José Enrique is a former professional footballer known for his role as a left-back.
He began his career at Levante UD before moving to Valencia CF.
Enrique signed with Newcastle United in 2007 for a fee of £6.3 million, making an immediate impact.
Biography
Early Life
José Enrique Sánchez Díaz, known simply as José Enrique, was born in Valencia, Spain. He began his football journey at Levante UD, his hometown club, before moving to Valencia CF. His early career saw him loaned to RC Celta de Vigo for a season, where he showcased his potential as a left-back, leading to a permanent transfer to Villarreal CF in 2006.
Career
Enrique's professional career took a significant turn when he signed with Newcastle United on August 6, 2007, for a fee of approximately £6.3 million. He quickly made an impact, debuting in a match against Barnsley and later earning the title of Newcastle United Player of the Season for 2009-10. His consistent performances led to his inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year alongside notable teammates. After four successful years at Newcastle, he transferred to Liverpool F.C. in August 2011 for £6 million, where he contributed to the team's victory in the 2012 Football League Cup Final.
Enrique's career also included stints with the Spain national teams at various youth levels, culminating in his representation of the under-21 team from 2006 to 2008. He concluded his playing career with Real Zaragoza from 2016 to 2017.
Personal Life
In May 2018, José Enrique faced a personal challenge when he was diagnosed with chordoma, a rare brain tumor. Following surgery, he announced his recovery in June 2018, expressing gratitude for life and the support he received. By April 2019, he was declared cancer-free, marking a significant milestone in his personal journey.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
Early life and career
José Enrique was born in Valencia. He began his football career at hometown club Levante before being acquired by rivals Valencia, who sent him to Celta Vigo for a season-long loan. At the conclusion of this loan spell, he was signed by Villarreal in 2006.
Newcastle United
On 6 August 2007, José Enrique signed for English Premier League club Newcastle United for a fee believed to be £6.3 million. He signed a five-year contract with the club. He made his Newcastle debut on 29 August against Barnsley in which he played the full 90 minutes in a 2–0 victory, and his Premier League debut as a substitute against West Ham United on 23 September. José Enrique's performances were rewarded when he was made the official Newcastle United Player of the Season for 2009–10, voted for by the fans. He also achieved the accolade of being named in the PFA Team of the Year alongside Newcastle teammates Fabricio Coloccini, Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll. José Enrique scored his only goal for the club in a 2–0 league win over Nottingham Forest on 29 March 2010. He made 36 Premier League appearances for Newcastle in the 2010–11 season.
Liverpool
On 12 August 2011, José Enrique signed for Liverpool for a reported fee of £6 million. He made his debut two days later in Liverpool's first game of the 2011–12 Premier League season, starting in a 1–1 draw against Sunderland. On 26 February 2012, he helped Liverpool win the 2012 Football League Cup Final…
- League
- Premier League
- Club
- Valencia CF (2005–2006)
- Club
- Liverpool F.C. (2011–2016)
- Club
- RC Celta de Vigo (2005–2006)
- Club
- Newcastle United F.C. (2007–2011)
- Club
- Villarreal CF (2006–2007)
- Club
- Levante UD (2004–2005)
- Club
- Atlético Levante UD (2004–2005)
- Club
- Spain national under-16 association football team (2001–2001)
- Club
- Spain national under-20 football team (2005–2005)
- Club
- Spain national under-21 association football team (2006–2008)
- Club
- Real Zaragoza (2016–2017)
- National team
- Spain
Personal
José Enrique was diagnosed with chordoma, a rare brain tumour, in May 2018. On 23 June 2018, he announced that he was recovering from surgery to remove a brain tumour. He stated, "I am now in recovery and so thankful. Life is too precious." In April 2019, he received the all-clear.
Legacy
Newcastle United
Football League Championship: 2009–10 Liverpool
FA Cup runner-up: 2011–12 Football League Cup: 2011–12 Individual
PFA Team of the Year: 2009–10 Championship Newcastle United Player of the Year: 2009–10
Clubs
- Spain national under-16 association football team2001–2001
- Atlético Levante UD2004–2005
- Levante UD2004–2005
- RC Celta de Vigo2005–2006
- Spain national under-20 football team2005–2005
- Valencia CF2005–2006
- Spain national under-21 association football team2006–2008
- Villarreal CF2006–2007
- Newcastle United F.C.2007–2011
- Liverpool F.C.2011–2016
- Real Zaragoza2016–2017
Played together with
Aaron HughesNewcastle United F.C. · 1997–2005
Aaron RamsdaleNewcastle United F.C. · 2025- Aarón EscandellValencia CF · 2008–2012
- Aarón EscandellVillarreal CF · 2003–2008
Aarón MartínSpain national under-21 association football team
Aarón ÑíguezRC Celta de Vigo · 2009–2010- Aarón ÑíguezSpain national under-16 association football team · 2004–2005
- Aarón ÑíguezSpain national under-20 football team · 2009–2009
- Aarón ÑíguezSpain national under-21 association football team · 2008–2009
- Aarón ÑíguezValencia CF · 2007–2011
Abdelkader GhezzalLevante UD · 2012–2012
Abdoulaye FayeNewcastle United F.C. · 2007–2008
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
José Enrique Sánchez Díaz, known as José Enrique, is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a left-back.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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