The Bishop of Córdoba, Jesús Fernández, held a meeting this Monday at the diocesan headquarters with the members of Córdoba CF Genuine (players and coaching staff) before their departure to Tarragona to compete in the first phase of LaLiga Genuine Moeve 2026/2027, which will take place from November 19 to 22, and in which 50 teams with more than 1,400 players are participating.

The Cordoban prelate also blessed the members of the blanquiverde team, led by the club's CEO, Antonio Fernández Monterrubio, before their departure and shared lighthearted moments with the players and coaches in the facilities of the Episcopal Palace.

In his welcoming remarks, Monsignor Fernández highlighted that "you are the purest and most authentic light," referring to a team that "opened a window of hope for us and gave us an individual lesson." The bishop also emphasized that "football is a tool for inclusion" and praised "seeing you filled with values that build a healthy society," referring to the Córdoba CF Genuine squad.

"The true victory," the prelate continued, "is in the hearts you know how to touch with your generosity," affirming that "differences enrich us" and urging them that "wherever you go, you will be the best ambassadors of Córdoba."

For his part, Antonio Fernández Monterrubio thanked the Bishop of Córdoba for his hospitality and stated that Córdoba Genuine "always wins because they celebrate their goals and those of their opponents, which is the best definition of a team: sharing and celebrating." The blanquiverde CEO exemplified the philosophy of the Genuine team through Miguel Navajas, a young man from Castro del Río who used to watch his brother play for Córdoba CF from the sidelines and now plays himself, "traveling many kilometers every day to train, but who has managed to pass a civil service exam in his town hall, where he also works."

Fernández Monterrubio praised the role of the families of these young players (around thirty make up the squad, which this season includes two female players) and stressed that Córdoba Genuine is "the heart of the club and its foundation." "We must continue working, both ourselves and the city's institutions, so that everyone finds their place."

On behalf of Córdoba CF Genuine, player Rafa Mesa spoke, stating that "we want society to see us as equals, with affection and not pity, because we are all important." He also recalled Christ's message, "love your neighbor as yourself," as "a message that is also within the team." "Football and the Church can help create a better society."

The event was also attended by the diocesan vicar general, Antonio Jesús Morales, the coordinator of the Córdoba CF Foundation, Beatriz Sedano, and the club's Director of External Relations, Francisco J. Poyato.