Former Manchester City winger Jesus Navas, now 38, is facing the harsh realities of aging in professional football, battling through severe pain caused by an arthritic hip. The condition, which has plagued him for the past four years, has escalated to the point where it affects every aspect of his life—from his performances on the pitch to his ability to spend time with his children.
Navas, who has spent a staggering 17 years in Sevilla’s first team, revealed the depths of his struggle: “For me, these six months have been a very big challenge. I wanted to be with the team. I hope I can make it until December because every game starts to be difficult. I can’t take it anymore, it’s a health issue.”
Despite the pain, Navas has continued to push his limits for Sevilla, but the toll is becoming too much. “There are days when I can barely walk in between matches,” he admitted. “I’ve been in this situation for four years now, but it’s getting harder to manage. Some nights, the pain is so bad I struggle to sleep.”
The decision to play through such adversity speaks to Navas’ enduring love for the game and his loyalty to Sevilla, but even he knows that the end is in sight. “I have decided,” he said, hinting that his time on the pitch may be coming to a close by the end of the year.
Navas has been a symbol of consistency and dedication throughout his career, celebrated for his blistering pace, pinpoint crosses, and relentless work ethic. His achievements include a Premier League title with Manchester City and multiple Europa League titles with Sevilla. As he prepares for what could be his final months in football, his legacy as a Sevilla icon and a true professional is secure.
However, for Navas, the biggest battle isn’t just saying goodbye to the sport he loves, but learning to cope with life beyond the pitch. As he faces the last chapter of his illustrious career, the football world watches in admiration, grateful for the memories he has created, and hopeful that the player who gave so much can find peace in the next phase of his life.