It’s been two decades since Rafael Benitez took the reins at Liverpool, and one of his early recruits remains active in professional football. Pepe Reina, who joined the Reds from Villarreal shortly after their iconic 2005 Champions League victory in Istanbul, has enjoyed a remarkable career. Now 41 years old, Reina has just made another move, concluding his second stint at Villarreal to join Como, a team newly promoted to Serie A (according to The Athletic).
Reina’s enduring presence in the game is notable, especially as he is four years older than his new manager, former Spain teammate Cesc Fabregas. Como is the ninth club in Reina’s professional journey, which began at Barcelona 24 years ago. His career has also included spells at Bayern Munich, Lazio, Napoli, and, of course, Liverpool, which he joined just months before the birth of Ben Doak.
The Athletic highlights that Reina has amassed 977 senior appearances, including 36 international caps, bringing him tantalizingly close to the 1,000-game milestone. Although he played only 12 matches for Villarreal last season, the possibility of reaching this rare achievement is a testament to his incredible longevity.
Reina’s legacy at Liverpool is cemented by his prowess in penalty shootouts. He was pivotal in the 2006 FA Cup final against West Ham, the 2007 Champions League semi-final against Chelsea, and the 2012 EFL Cup final against Cardiff. His knack for saving penalties has made him a Liverpool legend, much like current goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
As Reina embarks on this new chapter with Como, he continues to defy the conventional limits of a football career. Playing at 42, which he will turn at the end of August, is an extraordinary feat. Here’s to hoping Reina enjoys a successful and fulfilling stint at Como, marking yet another impressive milestone in his storied career.
