When Ian Cerro scored his first goal for FC Naples, it wasn’t just a milestone for his new club — it was a moment that brought his soccer journey full circle.
But Cerro’s path to pro soccer began long before that — with a father who introduced him to the game, trained him, and still calls after every match.
“I just want to thank my dad for introducing me to soccer and for being my role model,” Cerro said. “After every game, I always talk to him and call him, talk to him every day, and he's always giving me tips, and not just only soccer, but in life as well.”
Diego Cerro, Ian’s father, played professionally in Argentina for historic clubs like Newell’s Old Boys and Argentinos Juniors, alongside names like Marcelo Bielsa, Mauricio Pochettino, Tata Martino and Diego Maradona.
“He’s been everywhere," Cerro said proudly.
Born in Tampa and raised in Colorado, Ian says soccer was always part of life. Diego coached him as a child and remains a hands-on trainer to this day.
“Even till this day, whenever I go back home in the off season, I'm like, ‘Hey, let's go train,’ and he comes out with me and he trains me a little bit,” Cerro said. “Still do everything that I did when I was young.”
Now, Cerro’s own career has taken him across the country — from NISA and the USL Championship to his current home in Naples.
This July, Ian’s parents will make the trip to Southwest Florida to see him play in person — and for the father who once coached him from the sidelines, it’ll be a special kind of Father’s Day.
“Looking back on it, I'm so grateful for having him as a mentor," said Cerro.
When asked what lessons he still hears from his father the most, Cerro didn’t hesitate.
“Just never lose hunger and always pursue your dream, as long as you're doing what you love,” he said. “That's the best thing.”
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