Abad, Following in the Footsteps of Falcón, Calatayud, and Chema as a Centenarian at Hércules

Carlos Abad has only two seasons behind him at Hércules, but he has rightfully become one of the idols at Rico Pérez. The Tenerife goalkeeper is in his prime, feels important, is a pillar in the locker room, and is determined to reach professional football with Hércules. At 29 years old, the blue-and-white captain is experiencing the best and most mature moment of his career, following in the footsteps of Ismael Falcón, Juan Calatayud, and Chema, the last three goalkeepers to surpass a hundred games with Hércules.

After the derby against Real Murcia, Abad has 71 matches, so he will surpass a hundred this season if he maintains the same level and remains injury-free. The Tenerife goalkeeper has attracted interest from many clubs over the last two summers but has always prioritized the importance given to him at Hércules, where he has a leading role.

Falcón (255) and Calatayud (118) are the most recent centenarian goalkeepers alongside Orihuela's Chema (101), but this list also includes Francisco Javier Falagán (154), Manuel Espinosa (128), José Sirvent 'Cosme' (121), Humberto Núñez (115), Victoriano Bilbao (110), and José Pérez (106).

Abad, whose contract with Hércules ends next June according to Transfermarkt, took his first steps as a footballer in Tenerife's youth academy, with which he debuted in Segunda at just 19 years old. His potential was so great that Real Madrid signed him, where he coincided in their reserve team with players now established in the elite such as Fede Valverde, Achraf Hakimi, Mario Hermoso, Marcos Llorente, Martin Odegaard, Borja Mayoral, and Sergio Reguilón.

After his time at Castilla, he returned to Tenerife, where he couldn't secure a starting spot and then tried to become a key player at Córdoba, Deportivo de la Coruña, and Atlético Baleares. But he found that stability only when he arrived at Hércules in the 22-23 season.

Rubén Torrecilla's team has become accustomed to Abad making goal-saving stops practically every match and the jump in category hasn't affected the Tenerife native either. He performs well under pressure due to his experience in professional football with Córdoba and Tenerife.

Hércules occupies promotion spots after delivering their best match of the season against Real Murcia. This Saturday (9:30 PM), they visit Raúl González's Castilla, a team desperately needing a win.