Comic: How fútbol put me on a road to discovering myself

Joshua Sandoval
·1 min read
A soccer player with a Mexico jersey celebrating with his hands out
(Joshua Sandoval )

Since I was 10 years old, fútbol has been a part of my life. I've met so many people because of the beautiful game, learned so much about myself through the beautiful game, and it has even played a part in creating opportunities in my career as a creative. I took this opportunity to pay homage to a game that is so much more than just that. Fútbol is life.

Soccer ball with words "gracias futbol" around it
(Joshua Sandoval / For The Times )
growing up as a no sabo chicano kid in a predominantly white neighborhood in the 90's was a very confusing time.
(Joshua Sandoval / For The Times )
That all changes in 1994 when the world cup came to the united states
(Joshua Sandoval / For The Times )
in 1994 I had only played baseball, a sport my dad chose for me to play.
(Joshua Sandoval / For The Times )
It was the first time I had seen the Mexican national soccer team play on television. It gave me immense pride.
(Joshua Sandoval / For The Times )
I begged my dad to put me in AYSO. He was reluctant. And made me choose between drumming and futbol.
(Joshua Sandoval / For The Times )
I gave up drumming. I chose futbol I don't and never regretted the choice.
(Joshua Sandoval / For The Times )
Soccer put me on the road to discovering myself. Finding my identity and appreciating my chicano heritage.
(Joshua Sandoval / For The Times )
Futbol motivated me to learn about my family history, especially those older relatives that only spoke Spanish.
(Joshua Sandoval / For The Times )
Futbol was the catalyst that pushed me to look for heroes beyond the pitch and learn about Latino & Chicano heroes.
(Joshua Sandoval / For The Times )

Joshua Sandoval is a co-owner and creative director of Born in June Creative Studio in East Los Angeles. An award-winning artist, he has collaborated with global brands such as Adidas and Walt Disney as well as local philanthropic groups such as the Weingart Foundation.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.