Jesús Owono “steps up” by stepping down…

Jesús Owono, international goalkeeper for Equatorial Guinea, has extended his contract with Deportivo Alavés until June 2029. It’s a clear show of faith from the club in a player who, often in the background, has made his mark through hard work, humility, and loyalty to the badge. But the calm didn’t last long. Just days after signing his renewal, the club announced his loan move to FC Andorra—a move that, far from signaling a break, marks the beginning of a new chapter in his development.

Owono, who joined Alavés in 2017, is now the longest-serving player in the first-team squad. Rarely has a third-choice keeper made such a lasting impact in such a quiet way. He’s featured in 20 official matches—11 in La Liga, 8 in the Copa del Rey, and 1 in the second division—and is a regular call-up for the Nzalang Nacional, Guinea Equatorial’s national team, where he has starred in historic nights for his country.

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His renewal until 2029 was seen by many as an act of faith, a clear statement of intent from Alavés. Betting on Owono without yet handing him the number one shirt speaks volumes. It shows a trust that goes beyond football. The club praised his values: perseverance, commitment, patience, and a deep sense of belonging. And maybe that’s why they decided his next step couldn’t be taken from the bench.

So, the destination became clear: Andorra. Newly promoted to LaLiga Hypermotion, the club offered Owono something Vitoria no longer could—minutes, rhythm, and responsibility. He will share the goalkeeping duties with club captain Nico Ratti and rising star Áron Yaakobishvili, on loan from FC Barcelona. It’s a tough challenge, but also a golden opportunity to prove his worth.

“I don’t see going to the second division as a step back; on the contrary, this is a crucial year for me. I’m here to compete with the best, to grow, and to rise to the expectations of this badge,” he said with the calm confidence of someone who knows real progress starts from the ground up.

In Andorra, he’ll find a team that values building from the back, clean distribution, and intelligent game reading—exactly the traits that define his style. His quick reflexes, quiet leadership, and composure under pressure will allow him to challenge his rivals on equal footing. It won’t be easy, but he’s never shied away from hard work.

Meanwhile, Alavés will be watching—not as a last resort, but as a long-term investment. Owono is homegrown, has always represented the club with pride, and now aims to prove, week after week, that he belongs between the posts in La Liga.

Jesús Owono begins the most decisive chapter of his career in Andorra. He leaves behind years of patient training, professional understudy roles, and limited minutes. What lies ahead is a season to turn potential into performance—to defend not just a goal, but a vision of the future. Time will tell whether this loan was just a pause or the prelude to something much greater. For now, the ball is rolling in the Principality. And Owono is ready.