sevendayweekender – Pepe Reina concluded his 25-year professional football career with a dramatic red card during Como’s 2-0 loss to Inter Milan. The 42-year-old goalkeeper had earlier announced that the final league match of the season would be his last. With Inter leading 1-0 in the second half, Reina rushed out of his box and clipped the heel of Inter’s Mehdi Taremi. Referee Marco Guida initially let play continue, but after a VAR review, Reina received a straight red card. This emotional exit marked the end of an illustrious career spanning across Europe’s top leagues.
Read More : King Visits Canada Amid Rising Tensions with Trump
Inter Win, But Napoli Clinch Serie A Title
Despite defeating Como, Inter Milan failed to secure the Serie A title. Inter opened the scoring through Stefan de Vrij, who headed in from a corner before halftime. Joaquin Correa then doubled the lead shortly after the break. However, Napoli’s 2-0 win over Cagliari sealed the title for the Naples side, who finished one point ahead of Inter with 82 points. Inter, now focused on their Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, end the league campaign as runners-up.
A Storied Club Career Across Europe
Reina began his journey at Barcelona, making his first-team debut before moving to Villarreal. His career took a major leap in 2005 when he signed with Liverpool. At Anfield, Reina became a fan favorite and spent nine seasons with the club. He won the FA Cup, the League Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup, and was part of the team that lost to AC Milan in the 2007 Champions League final. His consistency and leadership made him a key figure under Rafael Benítez.
Silverware Success in Spain, Germany, and Italy
Beyond England, Reina continued collecting trophies. With Napoli, he won the Coppa Italia and became a vital part of their defense. A brief spell at Bayern Munich added the Bundesliga title to his resume. Later, Reina joined Aston Villa, helping them reach the League Cup final in 2020. His career also included time at Lazio and a return to Villarreal before signing with Como in 2023. At Como, he reunited with former Spain teammate Cesc Fàbregas, who had taken on a managerial role at the club.
International Glory with Spain’s Golden Generation
Reina’s international career coincided with Spain’s most dominant era. Though often a backup to Iker Casillas, he was a key squad member during Spain’s historic run. Reina was part of the squad that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. He also collected winners’ medals in the 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Championships. Known for his humor and leadership off the pitch, Reina became a unifying figure in the Spanish locker room. His retirement closes the chapter on one of football’s most respected and enduring careers.
