In stadiums across Spain, Juan Carlos Valerón was always known as ‚the Magician of Arguineguín‘ because of the flair of his football, but he was not actually born in that town, but in a neighbouring district of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. Mogán Town Council has just put an end to this absurdity.
As of this Thursday, Valerón is officially an Honorary Citizen of Mogán, following a decision by the full council.
Born on 17 June 1975 in Barrio Chico, between El Pajar (San Bartolomé de Tirajana) and Arguineguín (Mogán), Valerón makes no secret of his pride at being the second person to sign Mogán’s Book of Honours and Distinctions, after Pope Leo XIV.
Mogán: Valerón delighted to be awarded honorary citizenship
«I am very grateful and very happy. I have spent my life between San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Mogán, so I have always felt like one of the town’s own. That is why receiving an honour like this is particularly moving,» said the footballer in a statement released by the Town Council.
With all due respect to Silva, the other ‚Wizard of Arguineguín‘, whose CV includes the title of 2010 World Cup winner, Valerón is the most famous footballer to have come through the Mogán youth academy.
He played for UD Las Palmas, RCD Mallorca, Atlético de Madrid and Deportivo de La Coruña, where he reached the peak of his career. He earned 46 caps for the Spanish senior national team, and took part in the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan and in two European Championships.
His extensive list of honours includes one Copa del Rey, two Spanish Super Cups and numerous appearances in top-tier European competitions, including a Champions League semi-final with Deportivo de La Coruña.
City Council pays tribute to Valerón's humanity and sense of community
Mogán Town Council states that it is not recognising him as an Honorary Citizen for that reason alone, but rather for having distinguished himself, in particular, «through his humanity, his humility, his exemplary behaviour both on and off the pitch, and the pride with which he has always represented his roots».
«Admired by fans, teammates, coaches and opponents, Valerón has become an exceptional ambassador for the south of Gran Canaria,» says the Town Council.
After retiring from professional football, Valerón returned to Arguineguín to continue working in youth football and pass on his knowledge to the next generation. Since the 2025-2026 season, he has been in charge of CD Arguineguín’s first team.
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