Confirmation of Omar Mascarell joining the CAFE team as ambassador came through just as the January transfer window closed, and on the day that the Schalke player turned 28.

Story also available in Spanish and German. 

Born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the Canary Islands of Spain, Mascarell played for local side CD Laguna de Tenerife until the age of 17. He joined Real Madrid’s youth system in 2010, making his senior debut in 2013, replacing Mesut Ozil in a 4-2 win against Ossasuna at Santiago Bernabéu.

Mascarell later went out on loan to Derby County and Sporting Gijón, before joining Eintracht Frankfurt and winning the German Cup. In 2018, Mascarell signed for Schalke 04 in a deal reported to be worth around €10 million.

Mascarell quickly became a key player for Schalke, and captained the side in 2020. Played predominantly as a defensive midfielder, he has amassed over 50 Bundesliga appearances for Schalke.

Passionate about inclusion in football, Mascarell shares CAFE’s vision of a game that is accessible for all and was delighted to become a CAFE Amabassador.

CAFE Managing Director, Joanna Deagle added: “We are very excited to have Omar join us as our new Ambassador, and thank him for his commitment to this important topic. As we continue to work towards our goal of #TotalAccess, support across the entire industry is vital in raising wider awareness and understandings of the benefits of good access for all”.

“Powerful voices from within the game can help to influence positive change, and we are delighted to welcome Omar to the team”, added Joanna.

Omar joins us ahead of our ninth annual celebration of access and inclusion within sport. The CAFE Week of Action 2021 takes place between 6-14 March, and we invite you to join us in sharing your support for disabled people within sport and a game that is welcoming for all.

National associations, leagues, clubs, NGOs, disabled fans and their groups, as well as anyone else with a passion for access and inclusion, are encouraged to take part in the largest campaign of its kind.

The CAFE Week of Action runs parallel to the Level Playing Field Weeks of Action. If you are based in England or Wales, please contact Level Playing Field to see how you can get involved

Find out more about this year’s CAFE Week of Action and how you can get involved.