Dean Huijsen and Carla Viegas, Best Athletes of Marbella in 2025

On Thursday, the Marbella City Council held the second edition of the Sports Awards at the Marbella City Theater, an event recognizing the effort, dedication, and achievements of athletes, clubs, and local entities. The event also paid tribute to prominent figures and highlighted the essential role of families and the community in this area of the municipality. The event began with a special remembrance for the athlete Daniel Saborido, who recently passed away and whose memory was honored throughout the ceremony. The mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, emphasized that "his legacy remains in every applause and in every step that sport takes in our city."

During the gala, the absolute category recognized Real Madrid football player Dean Huijsen and basketball player Carla Viegas, who last year won a gold medal at the Eurobasket U-20 and is currently competing in the U.S. university league with her team, the Pittsburgh Panthers. The event also acknowledged the career and projection of young talents such as Daniela García and Samuel Sánchez, "for a season that has been impressive," as well as the collective effort of the Junior Rhythmic Gymnastics Team and the ADJ San Pedro senior team, "who have been a pride to watch compete." The ceremony also highlighted examples of personal overcoming, like those of Jorge Otalecu and Isazkum Temprano, who "remind us that there are no limits in sport when there is will."

"These recognitions are not just awards, but an example for the new generations who see in these athletes a reference of effort, discipline, and values"

Ángeles Muñoz

Mayor of Marbella

In the chapter of special mentions, the historical work of the San Pedro Recreational Club in promoting grassroots sports was valued; the contribution of the Security Forces, Local Police, Civil Protection, and Firefighters, for their constant commitment to the city, and a special remembrance was made for Salvador Gil 'Moñi'. The first councilor stressed that "these recognitions are not just awards, but an example for the new generations, who see in these athletes a reference of effort, discipline, and values" and added that "behind each nomination there is a story that repeats itself: hours of training, difficult days and moments when that effort is not always visible, but in which the will to continue makes the difference."

The mayor also expressed gratitude to the families, emphasizing that "their daily support is essential for athletes to reach their goals," as well as to the sports department and its councilor, Lisandro Vieytes, for promoting this area in the locality. In this regard, the growth of sport in Marbella was highlighted, reflected in the more than 100 nominations presented in this edition, double that of the previous year, and in the nearly 8,000 places filled in municipal sports schools.

Investments in sports facilities

During the event, a review of the most notable aspects in this area during 2025 was made, highlighting the investments and projects carried out last year, such as the expansion of the Carlos Cabezas Sports Center; the start of construction of the Guadaiza complex; the official competition certification of the Serrano Lima pool; the new indoor pool at Las Chapas; the modernization of the Paco Cantos complex; the remodeling of the El Ángel track, or the launch of pioneering subsidy lines for individual athletes and collectively.

These actions amounted to an investment of 13.5 million euros in 2025 and account for more than 29 million in this year's budget. The event concluded with thanks to the jury composed of media journalists and its president, Ayoub Ghadfa, as well as to all the professionals involved in organizing the event.