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A rightful name -

Fenix FC is named after the mythical phoenix, a creature that symbolizes rebirth. Much like the mythical bird, the team has risen from the ashes and formed its own identity despite adversity.

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Federated -

Not only have the team members of Felix FC faced various prejudices, they have also managed to overcome administrative challenges to become the first all-trans team to achieve federated status in Europe.

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Humble beginnings -

Fenix FC is a local team in the suburb of Sant Feliu de Llobregat in Barcelona. News of the squad has spread throughout the northwestern region of Catalonia, where the city is located, and many others across Europe are coming to learn the team’s name.

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A team with purpose -

This team wasn’t just about playing soccer, but about creating a safe space where players could express themselves freely. Each member shared a common goal: to fight for their identity while showing the world that they belong in the sport.

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Challenging gender norms -

Soccer is often divided by binary gender lines, but this team has truly challenged these conventional norms. Their presence alone questions antiquated ideas on what gender in sports should look like.

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Pioneering -

The team’s rise comes not long after Spain passed a pioneering trans rights bill that was designed to make it easier for people to change their legal identity.

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Trans rights bill -

The bill, which was approved at the end of 2022 and passed in 2023, allows transgender people aged 14 and above to legally change their gender without requiring psychological or medical evaluations.

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Major strides -

Even though teenagers between 14 and 16 years of age would still need approval from their parents or guardians, the bill has made monumental strides in helping the transgender community, as well as the LGBTQ+ community overall.

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Other countries -

Many countries around the world still have laws in place that require children under 18 to obtain parental approval. Spain’s bill is monumental in the freedom and autonomy that is afforded to transgender teenagers.

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Votes -

The bill, which is known as Ley Trans (literally “Trans Law”) was approved on December 22, 2022, with 188 votes for versus 150 against. It was ultimately brought into effect on March 2, 2023.

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Intolerance -

But even though this law has been implemented, intolerance still persists. In fact, Catalonia saw a record 302 cases of discrimination or violence against LGBTQ+ people in 2023.

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Discrimination -

According to Catalonia’s Observatory against LGBT-phobia, a quarter of the reported cases of discrimination or violence were against transgender victims.

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A nation divided -

The passage of the bill has revealed deep divisions in Spanish society, particularly between traditionalists and progressive forces. However, the approval nonetheless underscored the country’s commitment to championing LGBTQ+ rights for the future.

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Abuses -

In the case of Fenix FC, many of the players have spoken about facing abuse due to their gender identity. In one case, a player named Hugo Martinez was ridiculed when he began undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy.

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Fitting in -

The players of Fenix FC have all encountered the same story: when they started transitioning, they were unable to change their IDs, and so they weren’t permitted to play on boys’ teams. Yet they didn’t fit into girls’ teams anymore either.

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Insults -

Parents, coaches, and even other players have been known to hurl insults and threats at these team members while they were playing in girls’ teams. Overall, the experience has been traumatic for most of these men.

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Safe space -

Hugo Martinez, who is 24 years old, was actually the one to start the transgender team. After enduring abuse for too long, the soccer player put out a call online for other trans men wishing to play soccer in a safe environment. Ultimately, Fenix FC took three years to set up.

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Family -

One of the players has reported that, even though the team features trans men and was made entirely by trans men, it is a family above all, where players are free to express themselves.

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Breaking the silence -

Fenix FC’s rise has forced Spanish sports institutions to openly address their stance on inclusion. No longer can issues of gender identity be swept under the rug, as this team has made it clear that they are here to stay.

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Mixed -

The Catalan Football Federation was contacted by Reuters regarding their current policy on players and gender, and they confirmed that their men’s leagues have been mixed for the past two seasons. Players of any gender can participate, regardless of their official identity.

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Other names -

The federation also confirmed that players could use names that are different from their legal ones. Other regional federations have limited these types of allowances to a certain age.

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A sign of inclusion -

In September, Fenix played its first league game of the season, which ended with a 19-0 defeat. But fans and players have agreed that trans men having the right to play their favorite sport is far more important than a score.

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A beacon of hope -

For transgender individuals across Spain and beyond, this team has become a source of inspiration and hope. Their openness represents a turning point in LGBTQ+ visibility within sports, and shows that identity and passion can coexist in any arena.

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Fan base -

The team has also quickly garnered a loyal following, particularly from the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Their fans see them as more than just athletes—they are champions of a larger cause, playing for acceptance and equality.

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Educating the public -

The team has a larger purpose, indeed. Their rise in the soccer world, coupled with media interviews and public engagements, has allowed the team to educate the public on what it means to be a transgender athlete.

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Self-acceptance -

The players of Fenix FC have pointed to self-acceptance as the key factor in celebrating life. After all, living in fear would only lead to inherent regret.

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The future -

Fenix FC has made it clear that they hope to continue bringing in more players in the future and offering up a supportive environment. They will continue to fight against myths and stereotypes, and promote a more informed and compassionate understanding of their journey.

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The power of sport -

Above all, the team's story shows the power of sport to unite people from different walks of life. Soccer has brought them together, but their collective impact has reached far beyond the game, uniting communities around shared values of respect and inclusion.

Sources: (Reuters) (Devdiscourse) (US News & World Report) (ESPN) (Observatori contra l'LGTBIfòbia)

See also: The most dangerous sports in the world

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