JESÚS NAVAS REACHES 600 APPEARANCES FOR THE CLUB

Back in 2017, Pablo Blanco predicted that Jesús Navas would go on to play in 600 official matches for Sevilla FC. Once again, he was right about the academy graduate. The fact is that that boy that caught Blanco's attention dodging puddles in Los Palacios, would go on to become the club's all-time record appearance holder. Tonight, against Cádiz CF, he made his 600th outing for the club, meaning he now has a lead of over 150 matches over Blanco, who is second on the list. Navas also leads the way for honours at the club, no one can match his seven: three UEFA Europa Leagues, two Copas del Rey, one UEFA Super Cup and one Spanish Super Cup. The most recent title, the 2020 UEFA Europa League win in Cologne, was his first as captain, a dream come true.

Now aged 36, in football terms, Navas has near enough done it all. He was part of Spain's World Cup-winning squad in 2010 in South Africa, and the EURO-winning squad in 2012. However, he keeps fighting for every ball as he did when he burst onto the scene nearly two decades ago, making his debut away at Espanyol in November 2003, when Caparrós was in charge. The season after, he scored his first goal in a cup match against Osasuna, before scoring his first league goal away at San Mamés, a memorable solo effort. His career got off to a blistering start, with the UEFA Cup win in Eindhoven coming in his third season in the first-team squad, which he enjoyed as a young lad. 

Although he is no longer a young lad, he still plays with the same style. That took him over to England where he spent four seasons at Manchester City, where he continued to win trophies. However, he knew better than anyone else where he was meant to be. He returned home aged 32, but this was to be no golden retirement. He worked hard right from the off and took on a new role on the pitch, both as captain and playing at right-back, as opposed to a winger. He continued to be an example for everyone, both on and, most importantly, off the pitch. His dream came true in Cologne, but Jesús's desire to win didn't end there, and he reached his 600th appearance last night. And may there be many more to come!