Junior Firpo included in the preliminary squad of the Olympic Games in the Dominican Republic

Benalmádena-raised Leeds United footballer Junior Firpo has secured a place in the Dominican Republic’s preliminary football squad for the Paris Olympics.

Selected by Spanish coach Ibai Gómez, the 27-year-old joins Sevilla’s Mariano as an over-23 player in the squad.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Firpo moved to Malaga at the age of six and played for local teams Atlético Benamiel, Tiro Pichón and Puerto Malagueño before joining Real Betis’ youth set-up.

His journey continued at Barcelona before moving to Leeds United, where he remains under contract until 2025.

“Junior’s inclusion is a testament to his talent and dedication,” noted Gómez, emphasizing Firpo’s leadership role.

The final 27-man squad will be confirmed soon, with expectations high that Firpo will feature prominently, barring injury.

Real Madrid’s Malaga-born Brahim Díaz is also expected to be in Morocco’s final squad, while 19-year-old Juventus centre-back Dean Huijsen, who started with Costa Unida CF de Marbella, before joining Malaga’s youth team in 2015. , could be in the Spain squad.