Here’s everything fans need to know about the special event built around the Verdiblanco emblem and the career milestone it honors.
Joaquín Sánchez has stepped away from Real Betis, announcing his retirement at the end of the 2022-2023 season. The veteran winger closed a chapter by tying a La Liga record for most appearances, joining a select group of players who have fielded the most minutes at Spain’s top level. Yet his farewell continues with a final tribute gathering that promises to be a meaningful culmination of a storied career.
The football world responds to the retirement news of Joaquín Sánchez
Tribute match for Joaquín at Real Betis: date, venue, guest players, and viewing details
The tribute match honoring Joaquín Sánchez is planned to take place in Spain on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at 9:00 p.m. local time. The venue will be Benito Villamarín, the home stadium of Real Betis Balompié, giving fans a chance to witness a night dedicated to one of the club’s most enduring figures.
Ticket prices were set at 20 euros for adults and 10 euros for children, with sales open to both members and the general public. At the time of reporting, ticket sales were listed as closed due to high demand for this ceremonial event.
The event carries a charitable focus, with proceeds designated for the Joaquín Sánchez Foundation, an organization devoted to supporting childhood cancer research and patient support initiatives. This adds a meaningful dimension to the occasion, turning a farewell into a contribution for a cause close to the player’s heart.
Non-football guests
Several prominent figures from the world of music and entertainment were slated to attend in Seville to honor the Cádiz-born man. Among those expected on the guest list were Alejandro Sanz, Niña Pastori, Bertín Osborne, Pablo Motos, Curro Romero, and Vicky Martín Berrocal, each bringing their own connection to Joaquín and to Spanish culture more broadly. Their presence underscored the event’s status as a national celebration rather than a purely athletic affair.
The invited football players
Joaquín invited teammates and former colleagues who have shared the Betis journey to participate in his final match. The program was set to feature appearances by players who have previously worn the Betis jersey, including Rubén Castro, Héctor Bellerín, Alfonso, Denilson, Edu, Juanito, Capi, Doblas, Cañas, Arzu, and his brother Ricardo Sánchez. The gathering aimed to honor the club’s history while highlighting the bonds formed over years on the pitch.
While several names were still being confirmed as the event approached, a number of stars were expected to be present. Among them were Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Raúl, Roberto Carlos, Guti, David Albelda, Santi Cazorla, and Luque, each bringing a blend of memories and admiration for Joaquín’s long service to Spanish football and Betis alike.
Where to watch the tribute
The tribute game was led on the field by referee Iturralde González. For fans unable to attend in Seville, television coverage was planned to begin at 9:00 p.m. local time, ensuring broader access to the proceedings and allowing supporters around the world to participate in the night’s events from afar. The broadcast aimed to provide friends, family, and fans with a complete view of the ceremony, goals, and tributes that defined Joaquín’s extraordinary career. The organizers and broadcaster were set to offer a range of moments, including reflections on his impact at Betis and in Spanish football more broadly, making the night feel like a retrospective as well as a celebration.
Observers noted how Joaquín’s longevity and loyalty—captured in the record-equalling appearance tally—have become a symbol of dedication for Betis supporters and a source of inspiration for younger players across the league. His retirement marks the end of an era, but the tribute matches a man who has long embodied perseverance, community, and football as a shared experience. The event also served as a reminder of how individual careers can become intertwined with a club’s identity, influencing fans across generations.
In reflecting on the evening, analysts pointed to the practical aspects of organizing such a celebration—managing guest lists, coordinating with sponsors, and ensuring the match served its charitable purpose while delivering the emotional resonance fans expect. The event stood as an example of how sports communities come together to honor a player who has left a lasting mark on a club and its supporters. The tribute would be remembered not only for the names on the field but for the sense of closure it provided to a career that has become part of Betis’s folklore.
Attribution: This summary draws on coverage from Goal and related reporting, with updates provided by event organizers and participating figures.