Jesús Navas

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Born in Los Palacios y Villafranca, Province of Seville, Navas joined Sevilla's youth system at age 15. He made his first-team debut on 23 November 2003. He was permanently promoted to the main squad in 2004–05. In 2005–06, he was crucial in Sevilla's UEFA Cup victory, appearing in all 12 matches including the final. He declined a transfer to Chelsea in August 2006 due to possible homesickness. He helped Sevilla win the 2006–07 Copa del Rey. In 2009–10, he appeared in more than 50 games and scored the second goal in the 2–0 Copa del Rey final win over Atlético Madrid. His 2010–11 season was undermined by injury. On 4 June 2013, Sevilla confirmed he was leaving to join Manchester City. He won the 2013–14 Premier League and the 2014 League Cup with City. In 2016–17, he was reconverted into a right-back by Pep Guardiola. He returned to Sevilla on 1 August 2017, signing a four-year contract. He became captain ahead of the 2018–19 season. On 3 January 2020, he became the first player to reach 500 appearances for Sevilla. He captained the side to victory in the 2020 Europa League final. He started in the 2023 Europa League final, which Sevilla won on penalties, and was named Player of the Season by UEFA's technical observer panel. On 16 May 2024, he announced he would leave again on 30 June, but later accepted a lifetime extension offered by chairman José María del Nido. He scored the only goal in a 1–0 win over Getafe on 14 September 2024, becoming the oldest player to achieve this for Sevilla in La Liga aged 38 years and 298 days. He played his final match at the Sánchez Pizjuán on 14 December 2024, and his last overall appearance was at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

In Their Own Story

The climax of Navas' second spell arrived in the 2022–23 Europa League final against José Mourinho's Roma. On 31 May 2023, at age 37, he started the match and played a pivotal role with a teasing cross in the 55th minute that resulted in Gianluca Mancini's own goal to tie the game. The match ended in a penalty shoot-out victory, earning Navas UEFA's Player of the Season award from the technical observer panel. His farewell season concluded with emotional moments: on 14 September 2024, he became the oldest player to score for Sevilla in La Liga at 38 years and 298 days against Getafe. On 14 December, he played his final match at home against Celta de Vigo, coming off after 70 minutes to a standing ovation. His very last appearance occurred at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on 16 May 2024 in a loss to Real Madrid, where he entered at the hour mark to cheers from the spectators before and after the game.

Reader's Guide

Navas primarily played as a right winger or right-back. Known for his pace, crossing, and work rate. At Sevilla, he was a key playmaker, consistently leading the team in assists. Under Guardiola at Manchester City, he adapted to right-back. In his second spell at Sevilla, he continued to appear at right-back and served as captain. His international career included winning the 2010 World Cup, UEFA Euro 2012, and the 2022–23 Nations League.

Did You Know?

• Navas holds Sevilla's record for most competitive appearances at 705.
• He is the oldest player to score for Sevilla in La Liga, aged 38 years and 298 days.
• He was named UEFA Europa League Player of the Season in 2022–23.
• He declined a transfer to Chelsea in 2006 due to possible homesickness.