Joaquín Sánchez has become a living symbol of the spirit of Real Betis – a player and a person that fans will never forget. Even while he was still playing, the club called him “the king of Real Betis” – a player and a person who is bigger than just the sport. His career spanned 23 seasons in the top flight, and he finished with an impressive 622 La Liga appearances, equalling Andoni Zubizarreta’s record. With over 600 appearances and 77 league goals, he is one of the most experienced La Liga players in history. As a club legend and captain of Betis, he has won the hearts of football fans across Spain – and far beyond – thanks to his eternal smile, wit and unwavering loyalty.
A teenager who would change Betis
Born in the Cádiz area, Joaquín made his debut for Betis' first team at the age of just 19, on 3 September 2000, when the team was playing in the Segunda División. He made an immediate impact, making 38 appearances and scoring 3 goals in the season as Betis were promoted to La Liga. Over the next five years, he played practically everything for the club – over 200 official matches, with around 50 assists and a number of goals. A particularly memorable season was 2004/05, when he played every league match, scored five goals and was instrumental in Betis' triumph in the Copa del Rey – the club's first in ten years. His early success, combined with his charming style, quickly made him an icon among Betis fans.
In 2006, Joaquín left his hometown to take a new step in his career. Valencia bought him for 25 million euros, and he quickly became a key player. Over the course of five seasons, he played with star players such as David Villa and Juan Mata, and in the 2007/08 season he won his second Copa del Rey trophy. Then he moved to Málaga in 2011, where he again made his mark – not least by helping the club to its first Champions League qualification. At both clubs, he delivered solid performances and was highly respected, although it was always Betis that drew his heart back.
In 2015, at the age of 34, Joaquín returned to Real Betis. It was the start of a new and even more emotional chapter. He became captain and the team's guiding star, both on and off the pitch. In April 2022, at the age of 40, he lifted the Copa del Rey trophy again – 17 years after his first. Moments like these cemented his legacy as the club's eternal hero. By the time he ended his career in 2023, he had played 622 La Liga matches, and the club organised a grand farewell match with the proceeds going to his charitable foundation for children with cancer.
The charisma that captured all of Spain
Off the pitch, Joaquín is as famous for his charisma and humour as he is for his dribbling. A well-known TV personality in Spain, his spontaneous comments, jokes and positive energy have endeared him far beyond the footballing world. His warm personality and warm smile have won him fans from all over the club, and he is known as one of the most popular players in the country. Even rival fans pay tribute to him. His popularity is not only due to his skills, but also to his ability to make people laugh and feel.
A legend in hearts, not just history books
Joaquín has become a cult hero – not just at Real Betis, but throughout Spanish football. His signature goals, dribbling and ever-present presence have left their mark. In an era where loyalty is rare and careers move from club to club, Joaquín has been a beacon of loyalty and charm. After his career ended, he has continued as an ambassador for Betis, both as a shareholder and advisor, and is involved in charity and media projects. For many, he symbolises the best of football: passion, joy, humanity and love for the game.
Joaquín Sánchez is and will remain a cult hero – a man who united football and laughter, and who gave everything for his club, with his heart first.
