During his summer break, former Arsenal player Hector Bellerin frequently posts images of books he has read on his Instagram. These include classics like Pedro Paramo by Juan Rulfo (which inspired Gabriel Garcia Marquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude), Gypsy Ballads by Federico Garcia Lorca, and the contemporary work Bad Habit by Alana Portero. Most of the books are from Spanish and South American literature.
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Hector Bellerin. Photo: Instagram |
Hector Bellerin. Photo: Instagram
The soccer player grew up in an intellectual family that nurtured his love of books. His name, Hector Bellerin, was inspired by ancient Greek stories his father enjoyed. From the age of 19 to 26, he primarily read nonfiction.
His love for literature truly blossomed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Facing career uncertainty while isolating at home, Bellerin found solace and self-discovery in Charles Bukowski's Post Office. "I didn't know when soccer would return, and I was even drinking a lot—it was a difficult time," he said. "I'm not saying literature saved me, but it made my life a lot easier."
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Bellerin during his time at Arsenal. Photo: Catherine Ivill/Reuters |
Bellerin during his time at Arsenal. Photo: Catherine Ivill/Reuters
Despite concerns that off-field interests might distract players, Bellerin doesn't hide his passion for books. "Literature has become something—I know this might sound cliche—but truly, it has completely changed my life," he explains.
He also shares his belief that reading is for learning, not just entertainment. His reading choices have evolved over time. After realizing he mostly read male authors like Bukowski and Hermann Hesse, he actively sought out female writers, including Han Kang (The Vegetarian) and Naomi Klein (Doppelganger). During training in Portugal, he brought along Art of Memoir by Mary Karr, Cara de Pan by Sara Mesa, What We Think About When We Think About Football by Simon Critchley, and Little Eyes by Samanta Schweblin.
Sergio C Fanjul, a cultural reporter for the Spanish newspaper El Pais, notes Bellerin's "sensitivity to the pulse of the publishing world." His following of critically acclaimed authors shows that "Bellerin is not simply a reader chasing trends."
Bellerin gets book recommendations from a writing group he attends every Tuesday evening in Seville. The members include students, doctors, and engineers. They introduce him to contemporary Spanish literature. "We exchange ideas and suggest books and movies to each other. My taste has also changed, as the people around me have excellent taste and make great recommendations, introducing me to new names, faces, and writing styles," he says.
Even so, Bellerin admits he sometimes struggles with classics. He once failed to read Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë in the original English before switching to a Spanish translation. "I tried, but I couldn't," he confessed. The Guardian notes that this honest admission makes him more relatable—"a soccer star with a love for books and a down-to-earth personality."
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Hector Bellerin modeling. Photo: H&M |
Hector Bellerin modeling. Photo: H&M
Born in 1995, Bellerin is a Spanish professional soccer player, currently a right-back for Real Betis in La Liga. He previously played for Arsenal for 10 years, starting at age 16. Beyond soccer, he has dabbled in fashion, even establishing his own brand. He also loves photography and believes in the role of art in supporting mental health.
Khanh Linh (The Guardian)
