Who is Sebastián Ceria and his arrival at Racing Santander
Sebastián Ceria, 60 years old, joined the club in 2023 as the main shareholder, holding 85 % of the stake. A mathematician and tech entrepreneur, he became the central figure of Racing’s transformation, which returned to La Liga after 14 years of absence.
The first match and the new mindset
Last Sunday, Racing Santander faced Villarreal and finished 2-2. The newly promoted team managed to equalize in a minute and a half, although the second goal was questioned for offside. Ceria said, “we played very well, we showed we can be a first-division team,” and that the draw was “just a match” that demonstrated the project’s solidity.
The “I choose to believe” philosophy and the bond with the fans
Ceria launched the phrase “I choose to believe” as this year’s motto, inspired by Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad. For him, the promotion is “anecdotal”; what he is most proud of is having built a bond with the supporters, stating that “football is not about winning” and that the union with fans will endure through all seasons.
The relational style of play and José Alberto López’s direction
Spanish coach José Alberto López, 44, implemented a “relational football” that favors player mobility and concentration in the attacking zone. Ceria described the style as “rock and roll” and highlighted that the team can “cluster on the left wing and leave the right empty.”
Economic challenges and long-term vision
Ceria explained the income disparity: while Real Madrid generates €1.3 billion, Racing Santander will have about €60 million this year. Despite the gap, the club remains focused on stability and staying in La Liga, convinced that “we can win, lose, and come out champions.”
The future: can Racing’s style succeed in La Liga?
The first match against Villarreal showed that the style can compete, though the pressure from higher-level teams will be a challenge. Ceria and president Manolo Higuera do not plan to change the coach, valuing continuity and long-term vision. The next goal is to consolidate a mid-table position and aim for European qualification.
Concrete conclusion
Racing Santander’s next match will be on September 12 against Real Sociedad, where the club will try to continue proving its new philosophy and commitment to the supporters.
