The Salvadoran footballer, Walter Pérez, who is eighteen years old, is currently experiencing one of the most significant moments of his young career. Since he was a child, the desire to excel and discover new horizons through football has accompanied him at every stage of his development.
In an interview with Infobae El Salvador, Pérez described how sports have helped him grow physically and mentally, maintain discipline, and find motivations that go beyond competition.
Walter Pérez recalls that from the age of six, football became his inseparable companion. He began his training at the Municipal School "La Unión," in the department of La Unión, where he remained until he was nine years old.
During that period, he was awarded the title of top scorer in the 2017 Departmental Tournament, competing in the Under-8 category. This distinction marked the beginning of a series of achievements and learning experiences that motivated him to seek new challenges.
While at the municipal school, he participated in three youth championships held in the eastern region of El Salvador. These early tournaments gave him the opportunity to compete with children from all over the region and to begin developing a competitive mindset.
At the age of eleven, Walter Pérez decided to take the next step in his football development. He joined the "Club Deportivo Corona" school, located in San Miguel. This change occurred after his team from La Unión was eliminated in a tournament held in San Miguel.
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Walter Pérez began his football career at the age of six at the Municipal School "La Unión," where he was the top scorer in the 2017 departmental tournament. (Photo: courtesy) The Salvadoran footballer Walter Pérez, at eighteen years old, is currently experiencing one of the most significant moments of his young career. From a young age, the desire to excel and discover new horizons through football has accompanied him at every stage of his development. In an interview with Infobae El Salvador, Pérez described how sports have helped him grow physically and mentally, maintain discipline, and foster a sense of teamwork.
He also spoke about the challenges he faces, including the financial burden on his family and the pressure to perform. Despite these challenges, Pérez remains optimistic and determined to achieve his goals. He is grateful for the support of his family, coaches, and teammates, and he is committed to representing his country with pride.
Pérez's story is an inspiration to young people around the world. It shows that with hard work, dedication, and the support of loved ones, anything is possible. He is a role model for aspiring footballers and a symbol of hope for a brighter future.
The family has made significant sacrifices to support Waltercito's dream, taking out loans and incurring substantial expenses for his stay and training. They are awaiting a decision from Levante UD regarding financial support for a possible extension of his scholarship.
Since February, Waltercito has been living in Spain after being invited by the Valencian club. The young man traveled with an initial opportunity of three months, fully financed by his family. "We had to take out loans, we have our jobs, but these expenses are something more... a parent does anything for their children to achieve their dreams," his father said.
The permanence in the club now depends on direct negotiations with Levante UD. According to Walter Pérez, the family is waiting for a meeting where it will be defined what part of the costs the club will assume and how much they will have to cover. "Initially, the investment was for the first three months: you pay fifty percent, we assume fifty percent; or we assume seventy-five percent, you pay twenty-five percent. Today, I received a message that he may have the opportunity of the year... but that's where I'm going, they will have a meeting and they will give me details about how much we will be paying month by month for the year he would be there."
The immigration process is another challenge. The three-month residency permit, valid until May 20, requires the family to apply for a student visa or the necessary documentation for Waltercito to legally stay in Spain for a longer period.
Walter Pérez has clear goals as a central midfielder and central defender, motivated by football, family support, and the hope of new opportunities in Spain. (Photo: courtesy)
For the Pérez family, the experience represents a mixture of joy and uncertainty. "We are grateful to God for the opportunity he has given my son, it is a blessing," said Walter Pérez. The dream of Waltercito has generated pride, but it also implies daily sacrifices. "We are happy, we are happy that he is living his dream." Expectations are focused on the club confirming the extension for a year and that the financial support is formalized. Meanwhile, the family hopes to be able to sustain the project, trusting that the effort made will open new opportunities for Waltercito.
The young man, who mainly plays as a central midfielder, both defensively and offensively, and sometimes also plays as a central defender, knows that his main goal is to continue improving through football. "Keep playing, give everything I know, never give up," he said. His immediate goal is to continue in Spain, continue learning and take advantage of any opportunity that arises, either at Levante or at another club.
The footballer also sent a message to young people who face doubts or fears about their future: "Have faith, have hope, confidence, and there will always be an opportunity... When you see that opportunity, always be ready to show what you are made of." He also highlighted the importance of faith and family support in his career as an athlete.