Arsenal Players

General Information

José Antonio Reyes was born on 1 September 1983 in Utrera, Spain. A gifted winger with explosive pace, dazzling dribbling, and an eye for goal, he became one of the brightest young talents in Spanish football. His story is one of excitement, flair, and moments of brilliance mixed with challenges and, tragically, a life cut short.

Early Years at Sevilla
Reyes came through the youth system at Sevilla and made his La Liga debut at just 16. That made him the youngest player in the club’s history to appear in the Spanish top flight. His rise was rapid. Blessed with natural talent and confidence, he quickly established himself as one of the most promising young attackers in Europe. By his late teens, he was already attracting attention from major clubs across the continent.

Joining Arsenal
In January 2004, Arsenal secured his signature for a fee of around £10.5 million. Arsène Wenger described him as a player who could add flair and unpredictability to an already talented squad. For Arsenal, locked in a battle to complete an unbeaten league season, Reyes represented both the present and the future. Fans were immediately intrigued by his arrival.

Part of the Invincibles
Reyes joined midway through the 2003–04 campaign and contributed to the legendary Invincibles season. Though he was not a regular starter, he made valuable contributions. His pace and direct running unsettled defenders, and he showed glimpses of the flair that had made him such a prized signing. Arsenal’s unbeaten title triumph meant that Reyes, despite being new to English football, had already achieved a place in history.

Memorable Moments
One of Reyes’ most famous performances came in February 2004 against Chelsea in the FA Cup. He scored two brilliant goals, including a thunderous long-range strike, to knock out Arsenal’s London rivals. It was a reminder of the quality he possessed. The following season, Reyes began in electric form, scoring in six consecutive games at the start of the Premier League campaign. Supporters believed they had a new star to build around.

Style of Play
Reyes was at his best when running at defenders with speed and purpose. He loved cutting inside from the left wing and shooting from distance, while his close control made him difficult to dispossess. His willingness to take risks often brought fans to their feet. On his day, he could change a game with a single burst of pace or moment of inspiration.

Challenges in England
Yet Reyes never looked fully settled in England. He struggled with the physical nature of the Premier League, and defenders often targeted him with tough tackles. He also admitted to suffering from homesickness, and speculation about a return to Spain was never far away. Though Wenger continued to support him, his form dipped, and the excitement of his early months faded.

Loan to Real Madrid
In 2006, Reyes left Arsenal on loan as part of a swap deal with Júlio Baptista. At Real Madrid, he scored important goals, including a brace on the final day of the season that helped Madrid clinch the La Liga title. However, his time in Spain did not lead to a permanent deal with the club.

Move to Atlético Madrid and Sevilla Return
In 2007, Reyes joined Atlético Madrid, ending his Arsenal chapter. He later returned to Sevilla, where he enjoyed great success, especially in the Europa League. His leadership and experience helped Sevilla dominate the competition, and he became an iconic figure at his boyhood club.

International Career
Reyes represented Spain at international level, earning over 20 caps. He was part of a talented generation of Spanish players who paved the way for the country’s later dominance. Though he did not stay in the national team long enough to share in Spain’s golden era, he was respected for his contributions.

Tragic Passing
In June 2019, Reyes died in a car accident at the age of just 35. The news devastated the football world. Tributes poured in from Arsenal, Sevilla, and across Europe. He was remembered not just as a player of immense ability, but as a warm and humble character who was loved by teammates and supporters alike.

Legacy
Reyes’ time at Arsenal was short, but he remains part of one of the most celebrated teams in the club’s history. He helped the Invincibles complete their unbeaten season, produced unforgettable goals, and showcased flair that matched Arsenal’s tradition of stylish football. While his career in North London carried a sense of unfulfilled potential, his contributions to both club and country underline the talent he possessed.

For Arsenal supporters, José Antonio Reyes will always be remembered with affection. He brought excitement, goals, and unforgettable moments, and though his story ended far too soon, his name is etched into the club’s rich history.