Real Madrid Icons Roberto Carlos and Fernando Hierro Become Shareholders in Dubai’s Fursan Hispania FC.
Dubai: Dubai-based football club Fursan Hispania FC has welcomed Real Madrid legends Roberto Carlos and Fernando Hierro as shareholders, marking a new chapter in its ambition to develop young football talent in the UAE and expand its international presence.
The two former Brazil and Spain internationals join club co-founders Michel Salgado and HE Faisal Belhoul as Fursan Hispania celebrates six years of developing football talent in the region.
The announcement was made on November 12 during the club’s Fursan Hispania Day celebrations, which brought together players, families, coaches and partners to mark its progress since its establishment in 2020.
Fursan Hispania was founded by former Real Madrid defender Salgado and Emirati entrepreneur and investor Belhoul, building on the foundations of Spanish Soccer Schools, a football development programme originally launched by Salgado in Dubai.
The initiative initially focused on nurturing young players through Spanish football coaching methods before evolving into a competitive football club offering a pathway from grassroots participation to professional football.
Just four months after its formation, Fursan Hispania entered the UAE Second Division, playing its first league fixture in December 2020.
The club enjoyed early success, winning the UAE Second Division title in the 2021-22 season and securing promotion to the First Division in only its second campaign.
Since then, it has supported the development of hundreds of young footballers, with several graduates progressing into professional football environments across Europe and the Middle East. The club has also established international partnerships, including an agreement with Spanish side Celta Vigo.
In 2025, Fursan Hispania brought its academy and first-team operations under a unified structure, creating a clearer development pathway for players to progress from their early training sessions to senior-level football.
Carlos and Hierro are expected to contribute to the club’s football philosophy, coach development, international relationships and long-term strategic ambitions.
Their involvement as shareholders adds further high-profile football experience and international connections to the club as it looks to strengthen its position in the UAE’s football development landscape.
Carlos was part of Brazil’s FIFA World Cup-winning team in 2002, while Hierro spent 14 seasons at Real Madrid, where he captained the Spanish national team. Both also shared the pitch with Salgado during Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League triumphs in 2000 and 2002.
Fursan Hispania co-founder Belhoul said the club was established with the ambition of giving young footballers in Dubai and across the UAE a genuine opportunity to pursue professional careers.
“When Michel and I founded Fursan Hispania in 2020, we wanted young people in Dubai and across the UAE to have a real chance to play professional football. Six years on, we have won a league title, our players are moving abroad, and our academy and club work as one. Welcoming Carlos and Fernando Hierro tells every young player here that we take their ambitions seriously. We are proud to support the next generation as part of Dubai’s sporting journey,” he said.
Salgado reflected on the club’s progress since the establishment of its original academy, describing the arrival of his former Real Madrid teammates as another significant opportunity for its young players and coaching staff.
Carlos also welcomed the opportunity to become part of the project, highlighting Dubai’s growing reputation as an international sporting destination and the potential of its young football talent.
“Dubai has become one of the world’s great sporting cities, and the talent here is real. I am happy to join my friends Michel and Fernando and to help these young players build the mentality it takes to win,” he said.
Hierro echoed those sentiments, highlighting the importance of developing players beyond their technical abilities.
“Fursan Hispania develops the whole player: technique, character and education. That approach matches what I believe in. I look forward to working with the coaches and families to help more young players from the UAE reach the highest level,” he added.
