Talented Teenage U.S. Goalkeeper Signs with La Liga II Club 🧤🇪🇸

Spanish Soccer Trials is proud to announce that talented American goalkeeper Jordan Leitenbauer, from Fort Pierce, Florida, has officially signed with Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Jordan will join the club’s Juvenil A side in Liga Nacional, Spain’s highly competitive U19 league, where the team will be aiming to go one step further than last season and secure promotion to the prestigious División de Honor — the top tier of youth football in the country.

From Florida to La Liga II

Jordan’s journey to Spain is a remarkable story of talent, determination, and perseverance. Growing up in Fort Pierce, a part of Florida without easy access to any professional MLS franchise in close proximity, Jordan never had the opportunity to play for an elite youth academy due to the Geographic challenges, meaning that high-level development pathways were always hours away, making his dream of breaking into the professional game even more difficult.

However, that didn’t stop him from working tirelessly to develop his game. In March 2025, Jordan attended a trial with Spanish Soccer Trials, impressing scouts and coaches with his composure, shot-stopping, and ability to command his area. His standout performances earned him an invitation to train with Cultural Leonesa, where he quickly proved himself worthy of a place in the squad.

A Club with History and Ambition

Founded in 1923, Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa is one of Spain’s most respected clubs, boasting a proud history and a passionate fan base. Based in the historic city of León, the club has spent multiple seasons in Spain’s second tier and even reached La Liga in the 1950s.

The first team recently secured promotion back to La Liga II, adding extra excitement and energy throughout the club. This success at senior level creates a perfect environment for youth players like Jordan, with the entire club pushing for excellence across all age groups.

For the Juvenil A side, the 2025/26 Liga Nacional season represents a major opportunity. After narrowly missing out on promotion last year, the squad will be determined to finish at the top and earn their place in the División de Honor, competing against the academies of Spain’s biggest clubs.

Jordan’s Thoughts on the Move

Speaking after signing, Jordan expressed his gratitude to everyone who helped make this opportunity possible:

“I want to say a huge thank you to James and Spanish Soccer Trials. From day one they’ve had my back, guiding me through every step and making the whole process feel easy. Their advice, support, and belief in me has been incredible, and I’m excited to be taking this next step thanks to everything they’ve done.”

Looking Ahead

With a strong pre-season ahead and a challenging campaign in Liga Nacional to come, Jordan will be looking to establish himself as a key figure in the squad. His move is also an inspiring example for aspiring players back home in the United States — proof that with the right attitude, resilience, and opportunity, breaking into European football is possible, even without a traditional academy background.

From Fort Pierce to León, Jordan Leitenbauer’s football journey is only just beginning — and we can’t wait to see what the 2025/26 season has in store.