It’s true what they say, it’s never too late.
The veteran turned 38 in July.
Joaquin has created a slice of La Liga history with his treble inside the opening 20 minutes of Real Betis’ clash with Athletic Bilbao. Winger Joaquin rolled back the years on Sunday as he became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in La Liga history. Before Sunday’s game at home to Athletic Bilbao, former Spanish international winger Joaquin had never scored a hat-trick during his illustrious 20-year professional career.
But that all changed within the space of 20 dramatic minutes at the Benito Villamarin stadium as the 38-year-old netted three times for his Real Betis side on the way to its 3-2 victory over the visitor.
At the ripe old age of 38 years and 140 days, Joaquin became the oldest player to score a La Liga hat-trick, breaking the record set by the legendary Alfredo Di Stefano, who was 37 years and 255 days old when he achieved the feat for Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid on 15th March 1964.
His treble takes his league tally for the season to six goals, the same as his total from last season and the most he has scored in a domestic campaign since 2003-04. Joaquin, whop had been capped 51 times by Spain, started his career at Betis before moving to Valencia in 2006. He then enjoyed spells at Malaga and Fiorentina before returning to Los Verdiblancos in 2015.
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