Isaac Cuenca, a native of Reus in the province of Tarragona, was once considered one of Spain’s most promising footballers. His journey in professional sports began in youth teams, and he later joined Barcelona under Pep Guardiola. However, a series of serious injuries prevented him from realizing his full potential on the field. Cuenca was forced to end his professional career at the age of 32, after which his life changed dramatically.
Over the years, Cuenca played for several clubs, including Sabadell, Amsterdam’s Ajax, Deportivo, Turkey’s Bursaspor, Granada, Israel’s Hapoel Be’er Sheva, and Japanese sides Sagan Tosu and Vegalta Sendai. Despite this wide range of football experiences, it was injuries that ultimately defined the course of his career.
For a long time, Cuenca suffered from constant pain that interfered even with his daily life. Only after undergoing stem cell therapy did he manage to overcome these agonizing sensations. This experience became a turning point in his search for a new calling.
After retiring from football, Cuenca decided to focus on entrepreneurship. He founded Cold2Sport, a company specializing in the development of innovative recovery solutions for athletes using thermal technologies. Inspired by the way wine coolers work, the former footballer created a product line that allows for precise temperature control to speed up muscle and joint recovery. Special emphasis is placed on the eco-friendliness and energy efficiency of the systems used.
Cuenca notes that after leaving Barcelona, he had to deal with loneliness and a reassessment of his values. Despite enjoying financial stability, he realized that sporting fame does not guarantee inner fulfillment. The experience gained playing alongside stars such as Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Victor Valdes taught him to handle pressure and embrace change.
Today, Cuenca is actively developing his business, helping other athletes return to training faster after injuries. His story has become an example of how one can overcome difficulties and find a new calling without losing touch with sports. The former midfielder continues moving forward, using his own experience to support those facing similar challenges.
