On March 13, the president of the Salvadoran National Sports Institute (INDES), Yamil Bukele, announced the 2024 agenda for national sports. During a media conference, he confirmed that Cádiz CF, from the Spanish Top tier, La Liga. The club will be the guest of honor for the re-inauguration of the Mágico González stadium, which is about to finish its remodeling in the coming weeks.
Jorge Gonzalez and his relationship with Cadiz runs deep. Mágico González had two stints at Cádiz CF, from 1982 to 1984 and then again from 1986 to 1991. Shortly after his time in Europe, Jorge returned to El Salvador to play for Club Deportivo FAS, where he played from 1991 until his retirement in 1999. He briefly had short stints at Real Valladolid in 1985 and played a US tour with FC Barcelona, sharing the pitch with Diego Maradona.
“Cadiz CF will be the guest of honor to inaugurate the remodeled Mágico González Stadium against the National Team.” Said Bukele.
Although the stadium was first used for the 2023 Central American and Caribbean games and some CONCACAF Nations League matches, the venue was not officially re-inaugurated. The stadium opened its doors while still under renovation because of the field conditions at Cuscatlán Stadium, where CONCACAF did not grant permission to use it as a home venue.
Bukele confirmed that the game is scheduled for May 30 to allow the Spanish club to finish the 2023-24 season. This game will pay homage to arguably the greatest Salvadoran player and one of the most influential strikers in CONCACAF history. Bukele told the press that this game will be a free event. In any case, INDES will control who has access to the event.
“The public will be able to enjoy this tribute that we pay to the best soccer player of all time,” Bukele said on his social networks. Bukele reiterated, “Later, we will announce the dynamics so the fans can obtain their respective tickets.”
Also, INDES confirmed they would invite former Mágico teammates from Cádiz, the National Team, and Salvadoran first division side CD FAS to this inaugural match. There is no doubt that INDES will pay honor to a man who gave happiness to millions of Salvadorans. Twenty-five years after his retirement, he is still remembered and admired by former and present legends.