Jesé Rodríguez: A Decade After Leaving Real Madrid, Can He Rewrite His Story?
This August marks a decade since Jesé Rodríguez departed Real Madrid, a player once heralded as a future star. His explosive emergence, even surpassing established names in the famed ‘BBC’ attacking trio, was tragically derailed by a severe knee injury sustained in a Champions League match against Schalke, involving Sead Kolasinac. Now back at UD Las Palmas, the island club where his journey began, Jesé is seeking a resurgence and contemplating where he’ll finish his career.
From Rising Star to Football Nomad
Jesé’s career path since leaving Real Madrid has been anything but linear. Following the injury, he struggled to recapture his previous form, embarking on a series of loan spells at Paris Saint-Germain, Las Palmas, Stoke City, Real Betis, and Sporting CP. He even ventured further afield with stints in Turkey (Ankaragücü), Italy (Sampdoria), Brazil (Coritiba), and Malaysia (Johor Darul Ta’zim) before returning to Las Palmas in 2025.
A Return to Roots and a Second Chance
“The plan is that I arrive on Saturday. I’m happy, I have the confidence of the president, the club, and I’m focused on giving everything,” Jesé stated in an interview on ‘El Larguero’. He emphasized his commitment to Las Palmas, adding, “If we continue, it will be because the club wants it, but we won’t get ahead of ourselves.” Currently fifth in the Segunda División, Las Palmas represents a platform for Jesé to reignite his career.
Weighing In on Modern Football Controversies
Jesé didn’t shy away from offering his perspective on current events at his former club, Real Madrid, specifically the incident involving Vinicius Jr. And Prestianni. He expressed skepticism about the gesture of covering the mouth with a jersey, stating, “There’s a lot of debate. Covering your mouth with the shirt and saying something to a player… if you have something to say, you say it.” Drawing on his own experiences, he added, “I’ve had times when I’ve been provoked, and I say it directly. I don’t think Vinicius is going to create a circus just because he feels like it. If he said it, it’s because it was true.”
Mourinho and the Next Generation of Coaches
The conversation also touched upon José Mourinho, who defended Prestianni. Jesé described Mourinho as “particularly Mourinho,” acknowledging his loyalty to his players and admitting they had a sometimes-contentious relationship, but that he ultimately learned a great deal from the Portuguese manager. He also discussed the emergence of former teammates Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa as coaches, noting Arbeloa’s potential and praising his impact at Real Madrid. “Arbeloa has a bright future as a coach, and I know what he’s like. It’s not uncomplicated to come up and take over a team, but he’s doing well. I feel people are happier,” Jesé observed. He highlighted Arbeloa’s stronger personality and competitive spirit compared to Alonso.
The Changing Landscape of Real Madrid’s Academy
Jesé reflected on the differences between the Real Madrid of his era and the current squad, particularly regarding the role of the academy. “In my time, it was more difficult,” he stated, acknowledging the increased opportunities now given to youth players. He praised Arbeloa for integrating academy graduates into the team, believing it’s beneficial for the club’s future.
A Dream of Returning to the Bernabéu?
Despite his journey, Jesé hasn’t abandoned his dream of returning to the Santiago Bernabéu. “I would love to. The last time I played there was when I was at Betis and I scored a goal,” he recalled. He believes a successful promotion with Las Palmas could open that door. “We’re not in a good moment, but don’t panic. This Segunda División isn’t like it was 15 years ago. There are better-prepared players and coaches. Anyone can beat anyone. It would be good to win on Saturday against Castellón because a victory changes everything.”
The Path Forward: Humility and Consistency
Jesé’s recipe for success is clear: “We have to try to proceed up with humility and knowing that we have to take it one game at a time, not go crazy and believe in the work we’ve been doing all season. There are many points left.”
FAQ
Q: What caused Jesé’s career decline?
A: A serious knee injury sustained in a Champions League match against Schalke in 2014 significantly impacted his form and career trajectory.
Q: Where is Jesé Rodríguez currently playing?
A: He is currently playing for UD Las Palmas in the Segunda División.
Q: Does Jesé want to return to Real Madrid?
A: Yes, he has expressed a desire to play for Real Madrid again.
Q: What did Jesé say about the Vinicius Jr. Incident?
A: He expressed skepticism about the gesture of covering the mouth with a jersey, suggesting direct communication is preferable.
Did you know? Jesé won two Champions League titles with Real Madrid before his injury, achieving a remarkable feat for a young player.
Pro Tip: Following players like Jesé Rodríguez offers valuable insights into the challenges of injury recovery and the complexities of a football career.
What are your thoughts on Jesé’s potential for a comeback? Share your opinions in the comments below! Explore more articles on Segunda División football and player profiles on our website. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and exclusive content.
