Since joining MAN v FAT Soccer in May 2025, Carlos Macabu has enjoyed plenty of success on the program.
Starting in our Keller league in Texas at 244lbs, he’s since gone on to lose 24lbs and is closing in on his 10% weight loss achievement.
Carlos has taken the time to tell his MAN v FAT Soccer story so far and, as he admits himself, it’s more than just the numbers on the scales that are proving important.
Carlos’ story
For much of my life, football has been more than just a game. It has been a part of who I am. Outside of MAN v FAT, I am a law enforcement professional, and the nature of my current duties can be very demanding. Long workdays and the demands of the job can make it difficult to prioritize physical activity, and over time, that lifestyle began to take a toll on my health and fitness.
Many years ago, I had the opportunity to play football professionally. However, as often happens, life took me in different directions and gradually away from the game I loved. For years, I wanted to find my way back to football, but a knee injury combined with weight gain made that possibility seem increasingly unlikely. At one point, I thought my playing days might be permanently behind me.
Then, one day, I came across an advertisement for MAN v FAT Soccer on Instagram. What immediately caught my attention was seeing men who looked like they were facing many of the same challenges as I was. Some had gained weight, others hadn’t played football in years, and many were simply trying to reconnect with the game while improving their health. For the first time in a long time, I felt there might actually be a realistic way for me to play again. That advertisement gave me hope.
Since joining MAN v FAT, about a year ago, I have discovered that the program offers much more than weight loss. Working with a personal trainer creates accountability and pushes you to challenge yourself, while being part of a team gives you another reason to show up and try your best. But one of the most important things I have learned is that you don’t always have to arrive feeling your best or performing at your best. Sometimes, simply showing up is enough.
After a difficult and exhausting workday, it would be easy to go home and do nothing. Instead, I can step onto a football pitch and turn that long, stressful day into a night filled with football, laughter, camaraderie, and great conversation without any pressure. MAN v FAT brings together people from all types of backgrounds and walks of life, but we share one very important thing: a love for the game.
For me, reconnecting with football and becoming part of that environment has already been incredibly rewarding. The opportunity to play again, meet new people, and rediscover a part of myself that I thought I had lost has made a genuine difference in my wellbeing. And the weight loss? That’s just an awesome addition.
Want to follow Carlos into action?
Whether it’s the MAN v FAT league in Keller TX, or one of our many leagues across the USA, we’d love to welcome you on board. Take a look at www.manvfatsocce.com today to find out more details!
