Javi Poves: Footballer, Rebel, and Flat Earth Advocate

Javi Poves was born in Madrid in 1986 and played 65 professional football games. He is

currently known as much for his radical anti-establishment views as for his short-lived

professional playing career. Recently, Poves has drawn attention by blending football with his controversial ideological views.

Footballing career and retirement:

Poves began his footballing journey in the youth academies of Atlético de Madrid and Rayo Vallecano making his debut in Spain’s top division, La Liga, under Sporting de Gijón in the 2010/2011 season. This was his only match in Spain’s first division, as he played most of his time in Sporting’s B team. When his contract expired, he took the surprising decision of retiring from football at the age of 24, while footballers typically retire in their mid-thirties. This move shocked the football world and sparked many questions.

But why? Poves had suffered a profound disappointment with the system. Poves argued that the football industry was deeply corrupted by capitalism and greed. In addition, Poves famously said when referring to football: “It's capitalism, and capitalism is death”. This move was not surprising for some, as before retiring he had refused many of the perks offered to players, such as a club-provided car or a personal bank account. This stance was the first of many where he was part of national headlines, earning both admiration and criticism.

After retiring, Poves travelled the world searching for his inner self and arrived in Iran, where his affinity towards Islam grew. He even claimed that women are freer in Iran than in Spain. This was not the first of his controversial claims, he also praised Venezuela’s dictatorial government.

In 2014 he returned to professional football, but left football club “Sanse” after only one game.

Flat Earth FC: When Ideology Meets the Pitch

In 2016, Poves was part of the establishment of the Spanish fourth-tier club “Móstoles

Balompié”. In 2019 and as club president, he rebranded the team as “Flat Earth FC”, making

international headlines. This bold move turned a regional team into a global sensation,

meanwhile Poves attended various media outlets defending his views resulting in widespread debate and ridicule.

The club’s new identity aimed to challenge mainstream scientific and social narratives,

according to Poves. While many in the football world saw it as a publicity stunt, others viewed it as part of Poves’ genuine belief system. Today, Poves continues to frame himself as a truth seeker battling against the status quo.

Before leaving the club at the end of 2020, Poves was the character of a stance for women’s empowerment; as president, Poves appointed “Laura del Río” as head coach in 2019, making her the first woman to manage a men’s senior football team in Spain.

Return to Football and Current Role

In January 2022, Poves returned to football as the president of “CD Colonia Moscardó”, a historic Madrid-based club. By October 2023, he took over as head coach. Under his leadership, in June 2024, the team achieved promotion to the Spain’s fourth tier. During his tenure, Poves has been the protagonist of various heated arguments in press conferences, gaining him public protagonism once again.

By blending sport with ideology, Poves has left a unique mark on football culture: one shaped by passion and an unwillingness to conform.

By Nicolás Izuzkiza (Year 13)