NSU University School’s Raul Leyva is the Broward 4A-1A Boys’ Soccer Player of the Year
Raul Leyva has achieved a lot in the game of soccer for someone who is only 17 years old.
But it’s nothing compared to the player he idolizes.
Leyva is a huge fan of Spanish soccer star Lamine Yamal, who at Leyva’s same age is a standout on global powerhouse Barcelona and Spain’s national team.
“He’s doing crazy things at my age that are unbelievable,” Leyva said. “Hopefully we get to share the pitch someday. This kid’s different. He’s doing stuff at my age that some players do for 10 or 20 years and he’s doing it like nothing. It gives me motivation.”
It’s why Leyva refuses to slow down.
That drive and work ethic have made him one of the best players in the state of Florida and attracted the interest of several colleges.
And it’s why Leyva, a junior forward at NSU University School, is the Miami Herald’s Broward Boys’ Soccer Player of the Year for Classes 4A-1A for the second consecutive season.
“I feel really grateful. Sometimes people have a great season and then slow down and get comfortable. I didn’t do that,” Leyva said. “I just made sure to be consistent and be grateful for every opportunity I had.”
Leyva scored 17 goals and had 11 assists this past season for the Sharks, who advanced to the Class 3A regional finals.
Unfortunately for University School, the road ended there following a 2-0 loss to Miami’s Gulliver Prep.
Leyva was unable to play in that match due to a controversial red card he drew in the prior playoff match.
But he took solace in what he learned from another successful season overall and the chance to make another run at a state championship in his senior year.
“My decision making improved,” Leyva said. “I didn’t get as many goals as last season, but I think I made better decisions overall with the ball. I wanted to make sure the team was better collectively than individually.”
Leyva enters an important offseason for him as he looks to impress scouts during the club season and possibly sign with a college to continue his career.
“I hope to commit this summer, but if I don’t then I keep going,” Leyva said.
