The Major Soccer League (MLS) has been experiencing a period of excitement for almost a year now. Ever since the news of Lionel Messi’s transfer to Inter Miami last June, football fever has taken over the States. The Argentine superstar has brought a new energy to the beautiful game in America. Amidst this football frenzy is Camil Azzam, a player who honed his skills in Tenerife football.
At just 23 years old, Camil was playing for CD Marino in Playa de Las Américas only four years ago. A month ago, he inked a deal with New York City, a team based in the nation’s capital. Although he will initially feature in the MLS Next Pro’s second team, Camil aspires to work his way up to the first team, which competes in the eastern league of the MLS alongside clubs like Inter Miami, currently led by Messi and Suarez.
Originally from Isla Margarita, Venezuela, Camil relocated to Malaga at the age of three before moving to Tenerife at 13 for family reasons. From then on, he pursued his football career at CD Marino in Playa de las Américas, where he even played in the Honor Division.
During his third year of youth football, Camil made the decision to move to the United States to further his studies and advance his soccer career. He opted for Cardinal Stritch University in Wisconsin, a club that competes in the NAIA league, comprising in-state and nearby teams. “I realised it was a second-tier league within the university system. The advantage of this league lies in its openness, unlike higher leagues which have many restrictions,” he acknowledges.
Camil joined the team late but quickly carved out a place for himself, scoring 17 goals in as many games. Reflecting on his football journey in the US, he comments, “The facilities are top-notch, with excellent training facilities and a plethora of coaches and fitness trainers. It’s a whole different world. From the University level, they treat you like a professional,” confirms Azzam. The US soccer scene has undergone significant changes in recent years, developments that Camil has closely witnessed: “In eight years’ time, they will be among the best.”
“I was the league’s top scorer when my agency suggested a move to the top division of university football (NCAA Division 1), and I signed with IONA University in New York. The timing coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, making the adjustment period quite challenging. The following year brought back a sense of normalcy, but our team performed poorly and was eliminated in the playoff’s first round. Personally, I gradually found my form as time passed. At the end of the year, the agency approached me again, offering opportunities to join teams from the top 15 universities in the country. However, I decided to stay put. The previous season was exceptional, both individually and as a team. I scored numerous goals, and we made it to the final. Although in the decisive game to enter the national tournament, we were trailing 2-1. I won a penalty seconds before the game ended, took the shot, but it was saved. It was a tough moment,” Azzam recounts.
Following his stellar season, Camil caught the attention of major teams in the US and soon received an invitation from NY City, an MLS side that has seen Spanish legends like Villa and Iraola grace its ranks, to participate in their preseason. “I was keen on showcasing my abilities, but unfortunately, I picked up an injury that eventually led to pubalgia. Nonetheless, I managed to score five goals in six preseason matches. Subsequently, I secured my first professional contract,” reveals Camil.
New York City forms part of the City Football Group, the world’s largest football consortium which boasts Manchester City as its flagship club, as well as other clubs worldwide such as Girona, Troyes in France, and Istanbul Basaksehir, among others. “This team presents a fantastic opportunity for growth within the sports structure. I appreciate the prospect of potentially moving to another team if I perform well, always under the guidance of familiar coaches and leaders who know me well. It’s an ideal setup for personal development,” states the newly signed player.
Camil has become well-versed in American football dynamics through his experiences, allowing him to grasp the intricacies of the US league system. According to Azzam, a significant drawback of these leagues is their closed structure, posing a challenge to competitiveness. “Without relegations or promotions, the level of competition in the country diminishes. The aim becomes winning the tournament, with no broader goals,” he explains. Camil characterizes American footballers as “excellent athletes with strong physical attributes, but lacking somewhat in tactical awareness. This sets them apart from players in Spain, for instance,” he asserts.
His ultimate goal is to break into the first team. “It all hinges on my efforts, hard work, and seizing the opportunities that come my way,” he affirms. Azzam dreams of someday facing off against Messi, one of his childhood idols. In the midst of the football revolution in America, a talent nurtured in Tenerife has emerged, intent on leaving his mark on the MLS from the city that never sleeps.
