Navas to Retire from International Football After Euro Final
Spanish full-back Jesus Navas has announced his retirement from international football after Sunday’s European Championship final against England. The 38-year-old has had an illustrious career, winning both the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 with Spain. Navas has made three appearances at this summer’s tournament, making him the oldest player to represent Spain at a major competition.
Navas confirmed his decision during the team’s pre-final press conference, with national team captain Alvaro Morata encouraging him to speak about it. Navas expressed his excitement about his achievements in football and with the national team, stating that being able to play at the age of 38 is a unique and incredible experience.
Reflecting on the success of the previous Spain side, Navas acknowledged the camaraderie both on and off the pitch. He believes that their unity as a team was evident in their performances, and he sees similarities with the current squad.
Throughout his career, Navas has made 56 appearances for Spain over a 15-year period. He made his international debut in 2009 and was part of the team that won the World Cup in 2010 and Euro 2012. However, he was not selected for the 2014 World Cup, leading to a five-year absence from the national team. He returned in 2019 for the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign, playing as a right-back instead of his usual winger position.
Navas had another three-year absence from the national team between 2020 and 2023 before being recalled for the Nations League semi-final and final in 2023. He played in both matches, helping Spain secure victory in the competition.
Despite his retirement from international football, Navas recently signed a “lifetime” contract with Sevilla, where he has spent a total of 17 years across two spells. He will continue his affiliation with the club in a different role after his playing career ends.
Navas’ retirement marks the end of an era for Spanish football, as the team says goodbye to a player who has been a key figure in their success over the years. His contributions to both the national team and his club career have solidified his place as one of Spain’s footballing legends.