Get to Know Madrid’s First Queer and Trans Soccer Team: DragonQueer

Soccer remains a male-dominated space, rife with homophobia and slow to embrace true inclusivity. According to Kick It Out, a leading nonprofit addressing discrimination in soccer, LGBTQ+ hate incidents online surged dramatically in 2023, with transphobic abuse climbing by an alarming 183%. This hostility is reflected in the fact that, globally, only six openly gay male professional soccer players exist—a stark reminder of how challenging it remains for queer athletes to thrive within the sport.

For queer women, the environment may seem more inclusive due to the visibility of out players, yet discrimination persists. Harmful attitudes and microaggressions linger, creating barriers to progress. In the documentary It’s All Over: The Kiss That Changed Spanish Football, members of Spain’s national team recount sexist and homophobic behavior from former coach Ignacio Quereda, who infamously said, “What you need is a good man or a good dick.” Such remarks reveal the deep-rooted prejudices present even in spaces where women’s participation is celebrated.

Collin Martin, one of the few openly gay male players, has spoken candidly about the challenges queer men face. “There’s this sense of machoism and internalized homophobia that pervades the men’s game worldwide,” Martin shared. His words highlight how entrenched masculine ideals exclude LGBTQ+ individuals and underscore the urgent need for change.

As Megan Rapinoe famously said, “You can’t win a championship without gays.” Whether out or not, queer athletes have always played an integral role in the sport. One club channeling this energy is Madrid-based CDE Dragones de Lavapiés (Dragones).

CDE Dragones de Lavapiés is a soccer club with 28 teams uniting players of all ages under a mission to use “soccer for good.” Founded in 2014, Dragones reflects the diversity of Lavapiés—Madrid’s most multicultural neighborhood—boasting over 500 players from more than 50 nationalities.

The club goes beyond soccer by offering resources for marginalized communities, such as free language classes, career support, a food bank, and eviction assistance. These initiatives, alongside structured sports programs, create spaces for immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color who are often excluded from mainstream soccer.

Dragones also leads anti-racism efforts in collaboration with the FARE Network, conducting workshops and campaigns to foster inclusivity across European soccer. Through their women’s team, “Las Dragonas,” they’ve further expanded access to the sport for neighborhood moms, exemplifying their commitment to inclusivity.

Recognizing the need to address homophobia and transphobia, Dragones launched Madrid’s first annual Tournament Against Homophobia in May 2021, in collaboration with local LGBTQ+ organizations. This event marked a turning point for the club and the community.

Dragones coach Fra Sampietro explained, “Traditional soccer spaces are dominated by cis straight men, overwhelmed with homophobia, and push those of us who don’t fit into the perfect masculine soccer box off the pitch. We’re here to reclaim the field for queer and trans folks who want to play.”

The tournament inspired the creation of DragonQueer, Madrid’s first queer and trans soccer team. Starting with just four players, DragonQueer now boasts over 40 members and two weekly training sessions, offering a safe and affirming environment for LGBTQ+ athletes.

For many players, DragonQueer is more than a team—it’s a symbol of reclaiming spaces traditionally built for straight, cisgender men. “The ball used to symbolize the homophobia I experienced as a kid,” shares founding player Turi Cantero. “But through DragonQueer, I’ve found joy in soccer and a supportive community.”

Through word of mouth and grassroots efforts, the team has become a staple in Madrid’s queer community, attracting players from all backgrounds. In 2023, DragonQueer co-hosted a soccer and basketball tournament for the National Day Against Homophobia, drawing over 150 players.

DragonQueer’s vision is clear: to create a more inclusive, joyful soccer environment. As the team prepares for the 2026 Valencia Gay Games, they continue to build a stronger, queerer future for soccer, proving that the game truly belongs to everyone.