In La Liga’s 18th round, Sevilla lost 2-4 away to Real Madrid, marking the final game of 39-year-old captain Jesús Navas illustrious career.
Real Madrid 4-2 Sevilla
Navas had previously announced that he would retire after completing all of Sevilla’s matches in 2024, making this clash against Real Madrid his planned farewell match.
Before the game, Real Madrid players showed immense respect for Navas, lining up to applaud the Spanish legend. Real Madrid captain Luka Modrić even presented him with a jersey signed by all the players as a memento.
Modrić and Navas pre-match tribute ceremony
In the 65th minute, Navas was substituted onto the field, receiving warm applause from the Real Madrid supporters at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Unfortunately, in his farewell match, Navas did not score or take a shot, recording just one key pass and earning a score of 6.7.
At the final whistle, Navas shared emotional farewells with the Real Madrid players, hugging them one by one.
Navas receives a standing ovation from the entire stadium
In a poignant moment, he covered his face with his shirt and cried, showing his deep emotional attachment to the game and the occasion.
At 39 years old, Navas started his career at Sevilla’s youth academy and spent the majority of his professional life there, except for a period from 2013 to 2017 when he played for Manchester City.
Over his career, he made 982 appearances for club and country, scoring 55 goals and winning 15 major trophies.
Navas holds the records as Spain’s oldest-ever international player, the oldest to provide an assist for the national team, and the oldest player to score in a La Liga match for Sevilla.
Navas won a total of 15 major trophies in his career
He is also the first player to win the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA European Championship, and the UEFA Nations League.
Though Navas may not be considered a global superstar, his brilliant career and achievements will undoubtedly be forever etched in the history of Spanish football.
Navas Bids Farewell to Football with a Historic Legacy
As Jesús Navas walked off the pitch for the final time, he left behind a legacy that few in Spanish football can match. A Sevilla legend, a World Cup and European Championship winner, and a symbol of longevity in football, his career has been defined by loyalty, hard work, and unwavering dedication.
Though not the flashiest player, Navas’ contribution to club and country has been immense. His 982 appearances, 15 major trophies, and record-breaking achievements with Spain cement his place among the greats. As he steps away from the game, Sevilla and Spanish football bid farewell to one of their finest warriors, whose influence will be remembered for generations.
