Togolese defender Djené Dakonam becomes Getafe’s All-Time Record Appearance holder

Djené Dakonam has cemented his place in Getafe’s history books by becoming the club’s most capped player.

On 12 September 2025, the Togolese defender made his 296th official appearance in a 2-1 victory over Real Valladolid, surpassing the long-standing record of Ángel Torres, who featured 295 times for the Madrid-based side between 1970 and 1980.

The 33-year-old, who joined Getafe from Alcorcón in 2017, has been a central figure in the club’s modern era.

Over eight seasons, he has built a reputation for consistency, defensive intelligence, and strong leadership qualities that earned him the captain’s armband in 2021.

Dakonam’s journey began at the Galactic Football School in Lomé before moving abroad to play for Alcorcón in Spain and Sint-Truiden in Belgium.

His arrival at Getafe marked the start of a remarkable spell of loyalty and resilience.

From his very first season, he established himself as an indispensable part of the backline, renowned not only for his strength as a centre-back but also for his ability to operate on the right when required.

Successive managers have relied on his versatility and composure, making him one of the club’s most trusted figures.

Known by fans as El Toro for his tenacity, Dakonam has become symbolic of Getafe’s identity as a team that thrives on discipline and fighting spirit.

His presence has been instrumental in ensuring the club’s continued stability in La Liga, where his defensive contributions and experience have often made the difference in difficult campaigns.

Beyond Spain, Dakonam’s achievements resonate strongly in his homeland.

Since making his international debut in 2012, he has earned 84 caps for Togo and currently serves as captain of the Hawks.

Just days before breaking the Getafe record, he led Togo to a 1-0 win over Sudan in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, underlining his continued importance on the international stage.

Despite Togo finishing fifth in Group B and missing out on qualification, Dakonam’s leadership remains a source of pride for his nation.

While clubs such as Everton and Villarreal expressed interest in securing his services in 2024, Dakonam has consistently demonstrated loyalty to Getafe, with his contract running until 2027.

His decision to stay has only reinforced his status as a club legend and ambassador for Togolese football in Europe.

For Getafe supporters, Dakonam’s record-breaking appearance is more than a statistical achievement; it reflects years of unwavering commitment and the embodiment of the values that define the club. At 33, his influence shows no signs of waning, and his place in Getafe’s history is assured.