Dani Hernández’s Heartfelt Connection to Venezuela
Dani Hernández, the former goalkeeper for CD Tenerife, speaks of his unique position between two cultures. Born in Venezuela to Canarian parents, he identifies as both Spanish and Venezuelan. “I’ve always felt connected to both sides,” he says, especially in light of the recent earthquakes affecting his birthplace.
Hernández’s family moved to Venezuela while his grandparents sought a better future. His father worked in a spare parts shop they owned, while his mother was a student when they met. The family returned to the Canary Islands when he was just a year old.
Despite having few childhood memories of Venezuela, Hernández’s dual nationality allowed him to reconnect with his roots when he was called up to the national football team at 24. Venezuelan customs and culture remained a staple in his home, with weekly servings of arepas and cachapas while watching football matches at his grandmother’s house.
Today, he keeps a close eye on news from Venezuela. His birthplace, La Guaira, often comes to mind when he sees reports of devastation. He frequently asks his mother about familiar buildings and whether their friends’ homes are affected.
After the earthquakes, Hernández faced a few anxious days as he struggled to reach friends from the national team due to communication issues. Fortunately, he reports that both friends and families are safe.
