Jesús Navas becomes the oldest outfield player to take part in a European Championship semi-final

Jesús Navas has added to his legacy with the Spanish national team by becoming the oldest outfield player to take part in a European Championship or World Cup semi-final, at 38 years and 231 days of age. The Sevilla FC captain surpassed the record held by Germany’s Fritz Walter and Sweden’s Gunnar Gren, who shared the record since the 1958 World Cup, when they both played at 37 years and 236 days.

Navas was a starer against France, coming into the side after Dani Carvajal was sent off against Germany and suspended. The right-back had the task of trying to stop Kylian Mbappé, one of the best players in the world, who’ll be playing in LALIGA EA SPORTS next season. 

Despite some struggles at the beginning of the encounter, he little by little gained confidence and was even able to contribute at the other end of the pitch, putting in a ball which ultimately ended up in Spain’s second goal, scored by Dani Olmo. Navas was later replaced in the 60th minute by Athletic Club centre-back Dani Vivian, due to an injury.

On Sunday, Navas will have the chance to become the first player in history to win two European Championships, a World Cup and a Nations League. He is already the only player in the world to have won all three of these titles at least once. With Tuesday’s outing, Navas has now played 56 games for La Roja, with a difference of 15 years between his first and his most recent game. He made his debut back in 2009, in a friendly against Argentina under Vicente del Bosque, yet is still in the team and making history.