The latest hit from the Canary Islands rapper is inspired by Barcelona star Aitana Bonmatí.
Sara Socas, a rapper, freestyler, and songwriter, has traded football’s loss for music’s gain. Arriving at MARCA’s office with a smile, she deflects a question about upcoming Red Bull battles with wit: “It’s a possibility, but today I came to talk about football.” The artist just released her latest track, ‘Bonmatí’, celebrating Barcelona player and three-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí.
“Aitana is an incredible footballer, and I felt that, with all humility, I could compare myself to a female role model. Many rap and urban songs use male footballers’ names, so I wanted to take that reference and make it my own,” says Sara. “The song came from wanting to merge my vulnerable side with my empowered, battle-hardened, or ‘cool rapper’ side. It has a melodic, nostalgic chorus about missing childhood, and then that fighting spirit—comparable to someone like Bonmatí, who after injuries thinks about coming back stronger. It’s inspiring,” she adds.
Sara Socas: “Playing football is one of my unfulfilled dreams”
In the chorus, Socas sings about missing ‘playing football with dad’. “My father always loved football and would put games on TV. I got interested as a child. I liked Arsenal and Barcelona. I still keep my old kits at home like treasures,” she says. “Football is one of my unfulfilled dreams. In my town (Tegueste), there was no girls’ team, and though I see it as silly now, back then I was embarrassed—they said it was something for ‘tomboys’. I played in summer with my cousin, brother, father, and friends. Now, whenever I can. Recently at the FMS International in Mexico, they organized a match and I was there as a tough defender. They called me Sara Puyol,” she laughs.
“Aitana is an incredible footballer, a role model, and an inspiration.” — Sara Socas
A role model in a male-dominated world
Socas, 28, with 1.86 million social media followers, reflects: “I used to feel the weight of being a reference, but now it doesn’t bother me. I was away from battles for three years, time to think and know myself better. Now I see it with pride, happy to inspire young people to pursue what they love.” She has carved a space in a sexist world, similar to football. “You have to live with criticism—like the usual comments saying women shouldn’t earn the same as men. For a while at the elite level, I was the only one and took it all, but now there are other girls in Latin America and even emerging in Spain, so they’ll have to deal with it. Demanding recognition is good, but it’s tiring having to prove your worth regardless of gender. I want to be treated like anyone else, without expectations of being the first. I want freedom to defend what I want and to make mistakes, just like men have done for years.”
Current projects and future plans
The Canary Islander is immersed in various projects. She just released ‘Bonmatí’ and will soon announce a collaboration with a Spanish female rapper and a cypher with more Spanish female artists. “It’s time to stop, compose more, and organize well,” says the battler, now focused on the “Champions League of conventional music”. “I’m rediscovering myself as an artist, deciding what I want in terms of musical genre, visuals, and even aesthetics. I see it like the Champions League because it’s stepping out of my comfort zone.”
“Football is one of my unfulfilled dreams… They called me Sara Puyol.” — Sara Socas
Away from music, Sara enjoys a diverse life. “I’m on a crazy pace, but when I can, I make time for friends, family, and myself. I have an adopted dog I love, and some trips pending. I like series, movies, and theater. I’m getting old,” she laughs. “And of course, football—that’s a must. I won’t miss the Copa final (Barcelona vs Atlético de Madrid this Saturday). I think both teams have invested the most in recent years, and the results show. I think Barça will win—what can I tell you?” She even participated in the ‘God Level Grand Slam World Edition 2021’ wearing a Barcelona shirt. “I want to take the chance to congratulate Tenerife men’s team for promotion to Segunda and the women’s team for a great season,” she finishes.