Jesus Navas breaks Spain international record in La Roja UEFA Nations League win over Italy

Sevilla full-back Jesus Navas has become a record-holder with the Spanish national team after starring in their 2-1 UEFA Nations League semifinal win against Italy. 

The Sevilla captain, who recently lifted the club’s seventh UEFA Europa League crown, brought his wealth of experience to the Spain national team after being invited to the squad for the UNL games against Italy and Croatia by new manager Luis de la Fuente. 

The winger-turned-defender made his first appearance for Spain in three years against Italy, starting at right-back for La Roja and playing the entire game. 

It was Navas’ 47th match for Spain, and his appearance against Italy helped him reach a new milestone in the history of the Spanish national football team. 

The Sevilla legend made his debut for Spain 14 years ago while also playing for Sevilla, and with his most recent appearance, he became the oldest player to represent Spain at the international level. 

Aged 37 years and 206 days, Navas outdid goalkeepers Santiago Canizares, who played for Spain at 36 years and 248 days, and Antoni Ramallets, who played his last game for Spain at 36 years and 349 days in 1961, to become the oldest player to represent the country. 

Navas could extend his record even further on Sunday when Spain take on Croatia in the final of the UEFA Nations League hoping to win the UNL trophy for the first time.