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The sports commentator Renier González, one of the most recognized voices on Cuban television, is currently in Spain.
González has published a couple of videos from the city of Valladolid on his Instagram, including one about the José Zorrilla stadium, home to Real Valladolid.
The sports commentator has not publicly explained the reason for his stay in Spain.
A post by journalist Yasel Porto on Facebook confirmed Renier González's stay in Spain through the testimony of fellow sports commentator, Kitin Rodríguez, who met with González.
Rodríguez, based in Madrid, described the meeting as "a very pleasant end to the morning," and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share time with his colleague and friend, noting that González was in Spain "taking a breath."
The phrase sparked an avalanche of reactions among followers, divided between those who celebrated the trip and those who made ironic comments about the situation.
Reactions on social media reflected the usual division surrounding the figure of Renier González.
"He is a remarkable journalist, speaks his mind, excels in any sport, and is unafraid"; "One of the few brave voices remaining in sports commentary in Cuba"; "The best: knowledge, courage, and an unbeatable personal touch," commented some.
Other users bet on his future outside the island: "Soon we will see him commenting on the Spanish league or on some major sports program like El Chiringuito" and "He should take advantage and stay."
Comments filled with irony were not lacking, such as "Will that 'air' push him back here again or will it leave him there?" or the question "Will there be blackouts over there? Hopefully not..."
A third person was more direct: “The problem is not that they travel, but the double standard.”
Some pointed out that the trip was funded by González himself: “The trip was not paid for by INDER”, wrote a follower, referring to the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation.
A regular figure of the program Bola Viva on Tele Rebelde, González has accumulated several decades of experience in Cuban television since his debut in 1996, when he narrated a Champions League match between Ajax and Panathinaikos alongside Herminio Rifá.
His direct and controversial style has earned him both admirers and detractors.
In April 2024, a leaked audio in which he harshly criticized the National Baseball Series sparked significant controversy and led to his temporary absence from the public eye, although Cuban Television denied any formal sanction.
The visit of Reniter González to Spain occurs amidst the growing exodus of journalists linked to official Cuban media, as Cuba faces a serious economic and social crisis.
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