José Luis Mato Sanmartín, also recognized as Joselu, is a professional soccer player specializing in the position of forward.
He currently represents La Liga side Real Madrid, having been loaned from Espanyol, a team in the Segunda División, as well as the Spanish national team.
Full name – José Luis Mato Sanmartín | |
Date of birth – 27 March 1990 (age 34) | |
Place of birth – Stuttgart, West Germany | |
Height – 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in | |
Weight – 176 lbs | |
Position – Striker | |
Current team – Real Madrid(on loan from Espanyol) | |
Number – #14 |
Joselu’s Background: From Stuttgart to Galicia
Joselu was born in Stuttgart, West Germany, where he spent four years attending school before his family relocated back to Galicia, Spain.
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Joselu’s Club Career
Celta Vigo: Joselu began his professional journey here, making his mark in the second division before catching the eye of bigger clubs.
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Real Madrid: A significant move where Joselu made his La Liga debut and showcased his goal-scoring abilities, contributing notably to the team’s success.
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TSG Hoffenheim: His Bundesliga stint saw him gradually adapt, with notable contributions including scoring in his debut and impressing with his goal-scoring prowess.
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Eintracht Frankfurt (loan): A loan spell that proved fruitful, with Joselu rediscovering his form under Armin Veh and making significant goal contributions.
Hannover 96: Making a mark in the Bundesliga with consistent performances, Joselu showcased his abilities as a goal-scorer during his time here.
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Stoke City: Fulfilling his dream of playing in the English Premier League, Joselu made notable contributions to the team’s performance.
![gettyimages 481594686 612x612 1](https://i0.wp.com/sportonpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/gettyimages-481594686-612x612-1.jpg?resize=612%2C431&ssl=1)
Deportivo de La Coruña (loan): Joselu’s loan spell here saw him make an impact, contributing goals despite the challenges faced by the team.
Newcastle United: Joining the Premier League side, Joselu showcased his goal-scoring prowess and made significant contributions to the team’s performance.
![gettyimages 899781400 612x612 1](https://i0.wp.com/sportonpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/gettyimages-899781400-612x612-1.jpg?resize=612%2C450&ssl=1)
Alavés: Returning to La Liga, Joselu continued to impress with his goal-scoring abilities and played a crucial role in the team’s success.
![gettyimages 1227656923 612x612 1](https://i0.wp.com/sportonpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/gettyimages-1227656923-612x612-1.jpg?resize=612%2C408&ssl=1)
Espanyol: Joining as a free agent, Joselu made a notable impact with his goal-scoring prowess before making a return to Real Madrid on loan.
![gettyimages 1258042050 612x612 1](https://i0.wp.com/sportonpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/gettyimages-1258042050-612x612-1.jpg?resize=612%2C408&ssl=1)
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Joselu’s International Career
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Joselu represented Spain at various youth levels, including under-19, under-20, and under-21, before earning his first call-up to the senior squad at the age of almost 33. Additionally, he played for Galicia in 2016.
On 17 March 2023, Joselu received his maiden call-up to the Spain national team for the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers against Norway and Scotland.
His debut against Norway on 25 March marked him as the oldest Spain debutant since 2006, where he made an immediate impact by scoring two goals in two minutes, contributing to Spain’s 3–0 victory.
He further showcased his ability by scoring the winning goal for Spain against Italy in the Nations League semi-finals on 15 June 2023, just four minutes after coming off the bench.
Joselu’s Playing Style
Operating as a forward, Joselu’s style has been characterized by his ex-manager Mark Hughes as that of a “skillful forward with strong technical abilities.”
Hughes praised Joselu’s technical prowess, citing his adeptness in positioning, movement, and link-up play.
He expressed satisfaction with Joselu’s finishing abilities, noting his proficiency in training sessions.
Overall, Joselu’s style emphasizes technical proficiency, intelligent movement, and effective link-up play.
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Joselu’s Achievements
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Real Madrid:
Supercopa de España champions: 2023–24 season
Spain:
UEFA Nations League winners: 2022–23 season