Spanish · Los Palacios y Villafranca, Spain · Born 21 November 1985Sevilla and Spain legend who reinvented himself from flying winger to dependable right-back across an extraordinary 20-year career.
Jesús Navas González was born on 21 November 1985 in Los Palacios y Villafranca, near Seville, Spain, and joined Sevilla's youth academy at 15. Despite a slender frame that initially made him look an unlikely professional prospect, he worked tirelessly in the gym from a young age to build the physique needed to compete at the highest level, eventually clocking speeds reportedly close to 10.8 seconds over 100 metres. Navas made his first-team debut in 2003 and helped Sevilla win back-to-back UEFA Cups in 2006 and 2007, developing into one of Spanish football's most reliable wide players. Known for his loyalty and homesickness in his early years, he spent a decade with Sevilla before Manchester City signed him in 2013, helping the club win the 2013-14 Premier League title. Navas returned to Sevilla in 2017, going on to win the 2019-20 Europa League and eventually becoming club captain, later signing a lifetime contract with the club in 2024. He broke Sevilla's all-time appearance record, finishing with 705 games for the club across two spells before retiring in December 2024. Navas earned 56 caps for Spain, winning the 2010 World Cup, two European Championships, and the 2022-23 Nations League, retiring from international duty in 2024. His older brother, Marco, also played professionally, and Jesús was honoured with Spain's Royal Order of Sports Merit gold medal in 2012.
Most Europa League titles won by any player (5)
He overcame such severe homesickness that he almost couldn't play away from Sevilla, yet went on to win the World Cup and play in the Premier League.
Did You Know?How They Played
Pacey attacking full-back with exceptional crossing ability and stamina
Lasting Impact
Sevilla legend who overcame anxiety issues to become Spain's most-capped right-back
Career Honours
- World Cup 2010
- Euro 2012
- Europa League 5x
- Premier League 2x
- League Cup 2x
- European Championship 2012
- Europa League 2006
- Europa League 2007
- Europa League 2014
- Europa League 2020
- Europa League 2023
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sevilla B | 2003–2004 | 33 | 3 |
| Sevilla | 2003–2013 | 285 | 23 |
| Manchester City | 2013–2017 | 123 | 4 |
| Sevilla | 2017–2024 | 231 | 3 |
 Spain | — | 56 | 2 |
Spanish Athletes