The Betis captain is stepping away from professional football at 41. To honor his decision, the club arranged a formal tribute and a press conference to explain his choice.
Joaquín Sánchez retires. The captain of Real Betis ends a remarkable 23-year professional journey, including 14 seasons defending the Verdiblanco shield of the club known as the Thirteen Stripes. He leaves the pitch after the 2022-2023 campaign, closing a chapter that began long ago and shaped an era for Betis fans in Spain, the rest of Europe, and, for Canadian and American followers, a global football community that watched his loyalty unfold over more than two decades.
The 20 defining moments in Joaquín’s career
Direct farewell press conference for Joaquín of Betis: video, viewing options, and live coverage
Following the retirement news, Betis scheduled a tribute for Thursday, April 20, beginning at 1 p.m. local time, which will also include a press conference in which Joaquín explains his decision. Our coverage has already highlighted several key points. (Goal)
Message from a long road: “How hard it is to say ‘I’ve come this far.’ How hard to let go of what has defined my life. When I was younger, there might have been a rush, and later the moment would have passed. I will always try to contribute what I can to the team that has been my life. Looking back, I see there were moments I could have misjudged, and if I did, I’m sorry. But I do not regret a single thing. Thanks to the Betis fans, that is what gives meaning to this club. Joaquín leaves, but Betis remains. It’s eternal. Live Betis.”
Why retire now: “Retiring was not a light decision. This year carried personal circumstances that matter. I am 41, and there comes a point when you must step away. I did not want retirement to hinge on Betis achieving a Champions League spot or breaking records. I hope Betis continues to qualify.”
What remains in memory: “When I was 20, I dared, I did what I wanted. If I could pick one moment to relive, it would be the day I told my dad I was a Betis player. If I could stay with one moment, it would be that boy who gave everything to feel like a footballer.”
Fitness and form: “My body doesn’t take things away from me. Age catches up, sure, and circumstances change. I still enjoy the game. My mind is solid, but age and the right timing push the decision. After a talk with my family, I chose to step away.”
The next chapter at Betis: “I’m here to help the club continue growing. We’ve shared years on the pitch, and I’d like to stay connected to football in some capacity. Being useful in sports, feeling valued in the sporting side—that’s important to me.”
On the decision process: “It was a deliberate choice. I spoke with the president first, then the coach and teammates. Some wanted to be surprised, which made the moment more intense.”
Best moment: “There isn’t a single moment that defines fourteen years. I’ve been lucky to witness many beautiful scenes. If I had to choose one, it would be the day I told my father I’d become a Betis player. It’s a memory that will stay with me forever.”
Pellegrini and the plan: “The coach tried to persuade me to stay, knowing I could contribute more. Our admiration is mutual, and he watches me train with pride.”
Could he be president someday?: “Who wouldn’t want to lead? But that’s not my place. It belongs to Ángel Haro. My aim is to keep contributing and to feel content with the club that gave me everything.”
Favorite goal: “I remember my first goal clearly.”
Future plans: “First, I’ll adapt to a new life off the pitch. A month or two of rest, then the next steps will reveal themselves. Football may still tug at me, and I know it will demand something in return.”
Club growth: “I never imagined the club’s growth happening so fast. I arrived with the simple dream of enjoying Betis with my people, aware of the challenges ahead.”
Betis in my life: “Betis is my life. The stadium, the sports city, everything around it has changed me. I’ve spent 23 years as a professional and four in the academy. It’s hard to picture this life without Betis, and explaining what Betis means often falls short. The best way to understand it is to live it.”
Clear about the future: “Right now there’s no plan to stay away. The decision is final. The future may bring many open projects, and there are many questions still to answer. When decisions are made, they are firm and forward-looking. I want to continue growing as a person and to keep showing the love people have for me.”
Fear of the end: “The absence will be felt. I’ll miss the scent of wet grass, the locker room, the daily camaraderie and jokes. I’ll try to absorb it all as quickly as possible.”
Messages from family and peers
Joaquín was joined by teammates, Betis executives, his family, and coach Manuel Pellegrini, who shared several tribute thoughts. Angel Haro praised his captaincy and lifelong commitment, noting that Joaquín embodied Betis values through dedication, joy, and leadership. The farewell will be complete when the season ends, a moment Betis intends to honor on the world stage. The club hopes Joaquín will remain connected with Betis at the board level, continuing to help shape the club’s future. This tribute is to show love now, with lasting respect for what he gave the team over the years.
Manuel Pellegrini reflected on Joaquín’s farewell, saying the captain earned the recognition he deserves and that his leadership inspired the squad. Andrew added that taking over his role is a responsibility felt by all who knew Betis through him. Sergio Canale noted the emotional impact of the speech and the sense that Betis will feel his absence next season. Juanito remembered the deep imprint Joaquín left on Betis, while Rafael Gordillo recalled his own reaction to Betis history. Eduardo Espejo, speaking for Joaquín, highlighted the genuine affection Betis fans show for him, while Susana Saborido, his wife, acknowledged the emotional shift the retirement marks for their family.
Source attribution: Goal