The Untold Story of Joselu: A Journey Beyond Football

Aside from sports, did you know he’s not only friends with Dani Carvajal but also related to him as his brother-in-law?

Unlike his mum, Elvira Mato, the owner of a popular Spanish restaurant, her signature dishes were the talk of the town. Joselu’s father, Roman Mato, is a well-known municipal official in Spain. Once the official duties are over, the footballer’s dad (Roman) seamlessly works as a writer and an artist.

Again, Joselu’s football passion was fueled by the fiery passion and skill of Fernando Torres, his one and only Football Idol.

Step into the world of Joselu beyond the football pitch. Discover his roots, his upbringing, and the people who shaped his journey. From his loving family – including his father Roman Mato, his mother Elvira Mato, and sister Irene Mato – to his wife Melanie Canizares and their children Lucas and Leo Mato, every chapter of Joselu’s life unfolds with authenticity.

Join us as we explore his nationality, ethnicity, and the values that define him. Dive into his world of success, challenges, and the moments that make him more than just a football star.

Simply put, this article breaks down the entire history of Joselu. We tell the history of the footballer whose skills on the pitch are unrivalled.

Preamble:

Our version of Joselu’s Bio begins by unveiling notable events of his boyhood years. Next, we’ll explain his Spanish heritage, including his early career highlights. Finally, we’ll tell how the centre-forward and Stuttgart native became a talismanic striker in La Liga.

We hope to whet your football-reading appetite as you read this memoir of Joselu’s Life Story. To begin, let’s show you this gallery that tells the story of his early years and his fame in the Spanish Football League. Indeed, the Real Madrid striker has come a long way in his amazing journey.

Yes, everyone knows Joselu Mato for his pivotal role in securing the UEFA Nations Leagues trophy for Spain in the 2022/23 season. In addition, he is also Real Madrid’s sharpshooter, besides the fact that the striker has many goal records to his name.

In the course of writing about Spanish footballers, we noticed a knowledge deficit. The truth is, surprisingly, not many fans have read Joselu’s Biography, which is quite interesting. Thus, we have put together this memoir for you. So, without further ado, let’s begin.

Joselu Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, he uses the nickname “Crouchy” while his full name is Jose Luis Mato Sanmartin. Joselu was born on the 27th of March 1990 to his Mother, Elvira Mato and his father, Roman Mato, in Germany.

The athlete is the only son in the family. In addition, studies show that he has a sister, and they are the only kids in his parents’ marriage. Here is the photo of Joselu’s mother and father. They are the ones who nurtured his athletic dreams.

Growing-Up Years:

Joselu was born in Stuttgart, Germany, with his family- his mother, Elvira Mato, his father, Roman Mato and his sister, Irene Mato. The four members of the household had a strong love that bonded them together.

Studies show that Joselu’s sister and the footballer were the only children in their parents’ marriage. They were both born in Germany; after three years, his parents relocated the family to Spain. And it was there he lived the remaining part of his life.

We know that Joselu and his female sibling, Irene Mato, were both very close. When we look at how protective Robin Le Normand is of his sister, it is no different from this German footballer.

Joselu’s Early Childhood Years:

It’s said that every great athlete has an early mentor, and for Joselu, it was his father, Roman Mato. They would spend hours in their backyard, the father guiding his son, teaching him the intricacies of the game, and bonding over shared passions.

But Germany was not where their story would remain. After only three years, the winds of change carried the family to the vibrant land of Spain in pursuit of work and brighter opportunities.

Though the surroundings changed, the athlete’s dream remained steadfast. And it was fueled by the fiery passion and skill of a one-time Liverpool Legend, no other than his football idol, Fernando Torres. It wasn’t clear if the talent for sports ran in the Joselu family’s veins, as no records speak of any other athlete among them.

Joselu’s mother, Elvira Mato, and his father became the pillars of encouragement, pushing him closer to his dreams each day. As for his sister, her path might have been different, perhaps filled with other passions and pursuits, but her support was unwavering.

In a home filled with love, ambition, and dreams, everyone rallied behind Joselu. This was propelling him forward, not resting until success graced their beloved son and brother. And so, from the grassy fields of Germany to the vibrant streets of Spain, a family’s journey and a boy’s dream intertwined.

Joselu Family Background:

Studies show that the striker comes from a fairly well-to-do family. Let’s begin with the head of the house. Joselu’s father, Roman Mato, is a municipal official in Spain. Once the official duties are over, the footballer’s dad seamlessly works as a writer and an artist.

What about Joselu’s mother? Elvira Mato, on the other hand, wasn’t a full-time housewife. As the owner of a popular restaurant, her signature dishes were the talk of the town. Her two children, José Luis Mato Sanmartín and his sister, were handy in the place of work assisting their mother.

Joselu, in a heartfelt moment during an interview, once shared an alternate vision of his life. Had the lure of football not beckoned him, he would have been crafting delicacies in a kitchen, possibly even in an eatery of his own. The whimsical speculation of its name remains a delightful musing for fans and followers like those at this Blog.

Nonetheless, the Joselu family’s narrative vividly depicts diligence and unwavering support. Whether through municipal hall corridors, the paintbrush strokes, or the aroma of delectable cuisine, their legacy remains strong and inspiring.

Joselu Family Origin:

How was the footballer born in Germany? Joselu’s parents moved to Stuttgart in Germany, where the footballer’s birth occurred, for job opportunities. However, after some years, they took their two children back to Spain. And that was how this striker became a part of the Spanish team.

Ethnicity:

The goal poacher extraordinaire is basking in the glee of having two identities to himself. By birth, Joselu is German, a native of Stuttgart in Western Germany. While from his parents, Elvira and Roman, he is a Spanish man. So, this rings true to the fact that he has dual nationality. So, from an Ethnic point of view, you can render to the Spanish Forward as both a Spaniard and German.

Joselu Education:

Young Joselu took his first steps into the hallowed halls of a school, the name of which he had chosen to keep a secret. For a few years, amidst the rhythm of German lessons and playground tales, he soaked in the culture and lessons of his birthland.

But soon, the winds of change beckoned, and the boy, along with his family, journeyed southwards to the sun-kissed landscapes of Spain. It was here that the allure of football truly captivated him. With dreams shimmering in his eyes, Joselu stepped onto the lush greens of a local football academy.

Every day, with passion and a ball at his feet, he chased his childhood dream: to stand tall amongst the titans of the sport he cherished. The world might have been vast, but Joselu’s determination was unwavering, and he was set on carving his name amongst the stars of the football universe.

Joselu Biography – Career Story:

The newbie athlete began his football career at the age of nine in 1999. Joselu joined the SD Silleda club in Spain and stayed with them for more than two years. However, we can be sure that the game had already begun in the streets with other boys before he joined a club.

When he was 11 years old, he left his parents to stay with an aunt 80 miles away. It was there the German-born joined the Celta Vigo’s academy in 2002. It is the same place where Stefan Bajcetic began his early career.

After training and sharpening his skills, Joselu Mato was ready to join a club to begin his career fully. The striker moved to the under-19 group of Celta in the 2008/09 season when he was 18. What was Joselu’s parents’ response to his football journey?

Ramon Mato, his father, was very supportive and encouraged him a lot. Despite the football job, Joselu would still visit home and help his mother, Elvira Mato, in her restaurant on weekends. It goes to show how much he was a dutiful son at home.

Joselu Bio – Road to Fame Story:

The German-born striker moved through the ranks of Celta till he was qualified to be a part of the main squad on the 1st of January 2009. In the summer of the same year, he left on a loan to RM Castilla, where he had 67 appearances and scored more than 30 goals.

In the 2012/13 season, the Galician goal-getter left for TSG Hoffenheim. Kevin Volland was one of his teammates in the Bundesliga team. Adapting to the new environment wasn’t easy, so Joselu struggled a lot; however, he tried making five goals in the 25 games he played.

In the summer of 2013, the Stuttgart striker went on a loan to Eintracht Frankfurt. The Spaniard stayed only for one season before moving to Hannover 96, and on the 1st of July 2015, became a part of Stoke City for a transfer fee of eight million euros.

Excitedly achieving his childhood dreams of becoming a part of England’s league, the forward debuted on the 15th of August. But after a season, the striker went to Deportivo de La Coruña, ending the loan with five goals and 20 appearances.

At this point, Roman Mato’s son was going through the football leagues almost every season. Some experiences were good, while some weren’t favourable, like when the coach Mark Hughes in Stoke City commented he had a slow start in English football. Despite that, Joselu persevered and made headway.

Joselu Biography – Rise to Fame Story:

The former Bundeglisa footballer began the 17/18 season with Newcastle. He was among other arrivals like Mikel Merino, Florian Thauvin, and Adam Armstrong. While his form might not be strong, the Spaniard ended the year as the third-highest goal scorer behind Ayoze Perez.

In the 19/20 season, Joselu went back to the La Liga league after he got a deal with the Alavés for a three-year contract. In all, he played over a hundred games and scored more than 30 goals for the team.

After his contract ended, the Stuggart-born footballer got a contract with Espanyol as a free agent. So Joselu Mato began the 22/23 football year playing alongside Martin Braithwaite (CF), Denis Suarez, and Luca Koleosho. In the 33 games he was part of, the striker gave a net goal of 16 scores. However, in the 23/24 season, he went on a loan to Real Madrid for a fee of €6.00m.

At the time of writing Joselu’s biography, he had signed up for Real Madrid under the management of Carlo Ancelotti. He joined the team alongside talented players such as Jude Bellingham, the young midfielder Arda Guler, and goalkeeper Kepa (who arrived on loan). Besides, he is also part of his nation’s team, And the rest is history, they said.

Who is Joselu’s Wife?

The Spanish forward found love and its entourage in the arms of no other than Melanie Canizares. Sportskeeda reveals that Joselu’s wife had a job as a flight attendant. In addition, she also had a modelling gig sometime in 2016.

Joselu and his wife met in early 2012 and began dating. The love affair quickly blossomed into something inseparable. They decided to tie the knot on the 28th of May 2016.

Melanie Canizares and Joselu have two boys in their marriage so far. The first son, Leo Mato, was born in 2017, while the second one, Lucas Mato, came five years later. The soldiers are the beautiful pair that Mother Nature brought to them.

Did you know that Joselu’s wife is a twin? Melanie has an identical sister, Daphne Cañnzares Lagerwey, married to a footballer. The striker’s brother-in-law is Dani Carvajal, who also happens to be his best friend and former teammate at Real Madrid.

Personal Life:

Since the age of nine, the German-born footballer has been contributing his quota to the game he loves most- football. So, who is Joselu Mato outside of the pitch? One thing we noticed is that he, like Joel Campbell, is a man who loves to spend his time with his family.

Joselu’s wife, Melanie, and their two sons, Luca and Leo, always go on vacation. They also spend the Halloween and Christmas holidays together. Here are the photos of the family having a great time.

Apart from his family, Joselu also has a great relationship with his teammates. The former Stoke City athlete is an all-round guy. He’s a caring husband to his wife, an amazing dad to his two boys, Luca and Leo, and a devoted son to his parents, Elvira and Roman. His zodiac sign, Aries, is often associated with being lively and enjoyable, and Joselu fits this description perfectly.

Lifestyle:

If there is another likeable thing about the footballer, it is that apart from his pleasant personality, he is a simple guy. The striker values his followers, focusing on his talent and prowess rather than material possessions. The only time we glimpse Joselu’s car is when he takes a photo with his family.

Apart from that snapshot, there is no knowledge of the type of car he drives or the ones that adorn his garage. It is no secret that, without a doubt, he stays in a vast building with his household, but the player decides not to share that information.

Joselu Family Life:

The remarkable Spanish footballer has soared to impressive heights in his career, a feat he owes to the unwavering support of his family. In this segment, we’re set to explore the robust family bonds that have moulded his persona and professional life.

We will delve into the critical experiences and bonds that have steered his path. Each tale will provide a clearer view of his road to triumph.

About Joselu’s Father:

Roman Mato is the man who gave the first walking steps lessons to the footballer. Although he was no soccer athlete, Joselu’s father was an official in Spain and doubled as a writer and an artist. It is incredible to see how many talents were in just one person.

Despite not having football skills, Roman gave the ladder to his son’s career. Tragically, Joselu’s father died when he was just 27 years old. It was his sister, Irene Mato, who broke the sad news to him. There’s no doubt that Joselu deeply misses his dad and will always remember him.

About Joselu’s Mother:

Elvira Mato is a cook who owns a restaurant in the city of Spain. We can imagine the delicious meals she prepares that keep her customers coming back for more. Despite the busy schedule of caring for her business, she always made time for her family.

Joselu’s mother, in one interview, reveals she is passionate about her son’s football journey. And even promised the trainers he was going to be on time for all sessions. Thankfully, at her retirement, Elvira is enjoying her grandchildren and living life to its fullest.

About Joselu’s Sister:

Irene Mato is the elder sister of the Real Madrid striker. And also the sibling who made his childhood memories. Photos show that she could be married and also have kids. Other than that, there is no additional information about Joselu’s sister.

Untold Facts:

In this concluding part of Joselu’s biography, we’ll uncover some hidden gems about his life. We’ll delve into the captivating details of his story that many might not know. So, let’s get started and learn more about the La Liga Phenomenon.

Joselu’s Tattoos:

The 6-foot frontman has many drawings on his body that mean a lot to him. The Newcastle athlete has an inking of his wife’s face on his leg and other scribblings. We wouldn’t be surprised if Joselu’s kids also made it to the maps on his body.

Every word on his body links strongly to his heart or life experience. The forward joins the league of players like Messi (GOAT), Mauro Icardi (CF), Memphis Depay and Leroy Sane, who are heavily tattooed.

Joselu’s Religion:

The postings on his Instagram page show that the Real Madrid frontman is a Christian. Joselu’s family and himself always take their time to celebrate the Christmas holidays. However, until there is a contrary view, we can confidently tell he is of the Christian faith.

Joselu’s Salary:

The evidence of one’s growth is looking at when they began and how far they have come. Joselu started earning over 10 thousand Euros in the Hoffenheim club when he was 23. Four years later, the figure changed to 46 thousand euros per week.

Joselu’s Net Worth:

The German’s net worth has risen significantly. Reports show that in 2023, his value is above 4 million dollars. With all efforts the next football year, the other would likely increase the figure to something higher.

Joselu FIFA Profile:

The striker is mainly known for his strong heading ability, which enhances his overall performance. Additionally, with a FIFA rating of over 80 per cent, Joselu is considered one of the best centre-forwards in football. He is a prominent striker, just like Viktor Gyokeres, Danish Rasmus Hojlund and Niclas Fullkrug.

End Note:

Joselu Mato Sanmartín’s journey began in Stuttgart, Germany, where he was born into the loving arms of Elvira and Roman Mato. Alongside his older sister Irene Mato, they followed the direction of their parents.

The footballer’s life was a tapestry of family dedication. Joselu’s father, a man of many talents, served as a public servant and an artist. While his mother, Elvira Mato, ran a popular restaurant. If not for his captivating football abilities, he could have been a chef, delighting patrons with culinary creations, as he once helped his mom in her business.

Joselu’s unique background as a German-born Spaniard granted him a dual identity that infused his play with a mix of disciplined precision. His early education in Germany laid a solid foundation, but it was in Spain that his footballing talents truly flourished. The striker honed his skills and tactical awareness at a local academy before being sculpted into a more formidable player at Celta Vigo’s youth ranks.

The German-born’s path through professional football was marked by steadfast progression and adaptability. From his humble beginnings at SD Silleda to his significant leap to Celta Vigo. Joselu’s journey through European football was marked by his strong work ethic and physical presence on the pitch.

Joselu’s climb to fame was challenging, but his determination never wavered. While at Newcastle United, he became a resilient scorer, unafraid to seize crucial goals. This earned him recognition as a key player in La Liga and demonstrated his ability to influence games at the highest level.

In Real Madrid, Joselu played alongside some of the game’s greatest talents, flourishing under the guidance of a revered manager like Ancelotti. His adept scoring ability and strong aerial presence made him a standout player. Aside from his football games, his wife is Melanie Canizares, and his sons are Leo and Lucas.