José Álvarez-Sala

Recently, Croquet Anthony Alexander had the pleasure of speaking with professional croquet player José Álvarez-Sala. With his many national and international victories, José’s career is impressive—but what excited us most was hearing about the moment he first discovered croquet.

Q: So Jose´, tell us where you’re from and what it was like growing up there?

I was born in Madrid, and I grew up between Madrid and Gijón (Asturias, in the north of Spain). I’m the oldest of four brothers, and a house full of boys meant energy, laughter, and constant competition. Summers were always in Gijón, in a family home that’s been with us for generations, surrounded by parents, uncles, aunts, and many cousins.

Q: What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood?

Summers in Asturias. Endless days with the people I love: bikes to the beach, pick-up football, tennis, paddle, golf, cinema nights, improvised “gymkhanas,” and a thousand small adventures with cousins and friends. Zero worries—just sunlight, sea breeze, and that feeling of total freedom. The only sad day was always the last one, when it was time to go back to Madrid for school.

Q: Can you share the story of how croquet first came into your life?

It came almost by accident—one of those summers in Gijón. We tried it out of curiosity and quickly realized it was unlike anything we’d played: patience, touch, tactics, nerve. We set up junior tournaments, then bigger ones. Before long, croquet wasn’t just a summer game; it became part of our family language.

Q: When did croquet shift from being something you played to something you truly loved?

The turning point was my first international competition—traveling to England, discovering new clubs, and experiencing a different croquet culture. Facing opponents I didn’t know, winning some, losing others, feeling that mix of adrenaline and respect…it awakened a deeper hunger to improve. I learned about international rankings, started climbing them, and realized croquet could be my arena. From then on, it wasn’t just a pastime; it became something I thought about every day and wanted to master.

Q: If you could pass on one message or gift to the next generation of croquet players, what would it be?

Respect the game and respect your opponents. Skill matters, but character lasts longer. Play with passion and play to win—yet always with integrity, humility, and joy. Be the kind of competitor people are happy to meet on the lawn. The friendships you build and the values you carry will outlast any trophy. Years from now, people will remember who you were far more than what you won.

You can keep up with José by following him on Instagram @jalvarezsala. We wish him the best of luck in his two upcoming competitions: The International Camino de Santiago Trophy and The Spanish National Championship.