Sunday’s match between Real Madrid and Sevilla is sure to be an emotional one as it will see the final appearance in the career of Spanish football icon Jesús Navas. The 39-year-old will retire at the end of 2024 due to a chronic hip injury and, after winning his final match at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán last weekend, hopes to end his playing days in a similar fashion.
Before the start of the match, Real Madrid paid tribute to Navas by organizing an honor guard in his honour. The entire Santiago Bernabéu was also attentive to the veteran defender, paying tribute.
Tribute at the Santiago Bernabéu for Jesús Navas. 🫡
pic.twitter.com/l6NoFQ7GiY— MT2 (@madrid_total2) December 22, 2024
🔊 Corridor and gala ovation at the Bernabéu for Jesús Navas in his last game.
👀 @jaimevelasco24 pic.twitter.com/owtRVZz3TN
— madridistaReal (@RMadridistaReal) December 22, 2024
Navas is an incredibly popular figure in Spanish football and that tribute is deserved. Real Madrid hopes to spoil his last game as a professional footballer, but it is clear that they have a lot of respect for him for everything he has done for Sevilla, and also for the national team.