Historic Football Clubs Burgos CF and CD Iberia Revitalize Roots and Community Engagement

Two historically significant football clubs are experiencing revitalization through efforts aimed at financial stability, sporting growth, and cultural community ties.

In Spain, Burgos Club de Fútbol is under the leadership of Argentine businessman Marcelo Figoli, who took control of the club two years ago with ambitions to stabilize it financially and push for promotion to Primera División. Figoli described previous financial mismanagement, notably overspending by former owner Antonio Caselli leading to debts. Since then, the club has refocused its strategy to balance income and expenses, aiming to close the 2025-2026 season without deficits after consecutive years of losses. Burgos currently operates with a 14 million euro budget, generating about six million euros from television rights. Figoli highlighted the club’s growth potential, including positive transfer market activity and plans to improve the squad, renovate the stadium, and further develop youth and women's teams. Emphasizing community support as key to long-term success, he reflected that Burgos is overcoming its troubled past to become a stable presence in professional football.

Across the Atlantic, CD Iberia, the first football club founded in New York in 1967, is reasserting its cultural and community significance. Initially established as a beacon for Spanish immigrants in Astoria, Queens, the club faced financial difficulties threatening its existence. Under new management, CD Iberia has been revitalized, maintaining its Spanish roots while embracing a diverse and multi-national team reflective of the area’s immigrant heritage. Actor and musician Jimmy Barnatán, connected to the club through its president Daniel Soberón, composed a new anthem with musician Adrián Solla to foster community solidarity. The anthem's unveiling at La Cultural—the oldest Spanish cultural institution in the U.S.—marked a renewed spirit for the club and its neighborhood.

Together, Burgos CF and CD Iberia exemplify how historic community football clubs are actively reclaiming their identities and strengthening ties with local supporters through financial prudence and cultural engagement.