Juan Bernabé, once a beloved figure in the football world, rose to fame as the trainer of Lazio’s iconic eagle mascot. His job was more than just guiding a bird through a stadium—he became a symbol of the club’s spirit. However, a single controversial moment turned his career upside down. Today, we take a closer look at Juan Bernabé’s life, career, and the incident that shocked football fans across the globe.
Who is Juan Bernabé?
Juan Bernabé is a Spanish-born falconer and animal trainer with decades of experience. Known for his passion for birds of prey, Juan has worked across Europe, including Spain and Italy. His talent in training birds, especially eagles, earned him a spot in the world of professional sports entertainment.
Juan was hired by S.S. Lazio, a Serie A football club based in Rome, Italy. Lazio is famous for its mascot, an eagle named “Olimpia,” which flies around the stadium before matches. Juan’s role was to train and handle Olimpia, making sure she performed majestic flights over the fans before every home game.
The Role of the Eagle at Lazio Matches
The eagle is not just a bird for Lazio—it’s a deep symbol of strength, pride, and identity. It represents power and history, linking back to the Roman Empire. Since 2010, the club introduced the live eagle as a pre-match ritual to fire up the crowd and showcase their unique tradition.
Juan Bernabé took on the role in 2020, and fans were impressed with his showmanship. He wore traditional falconry outfits and stood with grace as the eagle soared through the skies of the Stadio Olimpico. Children admired him, adults respected his craft, and he quickly became part of the Lazio matchday experience.
The Incident That Changed Everything
In October 2021, Juan Bernabé found himself in the center of a huge controversy. After Lazio’s 3-1 win over Inter Milan, Bernabé was seen on camera making what appeared to be a fascist salute while holding the eagle. The footage quickly spread online, sparking outrage.
Italy has a strict stance against fascist symbols due to its history with Benito Mussolini’s regime. Lazio, unfortunately, has a small group of fans with far-right associations, which made the incident even more serious. Though Juan said he did not mean any political message, the gesture was widely condemned.
The club responded quickly. Lazio suspended Juan Bernabé pending further investigation, and he was later officially removed from his position. The eagle Olimpia was reassigned to a new handler.
Bernabé’s Side of the Story
After the suspension, Juan Bernabé tried to defend himself. He claimed that the salute was a misunderstanding and that he was only waving in celebration with the fans. Some reports suggested he may not have fully understood the political context of the gesture, especially as a Spaniard in Italy.
Despite his explanation, the damage was done. In the public eye, his actions were unacceptable. The incident opened up a broader discussion about politics in football and the responsibilities of public figures, even those behind the scenes.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
The media coverage was intense. Italian news outlets, international sports blogs, and social media platforms were flooded with opinions. Some defended Juan, saying he might have been unaware. Others strongly criticized him, calling for clubs to enforce stricter controls on public conduct.
Lazio, already sensitive to its image due to past incidents involving fans, made a clear decision to distance itself from any controversy. The club stated that they condemned any kind of political gesture and emphasized their commitment to anti-fascist values.
The Bigger Picture: Politics and Football
The Juan Bernabé case sparked a deeper conversation about the role of political symbols in football. While clubs try to stay neutral, fans and sometimes staff bring politics into the spotlight. This is not a new problem, especially in European football.
Lazio, in particular, has had to deal with several similar issues over the years. The club has worked hard to change its image, but incidents like this show how fragile progress can be.
Juan’s story serves as a reminder that every action, even from someone not on the pitch, can carry heavy consequences.
Life After Lazio: What Happened to Juan Bernabé?
After being dismissed from Lazio, Juan Bernabé mostly disappeared from the public eye. There have been occasional social media posts, but no official return to football or large-scale bird shows has been reported.
It’s unclear whether he continues to work privately with birds or if he has taken a break from public falconry altogether. Some fans still support him, while others feel his career should remain paused.
There’s also the question of whether another club would hire him. Given the media attention and the political sensitivity of the incident, it’s unlikely he will return to a major football stadium anytime soon.
The Legacy of the Eagle Tradition
Even after Bernabé’s departure, the eagle tradition at Lazio continues. Olimpia still flies at home games, now under the care of a new handler. The club has ensured that this tradition stays focused on the sport and fan experience, without any political undertones.
Juan Bernabé helped popularize the ritual, making it more dramatic and exciting. But now, his legacy is mixed—a talented trainer remembered for both his skill and a single, costly mistake.
Key Takeaways from Juan Bernabé’s Story
- A Symbolic Role Can Carry Real Responsibility: Even behind-the-scenes roles can attract major public attention.
- Cultural Awareness Matters: Understanding the local political and social context is crucial, especially when working in another country.
- Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Whether intentional or not, public gestures can have powerful meanings.
- Redemption Is Complicated: While Bernabé may still have a future in falconry, returning to a high-profile stage may be difficult.
Conclusion: A Lesson Beyond the Stadium
The story of Juan Bernabé is not just about football or birds. It’s about image, responsibility, and how quickly things can change in the public eye. A beloved eagle trainer became the center of a national controversy—reminding us that in today’s world, every gesture is under the spotlight.
As fans, we often cheer for the game, the players, and the mascots. But behind each of those symbols is a real person whose choices can leave a lasting impact. Juan Bernabé’s rise and fall is a story that resonates beyond the stadium gates—into society, politics, and personal accountability.
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