Falling in Love with Real through FIFA

In partnership with

LaLiga

·5 May 2023

Falling in Love with Real through FIFA

Listed by Guinness World Records as the best-selling sports video game franchise in the world, FIFA has sold more than 325 million copies as of 2021.

The game serves as an opportunity for football fanatics, gamers and those new to soccer to learn, understand and appreciate the beautiful game, its players and its clubs.

OneFootball Videos

For Harold Mendoza AKA iDonHarold, FIFA isn’t just a casual pastime—it’s life, and a major reason he’s a fan of Real Madrid.

“I started playing FIFA in 2002 and they were always the five-star team so I’d always pick them,” he says. “Luis Figo had the highest rating and I liked how they played. They also had amazing players like Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo.”

Mendoza grew up in Oxnard, California, watching more soccer than cartoons. While he didn’t have a favorite team at the beginning of his journey with the sport, winning with Madrid in the video game and seeing Los Blancos winning in real life only solidified his choice.

“My whole life revolves around soccer to be honest,” he says. “Growing up, we had all the soccer channels and no Nickelodeon, so honestly I was watching soccer instead of Spongebob, which was OK with me.”

His favorite player is Eden Hazard, another product of his FIFA infatuation. Mendoza says he used to play as the speedy winger in the game, much to his friends’ chagrin.

“They used to tell me I couldn't use create-a-players and I was like, ‘What, you never heard of this guy?’” Mendoza says with a laugh.

The 26-year-old junior high teacher from California has kept up his FIFA playing. He recently participated in the eLaLiga U.S. Challenge presented by Panini America and won Atlético Madrid’s tournament, earning a trip to Spain in December thanks to one of his favorite club’s rivals.

Despite domestic leagues being suspended for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the Santiago Bernabéu undergoing renovations, Mendoza made sure to visit Real Madrid’s home.

“I went the next day and felt really guilty but I didn’t care,” Mendoza says. “For sure I’m going to have to go back. I’m hoping to go after the stadium’s fully built so I don't have to wait to watch a match again.”

For now, Mendoza will have to get his soccer fix from afar. He currently coaches seventh and eighth grade boys and girls teams at his school, watches Real Madrid and plays FIFA as much as he can—he’s even been challenged by some of his students to a friendly game, though he respectfully declines.

FULL SERIES:

Galician Roots in Brooklyn

Finding a Family Abroad

A LaLiga Love Story

A Divided Household

The Unexpected Fan

A Home Away from Home

An Atlético Legacy

The Real Madrid Collector

Converted By Andalusia

It’s Been Too Long

The Return of the Underdogs