The right-back has become the player with the most appearances in this fixture and with the most victories in the history of LaLiga derbies.
“Navas, Navas, Navas…” That was the sound that echoed around the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán at the end of the first EL Gran Derbi of the 2024/25 LaLiga season. And, that’s because it was the last derby in the career of Jesús Navas, who has announced his intention to retire at the end of 2024.
For Navas, his final derby was one to savour as Sevilla FC triumphed 1-0 thanks to a Dodi Lukebakio penalty, converted after a Real Betis handball inside the area.
That goal was scored before Navas entered the fray, which he did in the 72nd minute to help his team earn a clean sheet, just their third of the season, and secure the three points.
It could hardly have gone better for Navas, although there was a moment when the entire Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán stood to their feet, thinking the club captain was about to get on the scoresheet. It was in the 82nd minute, at a Sevilla FC counter attack, when Navas was completely free on the right-hand side of the penalty area, although he wasn’t seen by his teammates.
That would have been a fairytale ending to his career in ELGRAN DERBI, if Navas had scored his first derby goal in the final moments of his final clash against Real Betis.
Even without ever scoring a goal against Real Betis, Navas cemented his legacy in this fixture by making his 28th derby appearance. That means he is now the all-time record appearance maker in El Gran Derbi, overtaking Real Betis legend Joaquín.
From those 28 derbies, the right-back has enjoyed 12 wins, 10 draws and lost just six times. Only Curro Sanjosé, the Sevilla FC legend from the 1970s and 1980s, has won more derby matches across all competitions than Navas, with 15, while Navas is now the player with the most El Gran Derbi victories in LaLiga.
Following four derbies in a row which ended in draws, winning this Sunday’s derby was a huge deal for Sevilla FC and the players celebrated wildly at the end of the game.
Navas’ teammates then proceeded to lift the club captain onto their shoulders, while hoisting his shirt high in the air on the top of a corner flag, giving him a well-earned moment of glory.
“The stars today are my teammates, who gave their all for me,” Navas said after the game. “Throughout the week they kept saying they were going to do it for me, that they’d give their all on the pitch, and they did. I’m very proud of them all. I love my teammates, my Sevilla FC and my fans. I’ll always be truly grateful.”
There will certainly be further ovations for Navas over the coming months as he plays his final matches for Sevilla FC. He is only three appearances away from hitting the milestone of 700 games for the club across all competitions, which will be another moment to cherish for this unique player. But, there might not be many moments left that feel quite as satisfying as a derby victory.
