Namibian rugby talent Miguel Carballo has taken a major step in his sporting journey, signing with Ferrol Rugby Club in Spain. 

For him, this achievement represents not only years of dedication and discipline but also the unwavering support of his faith, his family and his mentors.

“First of all, I want to thank God Almighty for the opportunity to grow my rugby career and for leading the way for me to do what I love playing rugby,” Carballo said.

“My father, Manuel ‘Lito’ Carballo, and my agent opened the door for me to be able to play for this club. I am truly grateful to them for believing in me,” he remarked.

His sporting journey began in athletics, but it was a teacher at Walvis Bay Primary School who encouraged him to switch to rugby, a decision that changed everything.

He played for the school from U/8 to U/13 before moving to Walvis Bay High School, where he joined the U/14 side.

At U/15, he transferred to De Duine, but progress was halted by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

He even received a scholarship offer from England that he could not take up due to travel restrictions.

“It was tough, but I kept reminding myself that God’s timing is not my timing,” he reflected.

At 16, Carballo returned to De Duine and later joined Dolphin Gymnasium (now Walvis Bay Gymnasium) to help launch its rugby programme. 

His performances soon caught attention, and Walvis Bay High called him back after he earned selection for the regional team.

Working his way from the second team to the first, Carballo capped the season by winning the A-League final with the Naartjies.

The following season, he became a starter, reaching the semi-finals and earning selection once again for the regional team, along with a call-up to the Namibia U/18 training camp.

In 2024, Carballo joined the Namibia U/20 training camp and made his senior club debut for FNB Kudu Rugby Club, who went on to win the national league. 

Although an injury ended his season early, he took it as another lesson in patience and faith.

 “That was another reminder of God’s timing,” he said.

Unable to play during 2025 due to recovery, Carballo proudly watched as Kudus secured the league and cup double. 

Around the same time, talks with Ferrol Rugby Club in Spain – who had first shown interest when he was 18 – resumed in earnest.

“I believe now is the perfect time. Through every setback, I kept praying and trusting God. One verse that carried me is Psalm 46:10: ‘Be still and know that I am God.’”

Looking back, Carballo said every challenge prepared him for this moment.  

“I’m grateful for everything. It grew me into the person I am today. All glory to God,” he remarked.