“In those years of success, we were a team both on and off the pitch. That was noticeable when we played and it is the same here,” said the nostalgic Jesus Navas, the only remaining star from La Roja’s golden era. After playing for Spain for 15 years, the 38-year-old right-back, older than his teammate Lamine Yamal’s dad, has decided to hang up his boots. As he is upbeat on capping his eventful career with one last trophy at the Euro 2024 final, the spotlight goes to this veteran who had a key role to play in both Andres Iniesta’s winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final and Dani Olmo’s stunner against France, his often untold backstory, and his roots.

It’s obvious that Spain has a marginal edge to bag the title this time, having won all 6 of their matches so far. While the Three Lions have their first silverware since 1966 on target, this is the 4th Euro title Luis de la Fuente’s men are aiming for. For Jesus Navas, it’s his final battle that he will play for his country despite his lingering hip injury. A victorious end to Navas’ storied career will be a proud moment, especially for his parents, Paco Navas and Aurora, who stood by their son to learn the beautiful game by kicking an orange juice carton outside his elementary school!

All about Jesus Navas’ parents who raised two world-class footballers

Jesus Navas Gonzalez was born as the third among the five sons of Francisco ‘Paco’ Navas and Aurora Gonzalez in Los Palacios, a small town in Seville. His father worked as an administrator in a school in Seville, where the children also studied. Young Jesus was good at maths and science but he only had one dream which was to play soccer.

One of his elder brothers Marco was also a footballer who played for 14 years in Spain’s second division and England’s League Two until 2014. In fact, Jesus started his career by following Marco’s footsteps into Sevilla’s academy, at the age of 14. After Jesus had his debut at 18, he lost his place as a right winger to Marco, as he was very skinny and struggling to adapt. Later, Marco was injured, Jesus got better, and the rest was history. Although all five sons loved to play football, the other brothers in the Navas family did not opt for a football career.

In a 2013 interview after Jesus joined Manchester City, Marco Navas expressed, “We are a very close and happy family. Our parents always helped and supported us when Jesus and I played football when we were very small. For me, my brother must play for the top clubs. I’m envious but in a good way.” Indeed, they have much more to be proud of!

Jesus had always struggled with chronic homesickness and anxiety. In fact, he has turned down junior national team call-ups and opted out of pre-season tours for the same. However, with professional help, Jesus overcame that around the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where Spain became champs. His family, especially Marco, was a pillar of support, especially during that time. Speaking of, let’s know more about his wife and kids.

Who is Jesus Navas’ wife, Alejandra Moral?

Jesus Navas has been married to Alejandra Moral since 2011. The couple welcomed their first child, a boy named Jesus Jr in 2012. In 2018, Moral gave birth to the second child, Romeo. Alejandra often shares pictures and supportive messages for Jesus on Instagram. Before the Spain vs France semifinal last week, she was seen praying for La Roja’s victory, lighting candles in a cathedral in Munich.

When the Sevilla man announced his retirement, she wrote on Instagram, “Words are unnecessary; you’ve said it all, my love. I will continue walking by your side with the same love as we have done until now. I love you, my life ❤️”. When Navas boots up for one last battle in the Olympiastadion, with thousands of Spaniards gathered in the gallery, his family will also be praying for a triumphant finale.