Roberto Bautista Agut has found a new competitive outlet just over a month after calling time on his tennis career, scoring twice on his football debut for Spanish seventh tier side CD Els Ibarsos.
Former Wimbledon semi finalist Roberto Bautista Agut made an immediate impact in his first football appearance, netting a brace in a 4-2 pre season friendly victory. The 38 year old Spaniard, who retired from tennis in late 2024, has signed with CD Els Ibarsos, a club based roughly 60 miles north of Valencia.
Bautista Agut enjoyed a distinguished tennis career, collecting 12 singles titles and helping Spain win the Davis Cup in 2019. He reached a career high world ranking of ninth in late 2019, a surge propelled by his run to the last four at Wimbledon that year.
Now he is chasing success on the football pitch, a sport he played before focusing on tennis. Bautista Agut was part of Villarreal’s youth setup until the age of 14, when he chose to pursue tennis seriously.
His transition back to football has started brightly, and he shared his delight on Instagram, writing: “It’s a new stage of life that’s making me very happy. May the good start continue!”
CD Els Ibarsos introduced Bautista Agut to supporters before his debut, and the club expressed excitement about having him for the entire season. In a social media post, the club wrote: “It’s official: Roberto Bautista Agut is a C.D. Els Ibarsos player. Thanks to everyone who came out to support us and create a great atmosphere on an unforgettable evening. And thank you, Roberto, for putting your trust in this project and this town.”
Bautista Agut’s scoring debut suggests his football comeback could be as rewarding as his tennis career, with the former world number nine now aiming for a full season with his new club.