Roger Hinojo Takes Espanyol's Number 21, Once Worn by Dani Jarque
Spanish football club Espanyol has given the number 21 shirt to player Roger Hinojo.
This number carries a deep meaning for the club and its fans.
It was worn by Dani Jarque, a former captain who died suddenly when he was young.
Jarque's death shocked the football world, and fans still remember him with great affection.
Since then, the number 21 has become a symbol of his legacy at Espanyol.
The club does not give this shirt to just any player.
It is seen as a special honour, connected to Jarque's memory and values.
Fans and journalists have described the number as having a kind of mysticism, a Spanish word suggesting something almost magical or emotionally powerful.
Now, Roger Hinojo has been chosen to wear it.
This means he will carry part of the club's history on his back.
Wearing the number 21 is not only about football skill.
It also shows that the club and fans trust him with an emotional responsibility.
Espanyol has kept Jarque's memory alive in different ways over the years.
This new shirt assignment is another example of how important he remains to the club.
For Hinojo, this will likely be a proud but serious moment.
He now represents both his own career and a piece of Espanyol's emotional history.
Vocabulary5 words
- Espanyol
- a football club from Spain
- legacy
- something meaningful left behind by someone important
- mysticism
- a special, almost magical feeling connected to something
- captain
- the player who leads the team
- honour
- a special respect given to someone
Quiz
Answer key
1. The number 21 shirt 2. It was worn by former captain Dani Jarque 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Spanish football club Espanyol has given the number 21 shirt to player Roger _____.
This number carries a deep _____ for the club and its fans.
It was worn by Dani Jarque, a former _____ who died suddenly when he was young.
Jarque's death shocked the football world, and fans still remember him with great _____.
Since then, the number 21 has become a symbol of his _____ at Espanyol.
The club does not give this shirt to just any _____.
It is seen as a special _____, connected to Jarque's memory and values.
Fans and journalists have described the number as having a kind of _____.
Now, Roger Hinojo has been _____ to wear it.
Wearing the number 21 is not only about football _____.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think some numbers become emotionally important in sports?
- Do you think giving a special shirt number to a player adds pressure? Why or why not?
- How do football clubs usually honour former players who have died?
- What emotional responsibilities do you think athletes sometimes carry beyond their sport?