Pepe Reina facts for kids
Reina with Spain in 2017
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| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | José Manuel Reina Páez | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of birth | 31 August 1982 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Madrid, Spain | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position(s) | Goalkeeper | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Youth career | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1988–1995 | EF Madrid Oeste | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1995–1999 | Barcelona | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Senior career* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1999 | Barcelona C | 3 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1999–2000 | Barcelona B | 41 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2000–2002 | Barcelona | 30 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2002–2005 | Villarreal | 109 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2005–2014 | Liverpool | 285 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2013–2014 | → Napoli (loan) | 30 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2014–2015 | Bayern Munich | 3 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2015–2018 | Napoli | 111 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2018–2020 | AC Milan | 5 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | → Aston Villa (loan) | 12 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020–2022 | Lazio | 44 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022–2024 | Villarreal | 24 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024–2025 | Como | 12 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 709 | (0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| International career | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1998 | Spain U15 | 6 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1998–1999 | Spain U16 | 9 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1999 | Spain U17 | 2 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2000 | Spain U18 | 2 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2000–2003 | Spain U21 | 20 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2005–2018 | Spain | 36 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
José Manuel "Pepe" Reina Páez (born on August 31, 1982) is a Spanish former professional footballer. He played as a goalkeeper for many top clubs and the Spanish national team.
Pepe Reina is the son of Miguel Reina, a famous goalkeeper for Barcelona and Atlético Madrid. Pepe started his own football journey in Barcelona's youth team. He made his first big league appearance in the 2000–01 season.
In 2002, he joined Villarreal and won the UEFA Intertoto Cup twice. Reina then moved to Liverpool in 2005. He quickly became their main goalkeeper. With Liverpool, he won the FA Cup and the FA Community Shield. He also reached the Champions League final in 2007, just like his father did in 1974.
After eight seasons at Liverpool, Reina played on loan for Napoli in 2013–14, winning the Coppa Italia. He then joined Bayern Munich in 2014. In 2015, he returned to Napoli permanently. Later, he played for AC Milan, Aston Villa (on loan), and Lazio. He had another time at Villarreal before joining Como in 2024, where he finished his career.
Reina played over 200 games in the Premier League for Liverpool. He kept many "clean sheets," meaning he didn't let the other team score. He was also a key player for the Spanish national team. He helped Spain win the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 1999. He was part of the Spain squads that won the World Cup in 2010 and the UEFA European Championship in 2008 and 2012.
Contents
- Club Career Highlights
- International Career
- Style of Play
- Personal Life
- Career Statistics
- Honours and Awards
- Images for kids
- See also
Club Career Highlights
Starting at Barcelona
Pepe Reina began his football journey at Barcelona's youth academy, La Masia, in 1995. By 1999, he was the main goalkeeper for Barcelona's reserve team. In 2000, when he was 18, he got to play for the main Barcelona team. This happened because the first two goalkeepers were injured.
He played his first game on December 2, 2000, in a 3–3 draw against Celta de Vigo. He played 19 more games that season and seven games in the 2000–01 UEFA Cup. In 2001, he made his UEFA Champions League debut. After Barcelona signed another goalkeeper, Reina left the club.
Time at Villarreal
In July 2002, Reina moved to Villarreal. He played there for three seasons. In 2004, Villarreal reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup. In his last season with the club, he helped Villarreal qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time ever.
Playing for Liverpool
Joining the Reds in 2005
Liverpool signed Reina from Villarreal in July 2005. The manager, Rafael Benítez, called him "the best goalkeeper in Spain." Reina's first game for Liverpool was in a Champions League qualifying match.
For the 2005–06 season, Reina became Liverpool's main goalkeeper. He made his international debut for Spain in August 2005.
Setting New Records
The 2005–06 season was very successful for Liverpool and for Reina. On December 3, 2005, Reina set a new Liverpool record. He kept six clean sheets in a row in the Premier League. A clean sheet means the other team doesn't score. He broke the old record of five games. His amazing run ended after eight league games.
Reina also set a club record for clean sheets in all competitions, with 11 in a row. In February 2006, Reina was sent off in a match against Chelsea. He was suspended for three games. On April 16, 2006, Reina played his 50th game for Liverpool. He set another record for letting in the fewest goals in his first 50 matches. He only let in 29 goals. In May 2006, Reina won the Golden Glove award for keeping 20 clean sheets that season.
In the 2006 FA Cup final, Reina made some mistakes, but Liverpool tied the game. The match went to penalties. Reina saved three out of four penalties, helping Liverpool win the FA Cup!
Champions League Final and New Contract
In the 2006–07 season, Reina continued to be Liverpool's top goalkeeper. In the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea, he made many great saves. The game went to a penalty shootout, and Reina saved two more penalties, helping Liverpool win.
Three weeks later, Reina played in the European Cup final against AC Milan. Liverpool lost 2–1. In June 2007, Reina signed a new five-year contract with Liverpool. In August 2007, he won the Premier League's Golden Glove Award for the second year in a row.
More Golden Gloves
Reina started the 2007–08 season by saving a penalty. On February 2, 2008, he reached 50 clean sheets faster than any other Liverpool goalkeeper. He did it in his 92nd league game. Reina played in all 38 Premier League matches that season. He won his third Golden Glove award in a row, with 18 clean sheets.
In the 2008–09 season, Reina played every minute of Liverpool's Premier League games. He kept 20 clean sheets as the team finished second in the league. On March 22, 2009, Reina kept his 100th clean sheet for Liverpool.
Player of the Season
Reina played all 38 matches again in the 2009–10 season, keeping 17 clean sheets. He was named Liverpool's Player of the Season for 2009–10. In April 2010, Reina signed another six-year contract with Liverpool.
Continuing His Strong Play
Reina had a tough start to the 2010–11 season with an own goal. But his teammates and coach supported him. He sometimes captained the team in Europa League matches. On December 6, 2010, he captained Liverpool in a 3–0 win against Aston Villa. This game gave him his 100th clean sheet in just 198 league matches, making him the fastest Liverpool goalkeeper to reach this milestone.
On May 9, 2011, Reina played his 150th league game in a row for Liverpool.
Winning the League Cup
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On November 29, 2011, Reina broke the club record for most clean sheets in a League Cup quarter-final win. On February 26, 2012, Reina won his second major trophy with Liverpool, beating Cardiff City on penalties in the 2012 League Cup final.
On April 1, 2012, Reina received a red card in a game against Newcastle United. This ended his streak of 183 straight Premier League appearances. He missed some games because of the suspension. On May 5, Reina played in the 2012 FA Cup final, which Liverpool lost to Chelsea.
Loan to Napoli
In July 2013, Reina went on loan to Serie A team Napoli. He was reunited with his former Liverpool manager, Rafael Benítez. Reina had played 394 games for Liverpool before this loan.
In August 2013, Reina saved a penalty in a pre-season tournament. In September, he saved another penalty in a 2–1 win over Milan. On May 3, 2014, Reina won the Coppa Italia with Napoli.
Moving to Bayern Munich
On August 8, 2014, Reina joined the German club Bayern Munich. He signed a three-year deal, ending his eight years with Liverpool. He wore the number 23 shirt, the same number he wore for Spain. On March 14, 2015, Reina made his debut for Bayern. He became the first goalkeeper and Spaniard to play in four of Europe's top leagues: Spain, England, Italy, and Germany.
On May 9, 2015, Reina started a game for Bayern. He was sent off early in the match.
Returning to Napoli
On June 23, 2015, Reina returned to Napoli on a three-year deal after one year at Bayern Munich.
Playing for AC Milan
On May 15, 2018, Reina moved to Serie A rivals Milan. He signed a three-year contract. He made his debut for the club in the Europa League on September 20. He mostly served as a backup goalkeeper in the league but was the starting goalkeeper in the Europa League during his first season.
Loan to Aston Villa
On January 13, 2020, Reina joined Premier League team Aston Villa on loan for the rest of the 2019–20 season. This happened because their main goalkeeper was injured.
Time at Lazio
On August 27, 2020, Lazio announced they had signed Reina permanently. He made his club debut on October 24, 2020, in a 2–1 home win.
Second Return to Villarreal
On July 8, 2022, Reina returned to Villarreal for another season. He became the club's main goalkeeper for the rest of the 2022–23 season.
On June 22, 2023, Reina signed a new contract to stay at Villarreal for another year. On October 5, 2023, he became the Spanish player with the most appearances in UEFA club competitions, with 192 games. He passed his former Spain teammate Iker Casillas.
Final Club: Como
On July 18, 2024, Serie A club Como announced they had signed Reina for one year. On May 20, 2025, Reina announced he would retire from professional football at the end of the season, at age 42.
International Career
Reina played his first game for the Spanish national team on August 17, 2005. He kept a clean sheet in a 2–0 friendly win against Uruguay. He was part of the Spanish squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, but he did not play.
At UEFA Euro 2008, he played one group match. Spain went on to win the tournament, their first major trophy in 44 years. Reina was an unused substitute in the final.
In October 2008, Reina and fellow goalkeeper Iker Casillas set a national record. They went 710 minutes without letting in a goal. This was longer than previous legendary goalkeepers.
Reina was also in the squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He was an unused substitute in the final as Spain won the World Cup for the first time. He was also called up for Spain for UEFA Euro 2012 and was on the bench for the final, which Spain won 4–0.
Reina was part of Spain's squad for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. He played one game in the tournament, a 10–0 win. He also started in Spain's final group match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, keeping a clean sheet in a 3–0 win. In May 2018, he was named in Spain's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Style of Play
Reina was known for his great passing, ball skills, and technique. He was also good at positioning himself, stopping shots, and saving penalties. He sometimes played as a "sweeper-keeper." This means he would come off his line quickly to stop attacks and help start plays from the back.
Another famous goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon, said Reina was the best goalkeeper of his time with his feet. Reina set many goalkeeping records for Liverpool. He won the Premier League Golden Glove award in his first three seasons there. People also praised him for playing at a high level for a long time.
Personal Life
Reina married his longtime girlfriend, Yolanda Ruiz, on May 19, 2006. They have five children. Reina's father, Miguel Reina, was also a famous goalkeeper. He played in the 1974 European Cup final.
Even though he was serious on the field, Reina was known for being fun and cheerful off the field. He often entertained his teammates with jokes and songs. He was famous for being a lively host at Spain's victory celebrations after winning the 2008 European Championship, the 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012.
In March 2020, Reina tested positive for COVID-19. He later announced that he had made a full recovery. In July 2021, Reina was revealed as a giant penguin on the Spanish version of the Masked Singer.
Career Statistics
Club
| Club | Season | League | National cup | League cup | Europe | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Barcelona C | 1998–99 | Tercera División | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | 3 | 0 | |||
| Barcelona B | 1999–2000 | Segunda División B | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | 30 | 0 | |||
| 2000–01 | Segunda División B | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | 11 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 41 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 41 | 0 | ||
| Barcelona | 2000–01 | La Liga | 19 | 0 | 7 | 0 | — | 7 | 0 | — | 33 | 0 | ||
| 2001–02 | La Liga | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 4 | 0 | — | 16 | 0 | |||
| Total | 30 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 49 | 0 | ||
| Villarreal | 2002–03 | La Liga | 33 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 4 | 0 | — | 37 | 0 | ||
| 2003–04 | La Liga | 38 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 15 | 0 | — | 53 | 0 | |||
| 2004–05 | La Liga | 38 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 19 | 0 | — | 57 | 0 | |||
| Total | 109 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 38 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 147 | 0 | ||
| Liverpool | 2005–06 | Premier League | 33 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 53 | 0 |
| 2006–07 | Premier League | 35 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 51 | 0 | |
| 2007–08 | Premier League | 38 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 | — | 52 | 0 | ||
| 2008–09 | Premier League | 38 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 0 | — | 51 | 0 | ||
| 2009–10 | Premier League | 38 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 | — | 52 | 0 | ||
| 2010–11 | Premier League | 38 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 0 | — | 50 | 0 | ||
| 2011–12 | Premier League | 34 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 7 | 0 | — | — | 46 | 0 | |||
| 2012–13 | Premier League | 31 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | — | 39 | 0 | ||
| Total | 285 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 83 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 394 | 0 | ||
| Napoli (loan) | 2013–14 | Serie A | 30 | 0 | 4 | 0 | — | 9 | 0 | — | 43 | 0 | ||
| Bayern Munich | 2014–15 | Bundesliga | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | |
| Napoli | 2015–16 | Serie A | 37 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 5 | 0 | — | 44 | 0 | ||
| 2016–17 | Serie A | 37 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — | 8 | 0 | — | 48 | 0 | |||
| 2017–18 | Serie A | 37 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 10 | 0 | — | 47 | 0 | |||
| Total | 111 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 139 | 0 | ||
| AC Milan | 2018–19 | Serie A | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 6 | 0 | — | 12 | 0 | ||
| 2019–20 | Serie A | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | 1 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 | ||
| Aston Villa (loan) | 2019–20 | Premier League | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 12 | 0 | ||
| Lazio | 2020–21 | Serie A | 29 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 7 | 0 | — | 37 | 0 | ||
| 2021–22 | Serie A | 15 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | — | 17 | 0 | |||
| Total | 44 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 54 | 0 | ||
| Villarreal | 2022–23 | La Liga | 22 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — | 7 | 0 | — | 32 | 0 | ||
| 2023–24 | La Liga | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — | 6 | 0 | — | 11 | 0 | |||
| Total | 24 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 43 | 0 | ||
| Como | 2024–25 | Serie A | 12 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 13 | 0 | |||
| Career total | 709 | 0 | 43 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 190 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 954 | 0 | ||
International
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 2005 | 2 | 0 |
| 2006 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2007 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2008 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2009 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2010 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2011 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2012 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2013 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2014 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2016 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2017 | 2 | 0 | |
| Total | 36 | 0 | |
Honours and Awards
Villarreal
- UEFA Intertoto Cup: 2003, 2004
Liverpool
- FA Cup: 2005–06
- Football League Cup: 2011–12
- FA Community Shield: 2006
- UEFA Super Cup: 2005
Napoli
- Coppa Italia: 2013–14
Bayern Munich
- Bundesliga: 2014–15
Spain U16
- UEFA European Under-17 Championship: 1999
Spain
- FIFA World Cup: 2010
- UEFA European Championship: 2008, 2012
Individual Awards
- Premier League Golden Glove: 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08
- Liverpool Player of the Season: 2009–10
Decorations
- Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit: 2011
Images for kids
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Reina lining up for Lazio in 2020
See also
In Spanish: Pepe Reina para niños
