San Pablo Ibiza is preparing to welcome Colombian futsal player Karen Sofía Torres Cortés, better known as “Japón”, after more than a year of waiting for the administrative procedures required for her move to Spain. The 22-year-old is expected to arrive in Ibiza during November, bringing international experience and a reputation as one of the promising young players in women's futsal.
Torres spoke to Periódico de Ibiza y Formentera from Colombia on 11 November, explaining that the paperwork was finally approaching completion. Having followed the Ibiza team for more than a year, she says she is eager to meet her new teammates and begin contributing on the court.
The player hopes to bring goals and attacking creativity to the team, describing her strengths as the ability to create opportunities, unsettle opposing defences and make a difference in front of goal.
A Signing More Than a Year in the Making
San Pablo announced Torres as a major signing in August 2025, offering her a two-season contract. However, administrative and immigration procedures prevented her from travelling to Ibiza and joining the squad.
The delay became a prolonged period of uncertainty for both the player and the club. In October 2026, the club reported that the paperwork had reached its final stages and that her arrival was expected within approximately two weeks.
In her latest interview, Torres described the experience as a test of patience and faith. She said that after repeatedly waiting for updates, she had begun to believe the move might never happen before receiving the news that the process was finally progressing.
She also thanked her representatives, Iván and Willy, for informing her that the situation had been resolved, and highlighted the support she had received from people connected with the San Pablo squad.
International Experience with Colombia
Born in Bogotá on 7 April 2004, Torres has already represented Colombia at international level.
She was selected for the Colombian national team at the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup Philippines 2025, the inaugural edition of the competition. FIFA's official squad information lists her among the players representing Colombia, and match statistics record her participation in the team's opening game against Canada.
Her international profile also brought recognition in the 2024 Jako Futsal Awards. Torres was included among the ten nominees for Best Women's Young Player in the World, an award organised by Futsalplanet. The winner was her compatriot Nicole Mancilla Solis, while Torres earned a place among the shortlisted players.
Her nomination placed her among an international group of young futsal talents and helped raise her profile beyond Colombia.
What Karen Torres Hopes to Bring to San Pablo
Torres believes her main contribution will be attacking impact, particularly goals and the ability to create problems for opposing defences.
She is also keen to adapt quickly to the team's playing style and build relationships with her new teammates. She has already spoken with Colombian teammate Tati, who has helped her understand more about Ibiza and supported her during the paperwork process. She has also exchanged messages with Nicole and Kailany.
The player says she has followed some of San Pablo's matches during the current season, mainly keeping up with results and updates shared by the club.
For Torres, joining the Spanish league represents the fulfilment of a long-standing ambition. She hopes the move will provide an opportunity to develop her career, compete at a high level and contribute to the team's objectives.
Aiming for Another World Cup and Success in Spain
Looking further ahead, Torres has two important ambitions: returning to the Women's Futsal World Cup and playing a more prominent role for Colombia, as well as winning a title in Spain.
She described her previous World Cup experience as one of the most memorable moments of her sporting life and hopes to have the opportunity to return as a leading player.
For now, her immediate priority is to arrive in Ibiza, settle into the squad and begin this new chapter with San Pablo.
After a wait of almost a year and a half, the club and its supporters are approaching the moment when one of their most anticipated signings can finally take to the court.