May 23, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rhode Island FC News Release
Koke Vegas always knew he wanted to be a goalkeeper. It was in his blood.
Inspired by a simple promise made at a young age to his father, Kiko, who also played professionally as a goalkeeper, Vegas’ journey from the youth ranks of Spain to the United States helped mold a principle that has defined his professional career.
“My father always told me during my career that I have to enjoy the game, and I have a promise with him that I have to smile at least once a game,” said Vegas.
Koke’s father, along with his family, was in the stands the day he made his professional debut at just 15 years old. As he took the field, Vegas became the youngest player in Antequera C.F. history to debut for the first team. Vegas played the final 15 minutes of a scoreless draw in the midst of a tense playoff battle for promotion to the Spanish third division. In that moment, Vegas’ promise to his father helped him overcome his nerves and enjoy what was a historic day for his hometown club, where he spent eight years of his youth.
“I felt nervous before coming on but I remember a moment, just before I stepped on the field,” said Vegas. “I turned my back and I saw my dad in the stadium. He smiled at me and I gave him a smile back. Years later, he told me that his friends that were there too and they asked him, ‘your son is going to make his debut, and he’s not nervous? He’s smiling at you right now. How can this be?’ So that moment was really special and I have good memories of it. Anyone would be nervous. I just decided to turn to my dad and smile.”
This basic principle is one that has stuck with Vegas throughout his career. Vegas spent 11 years in Spain, enjoying stints with seven different clubs, most notably spending five seasons with LaLiga side Levante U.D., a club that enjoyed two separate promotions to the Spanish top flight.
“Those moments are amazing,” said Vegas. “Individually, your debut is the best moment, but as collective moments, the promotions were crazy. They were better than staying in LaLiga after a tough year. To get promoted is so amazing.”
Vegas’ career playing at the highest level in Spain took him to iconic destinations in the sport, including the home sites of the historic ‘El Clasico’ rivalry: Real Madrid CF’s Santiago Bernabeu and FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou. But after struggling to get consistent playing time in his home country, Vegas made the difficult decision to…