East Bengal bolster defence by signing Hector Yuste

Hector Yuste played for Mohun Bagan last season.

East Bengal FC have secured the services of last season’s Durand Cup and Indian Super League (ISL) Shield-winning Spanish defender Hector Yuste for the 2024-25 season. The seasoned centre-back is East Bengal’s sixth foreign signing of the season.

Welcoming Yuste to the Emami East Bengal FC family, Mr Vibhash Vardhan Agarwal of Emami Group said, “Hector was one of the standout defenders of last season’s ISL. His immense experience of competing in La Liga and La Liga 2 will add more depth to our backline. We are delighted to welcome another title-winning player to our team who is very eager to wear the red & gold shirt.”

Emami East Bengal FC Head Coach Carles Cuadrat commented, “Hector will help us greatly with his experience of playing in top European and Asian competitions. His ability to handle the pressure and demands of big games and finals makes him a valuable asset. Hector has been part of many champion teams during his long career. He has been playing over 3,000 minutes season after season whilst leading the defensive systems of all the clubs he has represented. Hector’s experience of playing in India in the previous season will help him adapt faster to the conditions.”

Born in Spain’s Cartagena, Yuste rose through the youth systems of Fuente Alamo, Murcia and Cartagena before making his senior team debut for Cartagena in 2007. In the following seasons, Yuste represented several renowned Spanish clubs like Granada, Mallorca and Racing Santander, making over 250 appearances in Spanish football.

The 6 feet 3 inches tall defender also played six seasons (2017-23) in Cyprus’ first division for Apollon Limassol FC and AC Omonia before moving to India, winning the Cypriot Cup twice (2021-22, 2022-23) and the Cypriot Super Cup in 2021. In the process, Yuste also played in the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League Group Stages.In his first season in Indian football, Yuste played a total of 3,153 minutes across 36 ISL, AFC Cup, Durand Cup and Kalinga Super Cup matches.

Playing a pivotal role in his former team’s ISL Shield triumph and runners-up finish in the ISL Cup, Yuste finished the season as one of the finest foreign defenders. He registered 8 clean sheets, 34 interceptions, 17 blocks, 86 clearances, 18 successful tackles and 101 successful duels, besides notching up a goal and an assist in last term’s ISL.

Thrilled to join the Red & Gold Brigade, Yuste said, “I am very happy to be part of the Emami East Bengal family. The enthusiasm and ambition shown by the club are the main reasons why I have decided to return to Kolkata! It’s a special feeling to represent a historic club that has so many passionate and energetic supporters. I hope we can achieve our desired goals and experience many moments of glory together. Joy East Bengal!”

The player registration is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.

𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐚𝐦…𝐈𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐘𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞! 🫰#AmagoFans, join us in welcoming Hector da on this special day! ❤️💛#JoyEastBengal #Yuste2025 pic.twitter.com/H0loIlip5n

— East Bengal FC (@eastbengal_fc) August 1, 2024

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