José Ramón Fernández: A Living Legend in Communication
José Ramón Fernández, affectionately known as Joserra, recently showcased his latest literary endeavor, a book that encapsulates his extensive journey through the realm of sports journalism. With pride, he flipped through its pages, seeking validation from me, a fellow journalist. "What do you think, Tovar?" he inquired. I promptly affirmed that it is indeed a must-read, as it intricately details his rich experiences from the early days of his career to his most recent coverage. Having worked alongside him at ESPN, I can attest to his professionalism and the immense knowledge he imparted, but that, as an old adage goes, is another story. The narrative that demands our attention today is that of a living legend in the field of communication.
In an engaging atmosphere, our conversation meandered through various topics, revealing Fernández’s profound insights into sports and television. Prior to my interview with him, the esteemed journalist Carmen Aristegui had also shared a dialogue with him, highlighting his simplicity and warmth. José Ramón had personally reached out to invite me to this discussion, emphasizing the privilege it is to converse with such an influential figure. His charisma transforms a mere thirty-minute chat into an enthralling experience filled with laughter and compelling anecdotes.
The 2026 World Cup: An Elitist Event
As the conversation shifted towards the upcoming World Cup, Fernández expressed a stark concern: this event is not for the common people. He lamented that the current atmosphere surrounding the World Cup starkly contrasts with the excitement of the 1986 tournament, where fans were eager to witness live matches. Today, he pointed out, a ticket can cost between $5,000 to $10,000, effectively alienating the average fan. "The World Cup has become elitist," he remarked, shaking his head in dismay.
When I inquired about the responsibility for this shift, Fernández did not hesitate. He pointed to FIFA, suggesting that they conspire with various governments to ensure that the event caters to wealthier demographics. He foresees a similar trend for future tournaments, including the upcoming World Cup in Spain. Drawing attention to the economic disparities, he mentioned that the average daily wage in Mexico is around $663.45 MXN, with a monthly average of approximately $20,168 MXN. He challenged me with a rhetorical question: "Would you spend $10,000 or $15,000 on a ticket? No? Then you’ll have to watch it on TV or somehow obtain credentials that are nearly impossible to acquire."
Fernández further emphasized that Mexico would gain nothing from this World Cup, neither in terms of international reputation nor economic benefit. He questioned the likelihood of tourists flocking to see matches involving Mexico, particularly against teams like South Korea or the Czech Republic. He highlighted the lack of a vibrant atmosphere in the U.S. compared to the fervor witnessed in the 1970 and 1986 World Cups, where fans were passionate and engaged. Today, he argues, that enthusiasm has diminished significantly, leaving the upcoming event feeling hollow.
As we continued our discussion, he characterized the 2026 World Cup as highly politicized, a trend he finds unsurprising given the historical context of international events. He criticized FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, for controversial decisions, such as awarding a peace medal to Donald Trump, suggesting that the integrity of the sport is compromised in pursuit of broader participation, albeit at a significant cost.
This critical view and many more intriguing stories are richly narrated in his latest book, "El Protagonista," which was released just this week. Through his writing, Fernández offers readers a unique lens into the world of sports journalism, making it clear that his voice will continue to resonate in the industry.
As reported by record.com.mx.
