Challenges Faced by Pepe Reina: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Pepe Reina faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Pepe Reina is a retired Spanish professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He most recently played for Serie A club Como. A veteran player, Reina had a lengthy career playing for several high-profile clubs.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

February 2006: Red Card Against Chelsea

On February 5, 2006, Reina was sent off for violent conduct against Arjen Robben in a Premier League match against Chelsea. He received a three-match suspension.

2007: Champions League Semi-Final and Burglary

In 2007, after the Champions League semi-final first-leg against Chelsea, Reina was awarded man of the match. In the second leg, he saved two penalties in the shootout, helping Liverpool win. Upon returning home, he discovered his house in Woolton had been burgled.

October 2009: Deflected Goal via Beach Ball

On October 17, 2009, Liverpool were beaten 1-0 by Sunderland, with a goal from Darren Bent deflected past Reina via a beach ball thrown from the crowd.

2010: Poor Start to the Season

Reina had a poor start to the 2010-11 season, with a late own goal giving Arsenal a 1-1 draw in Liverpool's opening Premier League fixture.

April 2012: Red Card and Suspension

On April 1, 2012, Reina received a red card in a 2–0 defeat against Newcastle United due to violent conduct, ending his streak of 183 consecutive Premier League appearances. He missed several matches due to suspension.

August 2012: Mistake Against Hearts

On August 30, 2012, Reina made a mistake in a 1–1 draw against Hearts in the Europa League.

2012: FA Cup Final Defeat

On May 5, 2012, Reina started for Liverpool in their 2–1 2012 FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea.

February 2013: Mistake Against Manchester City

On February 3, 2013, Reina made an error against Manchester City, allowing Sergio Agüero to score a late equaliser in a 2–2 draw.

2013: Loan to Napoli

In 2013, Reina was loaned out to Napoli for the 2013–14 season and expressed his disappointment that Liverpool agreed to the loan before informing him. He had made 394 appearances for Liverpool prior to the loan.

2014: Straight red card after conceding a penalty

In 2014, on 9 May, Reina started a match for Bayern against FC Augsburg as Manuel Neuer was rested. Reina was given a straight red card after 14 minutes when he conceded a penalty with a foul on Raúl Bobadilla.