José Manuel Reina

José Manuel Reina Páez, simply known as Pepe Reina, is a highly accomplished Spanish professional footballer who has enjoyed a long and successful career as a goalkeeper. Born in Madrid on August 31, 1982, Reina comes from a footballing family; his father, Miguel Reina, was also a goalkeeper for both Barcelona and Atlético Madrid.

Reina began his professional career at Barcelona, progressing through their youth ranks before making his first-team debut in 2000. He spent two seasons with the Catalan giants, acting primarily as a backup. In 2002, he moved to Villarreal, where he established himself as one of the top goalkeepers in La Liga. He spent three seasons at Villarreal, helping them achieve significant success, including a third-place finish in the league and a Champions League semi-final appearance.

In 2005, Reina made a pivotal move to Liverpool in the English Premier League. This transfer marked a defining chapter in his career. He quickly became a fan favorite at Anfield, known for his excellent shot-stopping abilities, commanding presence in the box, and impressive distribution skills. Reina’s consistent performances earned him numerous accolades, including three Premier League Golden Glove awards (2005-06, 2006-07, and 2007-08), a testament to his exceptional goalkeeping prowess. He also played a crucial role in Liverpool’s FA Cup victory in 2006 and their run to the Champions League final in 2007.

After eight seasons at Liverpool, Reina embarked on a series of loan spells, first with Napoli in 2013-14, where he reunited with his former manager Rafael Benítez, and then with Bayern Munich in 2014-15. He then returned to Napoli on a permanent basis in 2015, playing for them until 2018.

In 2018, Reina moved to AC Milan, followed by a loan stint at Aston Villa in 2020. In the summer of 2020, he joined Lazio, where he continued to showcase his experience and leadership. He returned to Villarreal in January 2023, concluding his playing career where he previously excelled.

Reina has also enjoyed a successful international career with the Spanish national team. He has been a part of Spain’s golden generation, winning the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and the European Championships in 2008 and 2012. While often serving as a backup to Iker Casillas, Reina was a valuable member of the squad, known for his positive influence and camaraderie.

Throughout his career, Pepe Reina has been recognized not only for his goalkeeping skills but also for his personality and leadership qualities. He’s known for his infectious enthusiasm and his ability to connect with fans, making him a beloved figure in the football world. He retired at the end of the 2022-2023 season, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and sportsmanship.