The nickname given to him by his cousin accompanies Francisco Javier Hidalgo, known as Son, during his time at Ludogorets. In truth, Son has carried this moniker, which might lead some to think that instead of being from Seville, he has roots in South Korea. The former player of teams like Barakaldo, where he played in the now-defunct Segunda División B during the 2017-18 season, is now facing a new professional challenge since the summer of 2023 with Bulgaria’s biggest club, which is dominating the local league and enjoying European competitions: the Conference League last season and the Europa League this campaign. Son spoke to DEIA before facing the lions.
His name is Francisco Javier Hidalgo, but everyone knows him as Son. It’s even printed on his jersey. Where does that nickname come from?
It’s simple (he laughs). In Andalusia, we use many nicknames and my cousin, since I was a kid, called me “big-headed” in our Andalusian accent. And it stuck, becoming Son. It wasn’t a nickname I used much in Football, but I coincided with several friends from school on a team who also called me that, and it has remained to this day.
Read more:
Barcelona Delivers Scoring Brilliance in Belgrade
How is life in Bulgaria for you?
Honestly, it’s going well. At first, it’s a bit scary to leave Spain without knowing other countries and leagues, but I adapted well. The life I have here is very calm. The club has great facilities, is growing a lot, and is a very large club within Bulgaria. I’m very happy here.
What is Razgrad like?
It’s a very quiet, small city with just over 30,000 inhabitants. It has several factories that employ many locals. However, students have to go elsewhere to study since there are no universities here. But aside from that, life is good.
I understand the change for you has been significant. Was it difficult for you to take the step and accept the offer from Ludogorets?
Yes. It’s a very big change. It was quite difficult at first. I came here with many fears about what I might encounter, what the city and the country would be like… But I was welcomed very well from day one. People made me feel at home. But yes, the change was significant.
Read more:
Top 10 Trending Sports News Stories Today – November 8, 2024
Did you know anything about Ludogorets?
Yes, to some extent. Anyone who loves football knows this is a team that usually competes in European competitions. They played against Real Madrid not too long ago in the Champions League, and more recently against Betis in the Europa League… It’s a team I recognized and had seen play a few times, but I didn’t have deep knowledge of the club.
You arrived in the summer of 2023, what did you find?
I found a team that plays a tremendous number of matches, around 70 per season, including qualifiers for Europe, subsequent league matches, and domestic cup games. That surprised me a lot. In Spain, when we had a midweek fixture, we would panic if we only trained for two days before a game on the third. Here, it’s very normal to play a match every three days.
Read more:
Germany Accidentally Includes Latvian Player in Nations League Squad
Was the opportunity to compete in Europe regularly one of the reasons you accepted Ludogorets’ offer?
Absolutely. That’s very appealing. Playing in Europe with a Spanish team is quite difficult; we all know the competition in La Liga to get into those spots. And here, visiting stadiums like Ajax or Fenerbahce, top-level fields around the world where I’ve had the chance to play, are things that are valued and motivate you when considering coming here.
You’ve played at San Mamés and faced the Athletic Club with Levante. Would you have preferred to play against the Rojiblanco team at San Mamés rather than in Razgrad?
Facing a team like Athletic, which is also a fantastic team, excites me, but I would have preferred the match to be at San Mamés. My family could have come to watch me, and I have many friends in Bilbao from my time at Barakaldo. I would have loved to experience that unique atmosphere of San Mamés on a European night.
Read more:
Kylian Mbappé Once Again Omitted from France National Team
The story of Ludogorets is quite fascinating. They reached the First Division in 2011 and have won every league title since their promotion. There is significant investment behind it, with Bulgaria’s richest man as the owner. Can you compare the club to any team in La Liga?
Yes. Our club has everything. Economically, with facilities, etc., we could easily be in La Liga. It’s a very professional club, and we have an abundance of resources at our disposal. We are fortunate in Bulgaria to be one of the few clubs with such facilities. We have several pitches, a large gym, sauna, jacuzzi… We could very well be a club in a major European league.
Do they know much about Athletic over there, or have you had to play tour guide for your teammates?
Athletic is known, yes. They watch many matches from the Premier League and La Liga, so they are aware of Athletic. I’ve tried to teach them a little bit about what I learned of Athletic during my time at Barakaldo, when I could follow them closely. I’ve also faced them with Levante. And yes, I’ve told my teammates how beautiful it would have been to play in Bilbao, given what that stadium represents and how passionate its fans are. Those are things that attract a footballer.
Read more:
James Signs Worst Start at Last Five Clubs: Íñigo, Take Note!
Have you explained what it means for you to play against Athletic?
Yes. They know it’s a very special match for me because I have many friends in Athletic, and my family will be even more focused on the game since I am playing against a La Liga team, which I haven’t had the chance to do since leaving. For me, it’s a very special game.
How is the Bulgarian league?
Very different from what we have in Spain. There are 5-6 teams that can be challenging and have quality. But the rest are teams that fight hard but have less quality and play on pitches in worse conditions than we are used to…
In the league, you’re sweeping all before you. You’re top with a handful of points clear of second and third place, having scored 25 goals in thirteen matches and conceded just one. How do you reconcile that with a much tougher challenge in Europe, where you’ve only managed to collect one point from three matches?
Read more:
Undeserved and Epic Triumph for Betis
We know that our main objective is to win the league. It’s what gives us the opportunity to compete for a Champions spot next season and to play in Europe. European matches are very different, as you often play against big teams with excellent players. Additionally, this season we’ve had a coaching change, and in Plzen, we were a bit unlucky; we missed a penalty that could have given us the win, and we ended up with just a draw. Against Anderlecht, we played excellently but were reduced to ten men in the 30th minute. Yes, we only have one point, but we’ve been competitive in the matches. We will keep trying.
Don’t you get tired of winning so much in the league?
No, not at all… You know what happens? You always have that fear or tension that the teams behind you in the table might not slip up. We are the team to beat. All teams play their best against us; they will try to take you down if they can, and that motivates you. Going to a pitch knowing that they might hate you a little pushes us.
Read more:
Teams Where Andrés Guardado Played, Who Has Announced His Retirement
What is your goal in Europe?
The goal is to try to advance to the next round, whatever it takes. The first 24 teams qualify, which opens up the options. It won’t be easy, and we are aware that we only have one point, but we will try our best.
During your time at Barakaldo, did you attend matches at San Mamés as a fan?
Yes. I think I went to three matches, and I loved it. Then in my first year in the First Division, I went to San Mamés to play with Levante, but it was during the COVID era, so there were no fans in the stands. That same season, I returned in the Cup, and it was the same. In the second year, at last, fans could attend, and it was incredible.
You have faced Athletic six times but have never beaten them. Your record stands at three draws and three losses, including the one that eliminated you in the 2021 Cup semifinals.
It is always tough to play against Athletic. But I don’t focus on the statistics; every match is a new experience and you never know. Football always gives you another chance, and it’s now in Europe; I will try to beat Athletic for the first time.
Has the impact of the Williams brothers reached Bulgaria?
They are known. Within the team, we are aware of their capabilities and their importance to Athletic’s offensive play. They are players with great skills and resources. We have discussed it and will try to keep an eye on them.
You haven’t scored against Athletic, but you did score against Bilbao Athletic in the 2017-18 season. In goal was a certain Unai Simón, who won’t play against you as he is still recovering from his operation, but not many can boast of having scored against him.
Yes (he laughs). I remember that goal. My time at Barakaldo was very good. Back then, I played as a winger, but later I was moved back to fullback and I score fewer goals. Simón is a fantastic goalkeeper, but Agirrezabala has also shown he has great ability.
