Content warning: This article contains discussion around suicide and mental health.
When Marcus Rashford steps onto the field for Barcelona in their first La Liga game after the winter break, he may not be the only Englishman making headlines. Tyrhys Dolan, who just five years ago was playing for non-league side Clitheroe, is now a key player for Espanyol, a team currently sitting fifth in the La Liga standings. On Saturday, Dolan will experience the intensity of the Catalan derby for the first time, marking another milestone in his remarkable journey.
Dolan’s path to Espanyol has been anything but straightforward. Marked by multiple rejections, periods without a club, and the devastating loss of his best friend to suicide, Dolan’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. In Barcelona, the city he now calls home, Dolan reflects on these experiences, underscoring his desire to connect with the local culture and community.
A New Chapter in Barcelona
By the time Dolan orders his coffee in Spanish, it’s clear that his move to Espanyol is about more than just football. “I don’t want to come here and my only takeaway being an improvement in my ability on the pitch,” he says. “I want to show the supporters that I’m really interested in the culture and the language, and I actually want to connect with them, so they understand me not just as a player but also as a person.”
Dolan, originally from Broadheath in Greater Manchester, joined Espanyol in July after turning down a new contract at Blackburn. This decision ended a five-year tenure at Ewood Park, where he had built deep bonds with teammates and fans. “They weren’t just colleagues,” he says. “They were family.” But Dolan knew sacrifices were necessary to push his career further.
Breaking New Ground
Moving to Spain is a leap few English players take, and joining Espanyol is even rarer. The last Briton to play for the club was former Everton midfielder Adrian Heath in 1988. Dolan was drawn to Espanyol by the club’s rich history and passionate fanbase. “Obviously La Liga is one of the best leagues in the world,” he explains. “For me, that was a statement in itself—a reward for all the hard work I’ve done.”
Espanyol, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, have shown a marked improvement this year. Dolan has played in 16 of Espanyol’s 17 games, starting 13 of them on the wing. The team has secured 10 victories, placing them fifth in the league, just 13 points behind leaders Barcelona. “It’s been so positive,” Dolan remarks. “When the football’s going well, everything feels good.”
Overcoming Adversity
Dolan’s journey has been shaped by resilience and a strong family bond. Five years ago, he was playing seven leagues below England’s top flight after academy spells at Manchester City, Burnley, and Preston. “It’s been an unbelievable journey,” he says. “I’m proud of all the obstacles I’ve overcome.”
Behind Dolan’s success is the memory of his close friend Jeremy Wisten, a fellow academy player who took his own life in 2020. “He was the best person you could meet,” Dolan recalls. “I knew how much football meant to him.” In Wisten’s honor, Dolan wears the number 24 at Espanyol, the date of his friend’s passing. “He’s with me,” Dolan says. “He’s achieved his dream.”
Wisten’s death inspired Dolan to become an ambassador for the Go Again charity, supporting young footballers facing emotional challenges after being released from academies. “What’s a few minutes of my day?” Dolan asks. “It can last a lifetime for them.”
Looking Ahead
Life in Spain has brought new challenges for Dolan, including adapting to the tactical demands of La Liga. “The knowledge you’ve got to have going on the pitch is so different,” he says. Yet, Dolan has already experienced unforgettable moments, such as playing at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid. “A boy from Broadheath at the Bernabeu,” he says, smiling.
Now, Dolan is preparing for another landmark—the Catalan derby. “They say you feel it even in the warm-up,” he says. “It’s going to be very special.” With 25 friends and family planning to attend, Dolan is eager to deliver a memorable performance. “Half the flight will be everyone from Broadheath—it’ll basically be a Mancunian flight!”
As Dolan continues to make his mark in La Liga, his journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of community, both on and off the pitch.
