49-Year-Old Kiko Ratón Still Scoring Goals, Defying Age in Spanish Football

Kiko Ratón: The Football Legend Who Refuses to Quit

In football, some names mean more than just stats and years. They represent players who live and breathe the game, seeing it as part of who they are, not just a job. Kiko Ratón is one of those players. At 49 years old (born September 19, 1976), he's still playing in the Regional Preferente league with the same passion he had when he played for Tenerife and Girona in higher divisions.

After nearly 50 years of life and over 30 years of scoring goals, Kiko is now a player, manager, and the heart of Club Deportivo Puerto Cruz. He's a local hero.

"Football is my passion right now," Kiko says. While many players his age have retired, Kiko still laces up his boots every weekend with the excitement of a kid. "I feel like I can still play."

His role at Puerto Cruz has changed. He's no longer the main striker he was when he played in the second tier of Spanish football. Now, he comes on late in games when his team needs a boost. "I'm realistic. I know when I can play and when I can't," he admits.

"I'm here when the coach needs me." He's talking about those intense moments when his experience can make a difference. Even though he only plays a few minutes at a time, he's still effective. This season, he's scored a goal, which he celebrated with the same joy he's always had. "Scoring a goal is a feeling that many people enjoy," he says. His goal against Águilas helped Puerto Cruz win their first home game. "It was a great feeling."

Kiko's story is about a long football career and a man who has made football his life. He never stops, even in the summer. "I try to keep going because it gets harder as you get older," he explains. While others relax, he stays in shape to keep playing every weekend. "I never stop so my muscles don't get lazy."

Kiko's dedication to playing at 49 shows his discipline. Any athlete who achieves success, especially for decades, needs to be strict with themselves. His love for training is real. It's respect for the sport, his body, and the team that has supported him. "I don't know if I could do this at another team," he admits. Puerto Cruz is his home. He's a player, manager, and even helps out at the canteen, which helps him understand the club inside and out. "We're always trying to raise money for the club," he says.

The CD Puerto Cruz dressing room has players of all ages, from teenagers to veterans like Kiko, who is a role model for the younger players. He leads by example. "They see how I train and how much I want it," he says. He's always the first on the field, the first to finish the exercises, and the one who works the hardest. His attitude is contagious. "I want them to see that if Kiko is giving it his all, they have to too," he says.

At 49, Kiko has earned the respect of his teammates, who ask him for advice on football and life. "Some of them ask me what they should and shouldn't do," he says. He's a mentor, and that's just as valuable as scoring goals.

He'll turn 50 in September 2026. If he plays until then, he'll have to play for one more season. When asked if he'll keep playing, he doesn't rule it out. "I say the same thing every year. I'll decide at the end of the season," he explains. The decision depends on his body, his mood, and the club's situation. "Right now, I feel like I can still play," he says. But he knows the end will come when his body tells him, "Kiko, that's enough."

After so many seasons, you might think scoring goals wouldn't be as exciting. "It's the opposite," Kiko says. For the upcoming season, he doesn't have specific goals. "At my age, I don't set goals or anything like that," he admits. He just wants to help the team. "Score as many goals as possible for the club, help as much as I can, and that's it."

CD Puerto Cruz is fighting to stay in the middle of the Preferente league. The team, led by Jairo Hernández, wants to avoid relegation. "We're realistic. We're a humble team with a small budget," Kiko admits. "But if we start winning, we'll try to fight for something more."

It's important to be cautious, especially because football in northern Tenerife is struggling. With historic teams like Icodense, Vera, Orotava, and Realejos in lower divisions, the football scene in northern Tenerife is suffering. Kiko says this is due to a lack of resources. "Football in the north is declining. I hope this changes and that teams in the north start investing and improving."

Kiko Ratón represents determination. While many see football as a temporary thing, Kiko has made it his life. He'll keep playing as long as his body allows and his mind tells him to keep chasing the ball. Maybe he'll still be playing at 50, maybe not. But in Puerto Cruz, and in Tenerife football, he's already a legend.