The Lanzarote footballer, who had retired in May after 33 years of career, has put on his kit again to fulfil the promise made to his uncle Andrés Cejas, who passed away years ago. This Friday, he made his debut with Trican Lanzarote in the Third Division of futsal.
Ubay Curbelo, a historic footballer from Lanzarote, is back on the pitch. And he hasn't done it just anywhere. The former player of CD Tahíche and several teams on the island has donned the shirt of Trican Lanzarote, a futsal team in the Third Division, to fulfil a promise he made to his uncle, the late Andrés Cejas, founder of the club.
A promise that transcends sport
The story begins months ago. In May 2026, Ubay Curbelo announced his definitive retirement after 33 years linked to football, since he started as a young player at CD Tahíche. That farewell seemed firm, so much so that even his friend Javi Melián joked: "This time it's for real, because he keeps playing with the boots from Portugalete and hasn't bought any new ones."
But fate had one last chapter in store. The footballer had promised his uncle Andrés Cejas that when he retired, he would play for the futsal team he founded, then known as CFS Tahíche Servivend. Andrés passed away a few seasons ago, and with Ubay's retirement, the promise remained unfulfilled. Until this Friday.
The Trican Lanzarote wanted to retire the number 5 shirt that Andrés Cejas once wore, but in the end, Ubay played with the 15, the same number he wore during his time at the club. A gesture full of symbolism that the player himself experienced with emotion.
A debut with a tribute feel
The image of Ubay Curbelo back on the court has been one of the most talked-about in Lanzarote sports. Not only because of the unexpected return, but also due to the significance it carries. "Some promises are above any retirement," sources close to the player assert.
The debut took place in a match of the Third Division of futsal, where Trican Lanzarote competes with the intention of being promoted. Ubay's presence not only brings experience but also strengthens the bond between the club and his family history.
For the island's fans, seeing Ubay Curbelo again in his uncle's team shirt is an unexpected gift. The player, who has played for teams such as CD Tahíche, CD Orientación Marítima, or CD Unión Sur Yaiza, has always been a reference in Lanzarote's grassroots football.
What will happen now with Ubay Curbelo?
For now, the footballer has fulfilled his promise. But the story doesn't end here. It is unknown whether he will continue for the entire season with Trican Lanzarote or if his participation will be limited to this symbolic act. What is clear is that his return has moved those who know the history of futsal on the island.
The Trican Lanzarote has publicly thanked Ubay for his gesture, highlighting that "his return is an example of commitment and loyalty." For the club, having a player of his experience is a luxury, regardless of the minutes he plays.
Meanwhile, fans are already dreaming of seeing him in more matches. And as the saying goes, a promise is a debt. Ubay Curbelo has shown that, even after retiring, there is always time to honour a given word.
The next match for Trican Lanzarote will be on Saturday, March 14 at 18:00 at the Municipal Pavilion of Tías. Who knows if Ubay will put on his kit again.
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