Saturday night was an emotional affair at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium. Jesús Navas, at the age of 39, bid farewell to the Sevilla supporters in what was his final match as a professional at home, after 17 and a half seasons defending the Sevilla FC badge.
The event culminated in a 1-0 victory over Celta de Vigo, but what truly shone was the tribute to one of the greatest legends in the club’s history.
Before the match kicked off, the stadium was dressed to the nines to send off its eternal captain. The North Goal displayed an imposing tifo with the phrase “The Pride of Nervión,” in honor of a player whose career has been marked by passion and absolute commitment to his team. Both the starting players of Sevilla and Celta de Vigo formed a guard of honor for Navas, who stepped onto the pitch visibly emotional, accompanied by his two children and in tears, fully aware that it was his last night on the Sánchez-Pizjuán grass.
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The most moving moment of the night came after the final whistle. Once the match concluded, in which Navas played 70 minutes as a starter, he took a lap of honor around the stadium, receiving the ovation of a crowd that has revered him throughout his career.
During that lap, he arrived at the spot where his friend and teammate Antonio Puerta collapsed on that fateful August 25, 2007, during a match against Getafe. Navas, unable to hold back his tears, knelt down at that very spot next to the South Goal, kissed the grass, and dedicated a heartfelt remembrance to one of Sevilla FC’s greatest emerging talents. It was a gesture that resonated strongly in the stands, a reminder of the emotional connection that binds Navas with Puerta.
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The memory of Antonio Puerta has been a constant in Jesús Navas’s career. In 2017, when he returned to Sevilla FC after his stint at Manchester City, he decided to wear the number 16 jersey in honor of his friend. Since then, he has carried that number as a symbol of memory and respect, turning it into a shared legacy between the two.
Jesús Navas is not just saying goodbye as a Sevilla FC legend, but also as the most important player in the club’s history. With over 700 matches played, he holds the record for the most appearances in the white and red jersey. His accolades also include 4 UEFA Europa League titles, 1 UEFA Super Cup, 2 Copa del Rey titles, and 1 Spanish Super Cup, solidifying him as the most decorated player in the institution.
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On an international level, his career is equally brilliant. Jesús Navas is the only European footballer to have won a World Cup (2010), two European Championships (2012 and 2024), and a UEFA Nations League (2023), making him the player with the most titles with the Spanish national team. Additionally, he holds the record for being the oldest player to represent Spain in official competitions.
Jesús Navas will not only be remembered for his sporting achievements but also for his human values. Humble, approachable, and always willing to help, Navas has stood out as an example for his teammates and the new generations of footballers. His dedication to Sevilla FC has gone far beyond the pitch, becoming a benchmark for commitment, respect, and love for the colors he has defended throughout his life.
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The palaciego has been admired not only for his extraordinary talent but also for his quality as a person. Throughout his career, he has been characterized by his discretion, professionalism, and special connection with the fans.
The Sánchez-Pizjuán will no longer feature its captain on the pitch, but his legacy will endure forever. From his titles to gestures like the constant remembrance of Antonio Puerta and José Antonio Reyes, Jesús Navas has proven to be much more than a footballer: he is an eternal symbol of Sevilla FC.
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