Menorcan footballer Nil García will play abroad next season after earning a contract with a club competing in the third division of the United Arab Emirates for 2026–27.
From Mahón to the Gulf
García played for UD Mahón in Menorca’s regional football before deciding to look for an opportunity outside Spain. After several weeks of trials with his new club, he convinced the coaching staff and was offered a place in the squad — fulfilling a long-held ambition to play abroad.
Pre-season in Miami
After signing, García planned to spend a few days in Menorca with family and friends before flying to Miami on 5 July to join his new team-mates for pre-season. Training camps in the United States allow teams to prepare in good facilities and play friendlies before the season starts.
Football in the UAE
The UAE has invested heavily in football, from the professional Pro League to lower divisions that include clubs founded by private investors and academies. The lower tiers are more open to foreign players than many leagues, attracting footballers from Europe, Africa and South America who see them as a way to gain experience and visibility, with the possibility of moving up.
Dubai, in particular, has become a hub for sport, with academies, international tournaments and a large expatriate community.
A growing trend
García joins a growing number of young Spanish footballers who are looking for opportunities abroad, whether in the United States, Asia or the Middle East, rather than staying in Spain’s crowded lower divisions. For players from the islands, where the options in semi-professional football are limited, such moves can be a valuable way to keep developing.
Looking ahead
For García, the move is a big step and a personal adventure. A good season could open doors to higher divisions in the UAE or elsewhere, and his progress will be followed closely by Menorcan football.
