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Atletico Ottawa 'keeper has a nose for the ball and for a good bottle of wine

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 19:11 GMT by The Globe and Mail

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Luis “El Perro” Hernández, has quickly become the club’s most talked‑about personality. The 28‑year‑old, who arrived from the Spanish third tier last summer, blends world‑class shot‑stopping with a taste for fine wine that has made him a cult hero both on and off the pitch.

Hernández’s story began in the small coastal town of San Antonio de la Costa, where he grew up watching his father coach the local youth side. “I always knew I wanted to be a goalkeeper,” he told The Globe and Mail, “but I also grew up in a family that loved wine.” His father, a passionate vintner, would often bring home bottles of aged sherry and teach Luis how to read a wine’s nose. That early exposure would later echo in his footballing instincts, a “nose” for predicting the trajectory of the ball.

After a successful stint with Spanish club UD Algeciras, Hernández signed a two‑year contract with Atlético Ottawa, a club that prides itself on its partnership with Atlético Madrid and its mission to blend North American grit with European flair. “We’re building a team that looks to the future while staying true to our community roots,” said club president Andrés Gutiérrez. “Luis is a perfect example of that vision.”

Hernández’s on‑field prowess is no accident. With a reach of 6’6” and a reputation for spectacular reflex saves, he has already earned the nickname “El Perro” from Ottawa’s loyal supporters for his dog‑like vigilance. In a match against FC Brampton in the first week of the season, he stopped a 30‑yard strike from the opposition’s talisman, earning a standing ovation from a crowd of 4,200. “He reads the game like a chess player,” coach Miguel “Migue” Salazar remarked. “His anticipation is instinctive; it’s almost as if he’s smelling where the ball will go.”

Off the field, Hernández’s penchant for wine has become an endearing subplot. After every training session, he is often found in the locker room with a glass of his prized 1998 Malbec, sharing it with teammates and offering a quick lesson on how to identify a “good bottle.” In an interview, he said, “Playing soccer is an art, and so is wine. Both require patience, precision, and the ability to enjoy the process.” The club’s marketing team has even launched a “Wine & Goalkeeper” campaign, featuring Hernández’s favorite bottles in a series of social media posts that have trended on Twitter.

Hernández’s journey to Ottawa also carries a narrative of resilience. He moved to Canada as a teenager, joining the Ottawa Soccer Academy while balancing studies. After a year with the academy’s U‑17 squad, he earned a scholarship at the University of Toronto, where he excelled as a senior, earning conference honors and drawing the attention of professional scouts. “It wasn’t easy,” he admitted. “There were moments when I doubted whether I could make it to the professional level, but my family and my love for the game kept me going.”

The club’s integration of Hernández is a testament to Atletico Ottawa’s commitment to blending local talent with international experience. “We’re not just building a team; we’re building a community,” Gutiérrez said. “Players like Luis, who bring something unique—whether it’s a passion for wine or a fierce commitment to the game—enrich that community.”

As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how Hernández’s “nose” continues to perform. Will he save a clutch penalty in a late playoff match? Will he introduce his teammates to a new Bordeaux varietal at the locker room? While the answers remain to be seen, one thing is clear: in the world of Canadian soccer, Luis Hernández is more than a goalkeeper; he is a symbol of the club’s ambition, its cultural curiosity, and its commitment to excellence both on the field and beyond.