Jesé's Silent Graft Pays Off with Las Palmas Return After 1,289-Day Wait
Former Real Madrid wonderkid Jesé Rodríguez finally returns to Las Palmas starting XI after three years in the wilderness, showing newfound maturity and work ethic.
The once-heralded Real Madrid prospect has finally clawed his way back into Las Palmas’ starting lineup after a 1,289-day absence, showing there’s life in the old dog yet.
The Long Road Back
Blimey, it’s been a proper journey for Jesé Rodríguez, hasn’t it? The lad finally got the nod from manager Luis García for Las Palmas’ match against Ceuta at the Alfonso Murube stadium - his first start since that infamous playoff defeat against bitter rivals Tenerife back in June 2022.
This wasn’t just any old selection either. García made it crystal clear this wasn’t some last-minute bodge job due to travel logistics: “We had planned for Jesé to start. It wasn’t because of Milo’s boat journey.”
For those who’ve forgotten (or tried to), Jesé’s last Las Palmas start ended in absolute disaster. Not only did the Canary Islanders crash out of the promotion playoffs to their hated neighbors Tenerife, but Jesé then proceeded to put his foot right in it with some ill-advised comments about then-manager García Pimienta. Talk about burning your bridges!
From Prima Donna to Proper Grafter
The transformation in Jesé has been nothing short of remarkable:
- Gone is the media-hungry starlet who once seemed more interested in his music career than football
- In his place stands a more humble, team-focused professional
- He’s publicly apologized for his previous behavior to both fans and former manager Pimienta
- His 56 minutes against Ceuta showcased pressing, intelligent movement, and a long-range effort that didn’t trouble the scorer
It’s proper Adam and Eve (believe) stuff - the fella who once looked destined for the top at Real Madrid before injuries and attitude derailed his career has had to graft in silence to earn this second chance.
While his return didn’t change the outcome on the day, it represents something far more significant: a redemption arc for a player who’s finally understood that talent alone isn’t enough at 31 years old.
For Las Palmas, currently battling in Spain’s Segunda División, having a focused and committed Jesé could prove valuable as they look to climb the table. The question now is whether this is just a cameo or the start of a proper renaissance for the former wonderkid.