Spain's 2026 World Cup campaign was a fairytale. For the players, for the fans, for the entire nation. And it's the actual point of the national team: everyone united under the flag, striving for an ultimate goal.Once the trophy is won, everyone feels they played their part in the success and contributed in one way or another – at least by biting their nails and sending positive energy through the TV, while watching games from the comfort of their own homes.For a few weeks, an entire country becomes one team, and there's no room for individuality. The nation fights together and, after a triumphant ending, celebrates together. No exceptions. They don't say that "there's no I in team" for nothing.Trophy parade in Madrid (©Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images)But what if there's a man who doesn't feel like celebrating? Some might think he's an outcast and an egoist, not feeling obliged to delve into the reasons behind that scandalous stance.Imagine that, some would say, "doesn't feel like celebrating"… Spain are on the top of the world for God's sake! How on Earth can anyone not be over the moon?What if we told you there's a man torn between sadness and joy after La Roja's triumph? A man too strong and proud to say it out loud and lay his emotions bare, but also a man of flesh and blood, aware that there are things impossible to conceal. A man who would scream with joy, yet cry out in sorrow over his tragic fate at the same time.FALSE 10: Spanish football hegemonyHow can anyone feel like that? one might wonder. Is there a person capable of coping with that wave of mixed emotions that overwhelms the heart and clouds the mind? Oh, yes… Yes, there is.It's a man whose face – thrilled and angry, joyful and sad, at the same time – is hidden behind Batman's mask.While others are proudly showing their beaming faces, he's hiding his – aware that people would understand his feelings, but still in fear they would condemn him.He's hiding just like Bruce Wayne, desperately trying to move past his traumas and the memories that continue to haunt him.FALSE 10: Sorry, who's playing?His name is Fermin Lopez, and his national team has recently become world champion. Without him.Unlike several other players cut by Luis de la Fuente ahead of the World Cup, the Barcelona winger was cruelly denied the chance to represent his country at the biggest stage, conquer the world, and become a part of history.FALSE 10: Netflix producers, hear us out…Less than a month before the World Cup got underway, Fermin suffered a serious metatarsal fracture, which brought those dreams crashing down.Now, almost two weeks after Spain's well-deserved victory over Argentina, the 23-year-old is still fighting his inner battles.While a number of his La Roja and Barcelona teammates – Eric Garcia, Dani Olmo, Pedri, Ferran Torres, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi… Practically the whole national team squad – changed their profile pictures on social media to a photo with the trophy, Fermin's reveals the pain he carries inside, saying more than words ever could.Oh I feel so bad for Fermin Lopez pic.twitter.com/OUO3K7O70H— Pain.𝕏 (@GBarca_) July 28, 2026 A Batman silhouette against a dark background – to perfectly encapsulate his struggles and show that he is currently the Dark Knight, not because he wanted to replace his joyful look on his face with a somber expression, but because a cruel fate left him with no choice.In a recent interview for Tot Costa on Catalunya Radio, Fermin opened up on his state of mind and "the worst summer"."I didn’t watch the first few matches of the Spanish national team in the World Cup; I couldn’t. I wanted to be there," he admitted honestly via Mundo Deportivo."Towards the end, when I was feeling a bit better, I decided to go see the final live in New York.”❤️🩹🇪🇸 Fermín López: “It’s been worst summer, for sure. Everything was going well… feeling in the peak of my form and then the injury arrived”, told Catalunya Radio.“At first, 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 it was tough as I also wanted to be… pic.twitter.com/CfER6bBa1X— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 29, 2026 The crucial thing is that Fermin is doing better – both physically and mentally."I'm feeling better every day. I have no discomfort, which is important."“I got through it thanks to my family, my partner, and my friends. I needed help. I already had it before, but my coach helped me a lot to get through it," Fermin concluded.##NAJAVA_MECA_9874702##He is young, and he'll overcome this immense disappointment, but the scar is likely to never fade. One day, he might win the World Cup, the European Championship, the Champions League, whatever trophy he had dreamed of, but the shadow of heartbreak and regret will continue to weigh on him.He will learn to live with it and wear a smile as his shield, concealing the storm of emotions that overwhelms him every time he thinks back to the 2026 World Cup.Fermin will be fine, and that's what matters most, but still, a small piece of him will forever be captured in that profile picture – a Dark Knight in front of a gloomy background, carrying no trace of joy.##NAJAVA_MECA_9872280##
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