More than 40,000 Sevillistas said goodbye to Jesús Navas this Monday in a very emotional tribute at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. The temple of Sevillismo sheltered its legend, a vital figure in the history of the Andalusian club in this 21st century. Navas, of course, was not alone. Spanish football accompanied the myth in this farewell. Rafael Louzán, the president of the Spanish Football Federation, attended. Along with the highest representative of Spanish football, Rodri, the brand new Ballon d’Or winner and champion with Spain of the Euro 2024, also appeared alongside the Sevilla player. The City star occupied a seat of honor in the row of illustrious guests. Among them, Manuel Pellegrini, coach of Betis and City with whom he won the Premier League, and Joaquín Sánchez. In front, on the grass, four small stages were arranged that recalled . The first one read “a debut with a duende.” In the second, “the conquest of Europe.” “World Champion” could be read in the third, while the last was titled “a round trip.” In the midfield, they were proud of all the titles Navas had won with Sevilla, Manchester City and the Spanish team.
The Sevilla legend listened to the messages from Juande Ramos, Maresca, Manolo Jiménez, Roberto Carlos, Baptista, Gregorio Manzano, Unai Emery, Davor Suker, Javier Saviola, Renato, Paco Gallardo or Monchi (he did not attend when he had a match with Aston Villa) . Very emotional was the moment when Aitor Puerta, son of Antonio Puerta, and two daughters of José Antonio Reyes (Noelia and Adriana), . All in memory of the missing Puerta y Reyes.
Pablo Alfaro, Antoñito, David Castedo, Martí, Juan Cala, Javi Varas, Jesuli, Mosquera, Alfaro, Fazio, Escudé, Capel, Aitor Ocio, Fernando Navarro, Andrés Palop and Kanouté jumped onto the grass to accompany Navas on a simulated trip of his sporting career on the pitch of Sánchez Pizjuán. “The interesting thing about Navas is seeing how Navas has managed to become a leader. As a child he had a great love for football and he passed it on to his teammates. His career is admirable,” said Kanouté.
The next to come on stage were Rodri, Carlos Marchena and Sergio Ramos. The last two, from the Sevilla youth team, were world champions with Navas in the 2010 World Cup. “What am I going to say about Jesús. We have grown up together, we shared our entire career and also in the national team. Simplicity, humility, improvement and perseverance define Jesus. He grew into a unique career. He is the greatest legend this club has ever had, leaving an enormous legacy. “Jesus is like Andrés Iniesta, national heritage,” said Sergio Ramos. Vicente del Bosque, Fernando Llorente, Jordi Alba, Capdevila, Xavi, Casillas, Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Cazorla, David Villa, Cesc, Fernando Torres and Iniesta also had messages for Navas from the video scoreboards. “. He was the only winner of two generations. It was important inside, but also outside. He has something. When you are next to him, you win,” said Rodri.
Luis de la Fuente, Zubimendi, Remiro, Oyarzabal, Lamine Yamal, Carvajal, Gavi, Nico, Ferran Torres, Pedri, Dani Olmo and Morata, champions of the 2024 Euro Cup, sent messages to the Sevilla legend. Negredo, Nolito, Manuel Pellegrini, Joaquín Sánchez, Beto, Vaclik, Bezares, David Soria, Coke, Carriço, Acuña and Gudelj took to the pitch to illustrate Navas’ time at City and as champion of the Europa League in 2023.
Ocampos, Óliver Torres, Franco Vázquez, Banega, Bryan Gil, De Jong, Fernando, Julen Lopetegui, Mendilibar and Bono were among a spectacular cast of protagonists in the emotional tribute to Navas, which the player closed with his entire family by his side and the current teammates of the first team. And for dessert, the messages from athletes like Pau Gasol, Rafael Nadal, Carolina Marín, Carlos Alcaraz, Alberto Contador or Pogacar, the idol of Jesús in his new passion, cycling.
