Spanish · Jerez de la Frontera, Spain · Born 21 July 1981Spain's evergreen entertainer, a dribbling wizard who played professional football into his 40s and is one of La Liga's most beloved figures.
Joaquín Sánchez Rodríguez was born on 21 July 1981 in El Puerto de Santa María, Spain, and progressed through Real Betis's youth academy, making his first-team debut in 1999. His blistering pace, close control, and crossing ability from the right wing quickly established him as one of the most exciting young talents in Spanish football. Joaquín helped Betis win the Copa del Rey in 2005, and his performances attracted a move to Valencia in 2006, where he continued to develop into one of La Liga's most respected wide players over five seasons. He later played for Málaga and Italy's Fiorentina before an emotional return to Betis in 2015, the club where his career had begun 16 years earlier. Joaquín went on to make history as one of the oldest outfield players ever to compete in La Liga, continuing to feature for Betis into his forties and becoming a beloved figure in Seville renowned as much for his infectious sense of humour and popularity with teammates as for his footballing longevity. He retired in 2023 after 24 professional seasons, the vast majority spent across two spells with Betis. Joaquín earned 51 caps for Spain between 2002 and 2007, representing his country at the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004, though a missed penalty in the Euro 2004 quarter-final shootout against hosts Portugal became one of the more painful moments of his international career. He remains one of the most enduringly popular figures in modern Spanish football.
Longest serving player in La Liga history
He holds the all-time record for La Liga appearances, surpassing legends like Raúl and Casillas, and was still dribbling past defenders in his 40s.
Did You Know?How They Played
Pacey winger with excellent dribbling skills and crossing ability
Lasting Impact
Icon of loyalty and longevity in Spanish football, beloved at Real Betis
Career Honours
- Copa del Rey 2005, 2022
- Copa del Rey (Valencia) 2008
- Copa del Rey 2005
- Copa del Rey 2008
- Copa del Rey 2022
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Betis B | 1999–2000 | 27 | 2 |
| Betis | 2000–2006 | 218 | 32 |
| Valencia | 2006–2011 | 158 | 18 |
| Málaga | 2011–2013 | 57 | 6 |
| Fiorentina | 2013–2015 | 49 | 4 |
| Betis | 2015–2023 | 227 | 24 |
 Spain | — | 51 | 4 |
Spanish Athletes