Jesús Navas, the king of finals
The case of Jesús Navas is no ordinary one in the history of football. He is 38 years old (he turns 39 in November) and has been running the wing as a professional footballer for more than half his life, an example for everyone, a timeless footballer who has earned the respect of a dressing room that reveres him. In addition, his career, full of memorable moments, nearly manages to hide a mind-blowing milestone: he has been to five tournament finals with Spain and has always reached the final.
World Cup 2010, Euro 2012, Confederations Cup 2013, UEFA Nations League 2023 and this Euro, five major tournaments with the presence of Jesús Navas in the title match. "I've been lucky enough to come away with the national team for many years now, to enjoy playing with the national team. It's incredible that in the five tournaments I've been in, I've reached the final in them all, that's a source of great pride for me. I'm very happy about that," he sums up with a smile. What's more, it was only at the 2013 Confederations Cup that he failed to lift the trophy.
Navas, who has been in many dressing rooms, says that there is something special about the group Luis de la Fuente has put together for this European Championships, something that reminds him of golden times. "I think there are more similarities, there is a family, a very good union. That's what made us win titles and we're doing it again. Last year we won the Nations League and now we are in the final, hopefully we can win the European Championships. We're very excited, both us as players and the whole of Spain.
Navas, as always, has shown his own unique brand of professionalism at this European Championships. He played against Albania with a very painful bruised foot from the first minute and, against France (in the starting line-up), he once again felt an old niggle that has been with him for years. "I've been playing with my hip playing up for several years. There are moments when it gets blocked and it's more difficult. At half-time I was in a lot of pain, but I wanted to continue and help the team".
And help he does, more than enough in fact. He is the first to accept that his case is something out of the ordinary and that he has to make the most of this experience. "These are the last moments and one enjoys them to the maximum, every moment with my family and my children... I am proud that they continue to enjoy me playing for the national team and to give them joy".
There is still the obstacle of England, there is still a little step to go, and, without being overconfident, he allows himself to dream big with another title. "It would be tremendous. For the squad, for the fans... They deserve it. How they're working, how we're training every day... We're very proud of how we're doing and we have to keep it up".
He will do what he always does, put himself at the service of the team, always ready to stand up and be counted. That's why he is one of Spain's captains.