Arunava about Football A look at football & the world through my eyes!
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The roar of the Sree Kanteerava Stadium is a long way from the quiet streets of General Arenales, Buenos Aires. Yet, as Braian Sánchez steps onto the pitch wearing the iconic number 10 jersey, the distance seems to vanish. In the world of football, some players don’t just play the game; they conjure moments of brilliance that defy logic. For Bengaluru FC, Sánchez is that emerging magician, bringing a touch of Argentine “gambeta” to the heart of India.
From General Arenales to the World
Every magician has an origin story, and for Braian, it began in a small town where football isn’t just a sport, it’s the first gift a child receives.
“I was born in a small town in Buenos Aires where the only thing played from an early age is football,” Sánchez recalls. “Throughout the country, it’s like that. It’s the first gift they give you.”
Playing against older, tougher kids in the neighborhood forged a character that is as resilient as it is creative. This “tough love” from the Argentine streets provided a masterclass in survival and skill. “As a child, you face older boys. That forges your character, playing many hours a day. That was very important for my football learning,” he explains.
When asked about the source of his magic, the answer is immediate and legendary: Diego Maradona. “My biggest inspiration in terms of football was always Maradona. He was what we all wanted to be on a pitch.”
Lessons in Discipline and Grit
Before arriving in Bangalore, Sánchez spent the formative years of his career at Deportivo Riestra. While the club is humble, its impact on his work ethic was profound. It was here that the magician learned that even the most creative players must be grounded in discipline.
“There I was forged as a player and a person,” Sánchez says of his time at Riestra. “It is a model club, very organized. I learned a lot about tactical discipline, team unity, effort in every training session and match, and giving 100%.”
Embracing the Blue Culture
The leap to the Indian Super League (ISL) and Bengaluru FC was driven by a desire for a new horizon. Despite the vast geographical and cultural gap, Sánchez has found a surprising sense of “home” in Bangalore.
“Bengaluru reminds me a lot of Buenos Aires because of its streets and different cultures in the same place,” he notes.
While the sheer variety of local dialects surprised him, the transition was smoothed by the warm welcome from former head coach Gerard Zaragoza, staff member Sebastián Vega, and his teammates. “They were fundamental so that my family and I adapted well. The team received me very well… so that we only occupy ourselves with playing.”
The Weight of the Number 10
In Football, the number 10 is reserved for the creator, the player who takes responsibility when the chips are down. Sánchez wears this mantle with immense pride.
“In Argentina and around the world, it means you have the responsibility to make your team play,” Sánchez asserts. “When the team isn’t having a good game, you have to appear and take charge of the situation. That represents being number 10 for me, and it is an honour to wear that number at BFC.”
He describes his style as a blend of skill, dribbling, and goals, but insists that his magic is backed by “effort and discipline”. He is a magician who isn’t afraid to do the “dirty work” for the team.
A Message to the West Block Blues
As he looks out at the West Block Blues at the Kanteerava, Sánchez sees a reflection of the passion he left behind in Argentina. His goals for the season are ambitious: to fight at the top of the table and leave a lasting legacy in the ISL.
“I want to leave a mark on the club and in the league; that is my goal,” he says.
To the fans reading today, his message is simple: “Do not stop supporting the team… We, through our play and attitude, are going to do everything possible so that you feel identified. Only words of gratitude for you.”
The stage is set, the wand is ready, and the Argentine magician is prepared to set the Kanteerava ablaze with his magical acts.
