{"id":245640,"first_name":"José Luis","last_name":"Sanmartín Mato","short_name":"Joselu","common_name":"Joselu","place_of_birth":"Stuttgart","gender":"male","height":191,"weight":79,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-06T10:11:56.195Z","updatedAt":"2025-03-17T12:05:22.839Z","locale":"en","age":34,"stb_id":"joselu-1","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Joselu","top_position":null,"introduction":"Joselu, full name José Luis Mato Sanmartín, is a distinguished Spanish professional footballer recognized for his prolific scoring ability and technical skills. As of 2024, he plays as a striker for Al Gharafa in the Qatar Stars League and is a key player for the Spain national team. Joselu's career highlights include triumphs such as winning the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid and contributing to Spain's success in international competitions.","early_life_and_career":"\n## Early Years\nJoselu was born on 27 March 1990 in Stuttgart, West Germany, where he spent the first ten years of his life before moving with his family to Galicia, Spain. This early relocation shaped his cultural and football development. His schooling in Germany provided a foundation before his family returned to his Spanish roots, encouraging his passion for football.\n\n## Youth Career\nJoselu began his football journey at Celta Vigo, where he honed his skills and developed into a promising young talent. Playing initially with Celta Vigo's B-team, Joselu demonstrated his potential in Spain's third division. His time in youth football was characterized by his keen goal-scoring ability, which laid the groundwork for his future professional career.","professional_career_and_highlights":"\n## Club Career\n### Celta Vigo\nJoselu made his professional debut with Celta Vigo in the Segunda División during the 2008–09 season, showcasing his readiness for top-level football. Though his scoring record was modest, his potential was evident, leading to a loan return to Celta after being purchased by Real Madrid in 2009.\n\n### Real Madrid\nAt Real Madrid, Joselu became a standout player for Castilla, the club's B-team, where he scored an impressive 40 goals in 72 appearances. Despite limited first-team appearances, he made a memorable debut by scoring against Almería after coming on as a substitute.\n\n### TSG Hoffenheim and Eintracht Frankfurt\nIn 2012, Joselu moved to TSG Hoffenheim, marking his entry into the Bundesliga. His tenure included a loan to Eintracht Frankfurt, where he rediscovered his goal-scoring form, netting 14 goals in 33 appearances and helping the team reach the UEFA Europa League knockout stages.\n\n### Hannover 96\nIn 2014, Joselu signed with Hannover 96, where he continued his Bundesliga journey, scored ten goals, and showcased his adaptability in different European leagues.\n\n### Stoke City\nFulfilling a lifelong ambition, Joselu joined Premier League side Stoke City in 2015. He contributed to the team with critical goals and performances, although he faced adaptation challenges.\n\n### Deportivo La Coruña (Loan)\nIn 2016, Joselu returned to Spain on loan to Deportivo La Coruña, where he made valuable contributions, despite his season ending with an Achilles injury.\n\n### Newcastle United\nJoining Newcastle United in 2017, Joselu experienced mixed personal success with some crucial goals, although he was mainly a supporting forward.\n\n### Alavés\nIn 2019, Joselu signed for Alavés, and over three seasons, he became a mainstay in the team's attack, culminating in being the seventh-highest scorer in the 2021–22 La Liga season.\n\n### Espanyol\nHis move to Espanyol in 2022 saw him shine individually, becoming the third-highest scorer in La Liga, despite the team's relegation.\n\n### Return to Real Madrid and Al-Gharafa\nJoselu returned to Real Madrid on loan, winning the UEFA Champions League, before transferring to Al Gharafa in 2024, marking a new chapter in his career.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Youth National Teams\nJoselu represented Spain at various youth levels, showcasing his potential early on in international competitions.\n\n### Senior National Team\nMaking his senior debut in 2023, Joselu quickly made an impact by scoring a brace against Norway, and later contributing crucial goals in the UEFA Nations League and UEFA Euro 2024, aiding Spain's victories in these tournaments.","playing_style_and_skills":"\n## Player Characteristics\nRenowned for his technical prowess and striking ability, Joselu plays primarily as a forward. His former manager Mark Hughes noted his intelligent movement and adept link-up play. He is technically skilled, with a finesse in finishing and tactical astuteness on the field.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nJoselu's career is highlighted by strong offensive statistics, including impressive goal tallies across multiple leagues and competitions, which underscore his impact as a forward.\n\n## Records\nThroughout his career, Joselu has earned personal recognition, including the Zarra Trophy for the 2022–23 season.","notable_achievements":"\n## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- **Real Madrid**: UEFA Champions League (2023–24), La Liga (2023–24), Supercopa de España (2024)\n- **Spain**: UEFA European Championship (2024), UEFA Nations League (2022–23)\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- **Zarra Trophy**: 2022–23 Season\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nThroughout Joselu's career, he has gained accolades for his goal-scoring capabilities and has been acknowledged as one of La Liga’s top scorers.","impact_on_sport":"\n## Career Overview\nJoselu's football journey reflects resilience and success across various European leagues, contributing significantly to his teams' successes. His ability to adapt and impact across different clubs and leagues demonstrates his versatility and dedication.\n\n## Off the Field\nJoselu also engages in commercial and charitable activities, boosting his public image and social influence, aligned with a professional athlete's profile.\n\n## Personal Life\nOff the pitch, Joselu is a devoted family man, married to Melanie Cañizares, with two children. His family connections extend into the football world, being linked through marriage to fellow players, strengthening his personal ties within the sport.","stb_internal_id":"019300f5-98d0-7fba-8f0d-368a2eb410ee","overrides":null,"type_code":"attacker","position_type_code":"attacker","detailed_position_type_code":"centre-forward","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":null,"introduction_html":"

Joselu, full name José Luis Mato Sanmartín, is a distinguished Spanish professional footballer recognized for his prolific scoring ability and technical skills. As of 2024, he plays as a striker for Al Gharafa in the Qatar Stars League and is a key player for the Spain national team. Joselu's career highlights include triumphs such as winning the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid and contributing to Spain's success in international competitions.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Joselu was born on 27 March 1990 in Stuttgart, West Germany, where he spent the first ten years of his life before moving with his family to Galicia, Spain. This early relocation shaped his cultural and football development. His schooling in Germany provided a foundation before his family returned to his Spanish roots, encouraging his passion for football.

Youth Career

Joselu began his football journey at Celta Vigo, where he honed his skills and developed into a promising young talent. Playing initially with Celta Vigo's B-team, Joselu demonstrated his potential in Spain's third division. His time in youth football was characterized by his keen goal-scoring ability, which laid the groundwork for his future professional career.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Celta Vigo

Joselu made his professional debut with Celta Vigo in the Segunda División during the 2008–09 season, showcasing his readiness for top-level football. Though his scoring record was modest, his potential was evident, leading to a loan return to Celta after being purchased by Real Madrid in 2009.

Real Madrid

At Real Madrid, Joselu became a standout player for Castilla, the club's B-team, where he scored an impressive 40 goals in 72 appearances. Despite limited first-team appearances, he made a memorable debut by scoring against Almería after coming on as a substitute.

TSG Hoffenheim and Eintracht Frankfurt

In 2012, Joselu moved to TSG Hoffenheim, marking his entry into the Bundesliga. His tenure included a loan to Eintracht Frankfurt, where he rediscovered his goal-scoring form, netting 14 goals in 33 appearances and helping the team reach the UEFA Europa League knockout stages.

Hannover 96

In 2014, Joselu signed with Hannover 96, where he continued his Bundesliga journey, scored ten goals, and showcased his adaptability in different European leagues.

Stoke City

Fulfilling a lifelong ambition, Joselu joined Premier League side Stoke City in 2015. He contributed to the team with critical goals and performances, although he faced adaptation challenges.

Deportivo La Coruña (Loan)

In 2016, Joselu returned to Spain on loan to Deportivo La Coruña, where he made valuable contributions, despite his season ending with an Achilles injury.

Newcastle United

Joining Newcastle United in 2017, Joselu experienced mixed personal success with some crucial goals, although he was mainly a supporting forward.

Alavés

In 2019, Joselu signed for Alavés, and over three seasons, he became a mainstay in the team's attack, culminating in being the seventh-highest scorer in the 2021–22 La Liga season.

Espanyol

His move to Espanyol in 2022 saw him shine individually, becoming the third-highest scorer in La Liga, despite the team's relegation.

Return to Real Madrid and Al-Gharafa

Joselu returned to Real Madrid on loan, winning the UEFA Champions League, before transferring to Al Gharafa in 2024, marking a new chapter in his career.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Joselu represented Spain at various youth levels, showcasing his potential early on in international competitions.

Senior National Team

Making his senior debut in 2023, Joselu quickly made an impact by scoring a brace against Norway, and later contributing crucial goals in the UEFA Nations League and UEFA Euro 2024, aiding Spain's victories in these tournaments.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Renowned for his technical prowess and striking ability, Joselu plays primarily as a forward. His former manager Mark Hughes noted his intelligent movement and adept link-up play. He is technically skilled, with a finesse in finishing and tactical astuteness on the field.

Performance Statistics

Joselu's career is highlighted by strong offensive statistics, including impressive goal tallies across multiple leagues and competitions, which underscore his impact as a forward.

Records

Throughout his career, Joselu has earned personal recognition, including the Zarra Trophy for the 2022–23 season.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

Real Madrid: UEFA Champions League (2023–24), La Liga (2023–24), Supercopa de España (2024)
Spain: UEFA European Championship (2024), UEFA Nations League (2022–23)

Individual Achievements

Zarra Trophy: 2022–23 Season

Awards and Recognition

Throughout Joselu's career, he has gained accolades for his goal-scoring capabilities and has been acknowledged as one of La Liga’s top scorers.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Joselu's football journey reflects resilience and success across various European leagues, contributing significantly to his teams' successes. His ability to adapt and impact across different clubs and leagues demonstrates his versatility and dedication.

Off the Field

Joselu also engages in commercial and charitable activities, boosting his public image and social influence, aligned with a professional athlete's profile.

Personal Life

Off the pitch, Joselu is a devoted family man, married to Melanie Cañizares, with two children. His family connections extend into the football world, being linked through marriage to fellow players, strengthening his personal ties within the sport.

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Joselu: Profile