Ten years ago, Darío Mata suffered a cardiac arrest while training with his team, Balonmano Antequera in the Silver Honor Division. During his recovery, the Malaga native found support from many people involved in sports, including Juan Mata. The Spanish footballer, who shares his last name, sent him a shirt and a loving message, which Darío deeply appreciated.
Ten years later, the former handball player—who has since become a European Beach Handball champion—has reflected on that life-changing moment. He shared his emotional story at a special event for the sports programme ‘El deporte va por barrios‘ (Sport Goes Neighbourhood to Neighbourhood), held in Málaga’s Olletas district. Addressing over a hundred spectators, Darío admitted: “ From day one, I knew returning to elite handball would be tough. But beach handball changed everything—less contact, a different rhythm—and I rediscovered myself as an athlete there. Now, as fitness coach for Trops Málaga, I’m embracing a new chapter—and loving it ”.
“My total respect and admiration. It’s incredible to see you still thriving in sport.”
The event delivered several touching surprises. The Down Trops Málaga-Fundación Victoria team made a special appearance after receiving an invitation to mark International Down Syndrome Day. Also in attendance was Paco García, the quick-thinking caretaker of Antequera’s Fernando Argüelles sports hall, whose first aid helped save Darío’s life a decade earlier. But the most significant moment came when a video message from Juan Mata lit up the screen. Speaking from Australia, the former Chelsea and Manchester United star sent “ a huge hug to Darío—my total respect and admiration. It’s incredible to see you still thriving in sport .” The room erupted in applause as Darío, visibly moved, watched on.”, provocando el aplaudo de la sala y la emoción del malagueño.
‘El deporte va por barrios’—a social and sporting initiative by Málaga’s Sports Journalists’ Association and Fundación Caixa—has toured 13 underprivileged neighbourhoods in the city. This time, it inspired the heart of Olletas, proving once again how sport can unite, heal, and uplift.
