting on his first months in Spain, Parker described the experience as “an absolutely incredible season, sharing the dressing room with teammates from all around the world. It has been a real pleasure to play for and represent Sevilla FC.” At that time, he also expressed his ambition to “come back next season, do more, and make an even greater impact.”

With this renewal, Sevilla FC reaffirms its commitment to international talent and to the development of players within the club’s academy structure.

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Fabián Rodríguez (Puerto Rico, 2006) is extending his link with Sevilla FC for another season, holding a federation license with Sevilla FC “D.” Last season, the Puerto Rican left-back already took part in several matches with that team, despite it being his final year at the youth stage.

After completing all of his football training in Puerto Rico, with clubs such as Hispania Football Academy, Fabián will be entering his second season in Spain and, specifically, with Sevilla FC.

Sevilla FC “D” has completed the signing of Abdullah Aljirafi, a winger born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, who will bolster the squad ahead of the new season. Aljirafi joins the club after completing his collegiate career at Howard University, where he competed for four seasons in NCAA Division I, standing out both for his on-field performances and his academic dedication. In his final season, the Saudi midfielder was named to the Northeast Conference Academic Honor Roll and the Commissioner’s Honor Roll, highlighting his profile as a well-rounded athlete.

With a solid football background in the United States, Abdullah also gained international experience representing Saudi Arabia’s U23 national team in the Al Abtal Cup, as part of the Saudi Future Falcons program. At the club level, he featured for Patuxent FA in USL League 2 and for FC Moco 1976 in the UPSL with 3 goals and 3 assists in 10 games, experiences that helped him develop in a variety of competitive settings.

His arrival at Sevilla FC “D” marks the next step in his career, bringing his technical skills and attacking flair to the club’s left wing.

Sevilla FC “D” has secured the contract renewal of Eduardo Andrés Mangles Herrera, who will continue to wear the Sevilla shirt following his arrival in January. The Venezuelan forward, who also holds a Dutch passport, became the team’s first signing of the winter transfer window and made a strong impression in his initial months in Nervión.

Joining from Elche CF, Mangles quickly adapted to the team’s dynamics, earning call-ups and featuring in all eight matches he was available for before an injury temporarily sidelined him. His dedication, performance, and swift integration were key factors behind the club’s decision to extend his stay.

Prior to joining Sevilla FC, the striker gained international experience in competitions such as the Maltese Premier League and the Maltese FA Trophy, playing for Hibernians FC. He also had a notable spell at Fort Lauderdale United Academy in the United States, where he registered 4 goals and 5 assists in 7 matches.

With this renewal, Sevilla FC “D” reaffirms its commitment to young, talented, and dedicated players, in line with the club’s philosophy of growth and player development.