Some saves decide a match. Some people give a team strength. German Salazar brought both to Union Vrede. But when our goalkeeper talks about the Belgian title, he immediately points to his teammates: this victory belongs to everyone.

On the sand, everything can change in a fraction of a second. A shot, a bouncing ball, a decision. Behind our players stands a goalkeeper who embraces that intensity.

German Salazar has Colombian roots, became a French citizen and represented the French national team for seven years. For him, sports is a passion that extends beyond a single discipline.

At Union Vrede he found an ambitious project and players who want to learn and grow. He accepted the invitation of the staff and helped our team on the way to the Belgian title.

Behind the gloves stands a team player

Ask German about his share in the championship and he talks about the group. About goals, assists and decisive saves that stem from a joint effort. About players, staff and board joining forces.

The cup is the reward for that work for him.

And his unforgettable memory of the championship? The reception by our president.

That answer says a lot about the person behind the goalkeeper.

Fight together, move forward together

For German, connection starts with communication. Especially when you join a new group, it helps to find each other on the pitch.

His conviction is clear: the willingness to fight for your teammates is essential. When the going gets tough, the team must help each other.

Now Alanya awaits. His ambition for the World Winners Cup is to contribute as much as possible to the group and to fully experience this opportunity.

He asks his teammates for strong preparation, out of respect for each other and for the team. He asks our supporters to be present during every phase of this adventure.

German Salazar guards our goal. His words show how much the people in front of that goal mean to him.

The full interview with German Salazar

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell our supporters a bit about yourself?

Hello everyone, I am German Salazar, beach soccer goalkeeper. I am of Colombian descent and naturalized as a French citizen.

I have been lucky enough to represent the French national team for seven years.

I consider myself a sports enthusiast and practice various sports disciplines with passion and commitment.

2. How did your journey as a goalkeeper start and why did you choose that position?

I have been a goalkeeper from a very young age. I discovered beach soccer in France during a regional tournament near Montpellier.

3. How did you discover beach soccer and what attracted you to this sport?

After that tournament I decided to continue with beach soccer.

The speed and the large number of actions compared to traditional football appealed to me and convinced me to stay.

4. What are the main differences between a beach soccer goalkeeper and a goalkeeper in traditional football?

Both the traditional goalkeeper and the beach soccer goalkeeper must be a complete athlete, physically and mentally.

The difference is not in the position, but in the surface and the dimensions of the pitch.

A beach soccer goalkeeper plays on a smaller pitch and on sand. He has to contribute more to ball possession and finishing for his team than a traditional goalkeeper.

5. How did you end up at Union Vrede and what were your first impressions of the team?

I got the opportunity to join Union Vrede and make a small contribution during the Belgian championship.

The staff gave me confidence and I accepted their invitation.

Union Vrede is an ambitious and promising project!

The players are open to new ideas and determined to develop.

6. How would you describe your experience during the season in which we won the championship?

The experience was incredible. Belgium is a very beautiful country.

The Belgian beach soccer community is very motivated and people respect each other.

Of course, as in most countries, development is difficult and there is not much support from those responsible within football.

7. You played a very important role in achieving the Belgian title with Union Vrede. What does that trophy mean to you personally?

I wouldn't say I played a very important role. For me, we all had an equal share in this title. Some of us got the opportunity to contribute to the statistics in the final with goals, assists or decisive saves, but that is all the result of a collective effort.

The trophy is the reward for the individual and joint efforts of this group, the staff and the board. A joining of forces. 🏆

8. Is there a match, save or special moment from the championship that you will never forget?

The reception the president gave us.

9. Goalkeepers often have to make important decisions under great pressure. How do you stay focused during decisive moments and penalty shootouts?

With time, experience makes you get used to it. I crawl into my own bubble and give myself the space to be free.

10. How important are communication and trust between the goalkeeper and the rest of the team in beach soccer?

Communication is essential, especially when you join a new group.

It helps to connect more easily on the pitch.

And more than trust, it's about the willingness to fight for your teammates and not look for culprits.

11. How would you describe the team spirit and atmosphere in the dressing room of Union Vrede?

Very tight-knit.

12. What are your expectations and personal ambitions for the World Winners Cup in Alanya?

To contribute as much as possible to the group.

And to enjoy this great opportunity.

13. Finally, what message do you want to convey to your teammates and the supporters of Union Vrede?

To my teammates: prepare yourselves very well, out of respect for the group and the team.

And to the supporters: be present during all moments of this great sports project.