Fernando Morientes Returns to Action — At Age 38, and in the Spanish Sixth Division!
Like Ronaldo before him, who dreams of playing in the U.S. second division, Fernando Morientes is making an unexpected return to the pitch. The former Real Madrid and Marseille striker, now 38, is coming out of retirement to join Deportivo Santa Ana, a club competing in Spain’s sixth tier.
Five years after hanging up his boots and trying his hand at coaching — including a stint as manager of Real Madrid B — Morientes is lacing up again. Even more special: he will be playing alongside his son, with hopes of helping the club progress to higher divisions.
A Decorated Career
Before this new chapter, Morientes enjoyed a glittering playing career:
🏆 With Real Madrid:
UEFA Champions League: 3× winner (1998, 2000, 2002)
Spanish La Liga: 2× champion (2001, 2003)
Spanish Super Cup: Winner (2001)
Copa del Rey: Finalist (2002)
Intercontinental Cup: Finalist (2000)
🏆 With Other Clubs:
AS Monaco: Champions League finalist (2004)
Liverpool FC:
FA Cup winner (2006)
UEFA Super Cup winner (2005)
League Cup finalist (2005)
Valencia CF: Copa del Rey winner (2008)
Olympique de Marseille: Ligue 1 champion and Coupe de la Ligue winner (2010)
With such a résumé, even a sixth-division comeback draws attention. Will this move inspire other legends to follow suit and enjoy football’s grassroots charm again?
To be continued…
