Osmar Ibáñez has spent the better part of two decades at the heart of defences across Spain and Asia, building a trophy cabinet that includes titles in multiple countries.
But the former Buriram United and FC Seoul captain is as much a student of football as he is a player. From childhood games in a small Spanish village to facing some of Europe’s best, unforgettable nights in the AFC Champions League and that goal against Juventus, Osmar’s career has shaped a philosophy built around intelligence, sacrifice, and the collective.
Now, with the veteran defender admitting the referee is already checking his watch on his career playing time, Osmar joins Ryan Walters on Tunnel Vision to look back on the matches and moments that shaped him.
Ryan Walters: As your career flashes before your mind, what’s the first football match you remember playing in?
Osmar Ibáñez: It’s not even a game. I just remember playing in the park with my friends. Playing in the main square, tyring not to hit people around, the police not to catch your ball and take it.
I think those moments are happier or more influential to me than any game. Of course I played good games, had good memories, but these moments with your friends.
I would go way, way, way back where nothing mattered. Just have friends. You choose, hey, I’m this team, I’m this player. Oh look, I’m like Zidane.
RW: Who did you say you were back in the day?
OI: I remember my first favourite player was Roberto Carlos. Really long time ago. And then, and then Zidane came in.
RW: Which team have you watched most in your life?
OI: I grew up being a Real Madrid fan until maybe I grew up, I became a professional player, and then I just enjoy watching good teams, good performances more than colors.
I’m always happy when Real Madrid plays and wins, but I like to see the good teams winning. I want to enjoy the game, to watch a good performance. A team who dominates most of the areas of the pitch and moments and phases of the game.
When I became a professional, I stopped being such a hooligan or such a big Real Madrid fan, and I became a football fan.
RW: If a scouting report called someone an Osmar-type player, what would that mean?
OI: It should be a smart player for sure.
I don’t wanna keep bringing Spain into the conversation, but it is what we do in Spain, you know. We give a lot of importance to what you have [in your brain], what you can see here, not with just your eyes or what you can do with a ball in your feet.
I would say has to be smart with and without the ball as well. It’s quite easy to focus the attention on the ball and the things you do with the ball, but the work without the ball, the defensive work as well is also important.
First, should be smart, and second they should be a team player to be honest.
When you are on the pitch, I really understand that team is everything. It’s not a sport where you can do things alone. You really need your teammate on your left and your right and your back, the same as they need you.
Has to be smart, has to be disciplined and committed to help a team.
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There is plenty more ground covered in the full conversation, from the best players Osmar faced and the atmospheres that defined his years in Asia to his unforgettable goal against Juventus and why, with his career now in “extra time,” he still has a lot to learn about the beautiful game.
▶️ 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪
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