Joselu’s Journey from Stuttgart to the Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals
As the Euro 2024 quarter-finals approach, the spotlight shines on a remarkable homecoming story. Elvira Mato, a resident of Stuttgart for 22 years, will witness her son Joselu take the field for Spain against Germany in a highly anticipated clash at the Neckarstadion.
Joselu’s journey has been a winding one, tracing back to his roots in the city where he was born in 1990. His parents were among the 600,000 Spaniards who emigrated to Germany in the 1960s and 70s, and Joselu briefly attended school in Stuttgart before moving to Galicia, Spain, with his family.
From Celta Vigo to Real Madrid
After emerging as a promising young forward at Celta Vigo, Joselu embarked on a remarkable career that saw him play for 10 different clubs across three countries. His first official debut came for Real Madrid in 2012, but it wasn’t until 11 years later that he would truly make his mark, winning the Champions League with the Spanish giants and earning a call-up to the national team.
Facing Familiar Faces
Now, at the age of 34, Joselu is set to play his first international tournament, returning to the city where his mother once cheered on his local team, VfB Stuttgart. “It will be special,” the Spain striker says from the team’s training camp in Donaueschingen. “Talking to my mum and sister, many memories will come back.“
Joselu’s homecoming holds added significance as he faces off against familiar faces, including his Real Madrid teammate Antonio Rüdiger, who will be in the heart of the German defense. “I spoke to him the other day, a few short words,” Joselu reveals. “I don’t think he’s in a very good mood, having got Spain in the quarters.“
A Testament to the Game’s Unpredictability
As Joselu prepares to take on the formidable German squad, led by the retiring Toni Kroos, he reflects on his unlikely journey. “Football is so lovely because of those things, because you never know what might happen,” he says, acknowledging the sacrifices and determination that have brought him to this point.
With a Champions League title and a potential European Championship triumph on the horizon, Joselu’s story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the beautiful game. As he steps onto the pitch in Stuttgart, surrounded by the memories of his youth, the stage is set for an emotional homecoming and a thrilling quarter-final clash.
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