Cuban Handball Players Who Left National Team Secure Contracts in Spain

Eight months after leaving the Cuban national handball team's training camp in France, three young athletes have achieved a key goal: signing with a professional club outside of Cuba. The Pedro Alonso Niño Handball Club (PAN) in Moguer, located in Spain's Huelva province, officially announced the acquisition of Diosel Rondón, Jorge Prent, and Daril González. These players will compete in the upcoming season in the Primera Nacional, the third tier of Spanish handball.

This announcement represents the conclusion of an uncertain journey for these athletes. Not only did they part ways with the Cuban delegation during a preparatory tour for the 2025 World Championship in Croatia, but they also navigated a long and challenging bureaucratic process to legalize their status in Europe. Upon arriving in Moguer, they settled in the community and began training with PAN Moguer, although they couldn't officially compete until their immigration and federation paperwork was finalized.

The club shared its excitement on Instagram: "After more than 8 months of struggle, frustrations, endless waiting, and difficult moments… Diosel, Daril, and Jorge will play this season with PAN Moguer's first team!" This heartfelt message highlights the bond formed between the players and the Andalusian institution.

"They arrived in Moguer by chance or perhaps destiny, but today there's no doubt: PAN is also their home," the club expressed. The three players had left the Cuban national team last November after a practice session while preparing for the World Championship. At that time, they were officially still linked to INDER and the Cuban Handball Federation.

Cuban journalist Francys Romero noted their decision was driven by the structural deficiencies in Cuba's sports system and the lack of real opportunities for professional growth. Rondón (from Bayamo, born 2002) and Prent (from Matanzas, born 2000) play as pivots, while González (from Artemisa, born 2001) is positioned in the backline.

Challenges Overcome

According to EFE news agency on Tuesday, the Spanish club extended deep gratitude to the entities and individuals who supported the process. They specifically mentioned the International Handball Federation (IHF), the Royal Spanish Handball Federation (RFEBM), and notably, the Cuban Federation for their "willingness and sensitivity in a complex situation that required coordination, commitment, and mutual understanding."

They also praised the efforts of manager Raúl Torres, whose involvement was crucial in overcoming hurdles: "His personal support was decisive, always offering closeness and solutions," they stated.

Broader Context of Cuban Athlete Exodus

The stories of Rondón, Prent, and González are part of a larger trend of Cuban athletes seeking opportunities abroad. This exodus has intensified in recent years. Last April, three members of the women's handball team—Naomis Mustelier, Islenia Parra, and Nahomi Rodríguez—also left their delegation after a tournament in Mexico, joining a growing list of athletes who have opted to defect during international events.

Many of these decisions are made under dire circumstances, as athletes look to escape poor training conditions, low wages, limited international exposure, and the state's control over their careers. While some athletes secure foreign contracts through official agreements with INDER, more frequently, individuals take the risk of leaving everything behind without waiting for permission, starting anew in foreign lands.

Now, Rondón, Prent, and González embark on a new chapter in Moguer, where the community and their club have welcomed them with open arms. For them, this is more than a professional opportunity; it's a critical life choice. The "Cuban Team," as their new club has dubbed them, now has the freedom and the stage to showcase their full potential.