Joaquín Sánchez Appointed to Real Betis Board of Directors.

Roger Hampel

Image: Real Betis

Real Betis Balompié has announced the appointment of Joaquín Sánchez, the club’s legendary former captain, as a new member of the Board of Directors. The appointment was made through co-optation, a process that will require ratification at the club’s next General Shareholders’ Meeting. The decision marks the formal return of one of the most iconic figures in the club’s history to a position of leadership, following his retirement from professional football in 2023.

A Strategic Appointment from Within Joaquín Betis

The board confirmed that Joaquín’s incorporation reflects a desire to integrate football experience and institutional knowledge into the club’s governance structure. A minority shareholder of the club, Joaquín has already been active in various institutional and sporting roles since hanging up his boots. Over the past two seasons, he has contributed to both the sports management and institutional development of Real Betis, assisting with internal projects and maintaining close ties to the club’s football operations.

According to Real Betis, his appointment to the board will allow him to reinforce the work he has already been performing, with an emphasis on strengthening the club’s sporting structure and long-term vision.

Joaquín’s Career and Legacy

Born in El Puerto de Santa María in 1981, Joaquín Sánchez is widely regarded as one of Real Betis’s most influential players and a symbolic figure in Spanish football. During his career, he played 528 matches for Betis across two spells (2000–2006 and 2015–2023), becoming the most capped player in club history, ahead of names such as José Ramón Esnaola, Julio Cardeñosa, and Rafael Gordillo.

He won the Copa del Rey twice, in 2005 and 2022, and was celebrated not only for his technical ability and leadership but also for his enduring connection to the club and its supporters. His appointment reflects Real Betis’s tradition of maintaining links between its historic figures and current governance, ensuring that the club’s identity continues to be represented at the highest institutional level.

Governance and Continuity

The addition of Joaquín to the Board of Directors comes at a time when Real Betis is seeking to strengthen its institutional and sporting framework, combining financial stability with long-term sporting competitiveness.

By integrating former players into management roles, the club aims to blend professional experience with a deep understanding of its culture and values. Joaquín’s presence is expected to complement the current leadership team’s efforts in enhancing communication between the boardroom, technical staff, and players.