Dana Cup - Powered by Players - Take 4
Our exciting new series: Powered by Players – a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible individuals who make the teams, who make the Dana Cup one of the most diverse and inspiring youth soccer tournaments in the world.
This series is all about hearing directly from the players themselves. They’ll share their stories, their experiences and what it means to be part of an event that celebrates equality, diversity, inclusion and empowerment.
From the first whistle to the final goal, these young talents bring passion, culture and dreams to the pitch – and together, they create something truly special.
Stay tuned as we dive into their stories – because at the Dana Cup, it’s the players who make the magic happen.
Take 4, Cantolao - Peru
When young Víctor Yoshimar Yotún Flores first pulled on the Academia Deportiva Cantolao jersey as a boy, he could hardly have imagined the global football journey ahead of him. Long before becoming one of Peru’s most respected professionals, Yotún experienced something unforgettable, playing the Dana Cup twice with Cantolao between 1997 and 2002, during his youth years at the academy.
For Yotún, Dana Cup wasn’t just a tournament, it was a turning point. Traveling internationally with his best friends, competing against teams from all over the world, and discovering a new level of football intensity helped shape not only his game but also his mindset. The friendships forged, the confidence gained and the joy of representing Cantolao on a global stage all became part of the foundation that would carry him into a remarkable professional career.
A Journey Across the Football World
After his Cantolao years (1997–2002), Yotún moved through the youth setups of Circolo Sportivo Italiano and Deportivo Real FC before joining Sporting Cristal’s youth team in 2007.
His senior professional career has taken him across three continents, representing clubs including:
- Sporting Cristal (Peru) – multiple periods in his career
- José Gálvez (Peru, loan)
- Vasco da Gama (Brazil, loan)
- Malmö FF (Sweden)
- Orlando City (USA)
- Cruz Azul (Mexico)
Today, Yotún continues to play for Sporting Cristal and remains an important figure for the Peru national team, with over 130 international caps.
“Dana Cup Will Always Stay With Me”
Despite a career filled with championships, international tournaments and global recognition, Yotún has always highlighted how playing the Dana Cup at a young age left a permanent mark. The excitement of international play, the shared moments with teammates and the atmosphere of a truly global youth tournament became memories he carried into adulthood.
Experiences like Dana Cup help young players dream bigger and in Yotún’s case, those dreams became reality.
Peru Returns to Denmark This Summer
This year, we are incredibly proud to welcome Academia Deportiva Cantolao back to the Dana Cup. And joining them for the first time ever: CEFFUT PERÚ a Peruvian club ready to write their own story, just like Yotún did.
New generations of Peruvian talent are on their way to Hjørring, ready to feel the magic, compete with passion and create lifelong memories.
Because at Dana Cup, the experience shapes the future.
Thanks to our close friend Jose Ramirez, who visited Peru just recently and who assists his Peruvian friends to travel to the Dana Cup and Europe.
Photos: Yoshimar Yotún, Yoshimar Yotún & Jose Ramirez, CEFFUT coaches, team and stadium.
