Villarreal CF
Encyclopedia
Villarreal Club de Fútbol, S.A.D. , usually abbreviated to Villarreal CF or just Villarreal, is a Spanish Primera División
football
club based in Vila-real
, a city in the province of Castellón
within the Valencian Community
. Founded in 1923, the team plays at the 24,890-seat El Madrigal stadium.
The club is nicknamed El Submarino Amarillo (Yellow Submarine
) due to its yellow home kit, and due to being a low-profile team compared to Real Madrid
, Barcelona
and Valencia
who they have challenged for trophies over the last decade.
, a modern rival of the club, played the first match, against a club named after Cervantes
. On October 21 that year Villareal played their first game ever, playing against Castellon. Villareal started off with a kit of white shirts and black shorts, reflected in their first badge.
when a win would see them promoted to the nationwide Second Division. The following season saw Villarreal win the First Division of the region before the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War.
When the war finished in 1939 the club played again in the Second Division of the region before promotion in 1950–51 to the first. In 1942 the club changed their name to CAF Villarreal, with a new badge in the yellow colour of their new shirts. The 'F' stood for Foghetcaz , an athletics club and supporter of the team.
The name changed again to the current Villarreal CF in 1954, with a badge similar to the present one. They finished 7th and then 4th twice in the First regional league before being promoted to the Tercera Liga (Third Nationwide) as champions in 1956. They were relegated in 1960–1961 after finishing 14th.
The club adopted their present badge in Summer 1966. In 1966–67 Villarreal returned to the Tercera as Champions. In 1970 they reached the national Segunda for the first time. After narrowly avoiding relegation in their first season they were relegated the following. In 1975–76 they were relegated from the Tercera to the Regionals, but were promoted back again the next season.
In 1986–87 Villarreal were promoted to the Segunda Liga B. In 1990 they finished 18th and were relegated back to the Tercera.
There were back-to-back promotions as the club returned to Segunda B and finished second, earning promotion to Segunda A for the first time. From 1992–93, Villarreal were often in low or mid-table positions, but reached the play-offs in 1997–98 by finishing 4th. The two-legged play of was against Compostela. Villarreal hosted the first leg which was a 0–0 draw, but the second leg at the home of the Galician team was a 1–1 draw, thus Villarreal were promoted on the away goals rule.
in the Santiago Bernabéu
on August 31, 1998. The first home game was against Celta Vigo
the week after. Because of a difficult season, Villarreal were relegated to the Segunda División for the 1999–2000 season. By finishing third they were promoted back to the Primera Liga.
After finishing seventh on their return to the Primera, Villarreal came 15th for two seasons.
of Italy and Troyes
of France . They lost in the final to compatriots Málaga CF
, 2–1 on aggregate.
, thereby qualifying for the UEFA Cup
of the upcoming season. In their major European debut, Villarreal reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup, losing to neighbours and eventual champions Valencia CF
. In the league, Villarreal finished 8th.
, beating compatriots Atlético Madrid on penalties after the final finished 2–2 on aggregate. This qualified them to the UEFA Cup. They lost in the quarter-finals of the 2004-05 UEFA Cup to Dutch side AZ, losing 3–2 on aggregate. During the same season, Villarreal finished in 3rd place in La Liga
, earning the club their first direct qualification to a European tournament; the Champions League
. The club's centre-forward Diego Forlán
won the Pichichi
trophy for top scorer in the league, with 25 goals.
in a play-off for the Champions League group stages. The group saw Villarreal go undefeated, drawing both games against Manchester United and achieving a draw and a win each against Lille
of France and Benfica of Portugal. The win over Benfica was away and both teams advanced to the last 16.
The club then drew 3–3 against Rangers
of Scotland in the Last 16, advancing on away goals due to a 2–2 draw at Ibrox
. In the quarter-final Villarreal beat Internazionale
on away goals after finishing 2–2 on aggregate. The club bowed out in the semi-finals against Arsenal
, losing 1–0 away at Highbury. Juan Román Riquelme
had a penalty saved by Jens Lehmann
in the home game, which finished 0–0. Arsenal went on to lose in the final in Paris
to another Spanish club, FC Barcelona
.
Villarreal finished 7th in La Liga, which only earned an Intertoto Cup position.
of Slovenia
. The first leg was lost 2–1 at home and the away game was a 1–1 draw. The team came 5th in La Liga.
of Italy, Czech club Mladá Boleslav
, IF Elfsborg
of Sweden and AEK Athens of Greece.
In the last 32, Villarreal were defeated by eventual champions Zenit Saint Petersburg
, losing the first leg 1–0 in Russia to a Pavel Pogrebnyak
goal. The second leg was won 2–1 by Villarreal at El Madrigal but Zenit advanced on away goals.
for geographical reasons, since both are from the province of Castellón
. They also rival Valencia CF
, since the two are the most competitive teams of the Valencian Community
; this clash is called the "Derby de la Comunitat".
From 2005 to June, 30 2011 the shirt sponsor was "Aeroport Castello", an airport. Since that date they have worn unsponsored shirts. The kit is made by the Chinese company Xtep
, having previously been produced by Puma
of Germany.
class="wikitable">
Season
Division
Place
Copa del Rey
1976/77
Regional
—
1977/78
3ª
15th
1978/79
3ª
13th
1979/80
3ª
9th
1980/81
3ª
16th
1981/82
3ª
7th
1982/83
3ª
14th
1983/84
3ª
13th
1984/85
3ª
14th
1985/86
3ª
6th
1986/87
3ª
3rd
1987/88
2ªB
2nd
1988/89
2ªB
4th
1989/90
2ªB
18th
1990/91
3ª
2nd
1991/92
2ªB
2nd
1992/93
2ª
13th
1993/94
2ª
16th
class="wikitable">
Season
Division
Place
Copa del Rey
1994/95
2ª
10th
1995/96
2ª
15th
1996/97
2ª
10th
1997/98
2ª
4th
1998/99
1ª
18th
1999/00
2ª
3rd
2000/01
1ª
7th
Round of 32
2001/02
1ª
15th
Quarter-finals
2002/03
1ª
15th
First Round
2003/04
1ª
8th
Round of 16
2004/05
1ª
3rd
Second Round
2005/06
1ª
7th
Round of 16
2006/07
1ª
5th
Round of 16
2007/08
1ª
2nd
Quarter-finals
2008/09
1ª
5th
Round of 32
2009/10
1ª
7th
Round of 16
2010/11
1ª
4th
Quarter-finals
2011/12
1ª
—
----
d El Submarino Amarillo (the Yellow Submarine) because of their yellow strip. The mascot
(named Groguet, "Little Yellow") is characterised as a submarine
in human form. He made his debut on the 26th October 2001 and was named in December 13th that year by a local 12 year-old, Javier Fuster Almela, following a province-wide competition open to under-15s.
. Mexican forward Guillermo Franco
was selected for his country, who were elmiminated by Argentina
, whose squad included his team-mates Juan Pablo Sorín
and Juan Román Riquelme
.
For Euro 2008, Villarreal contributed three players to Spain's team, which won the tournament. Marcos Senna was joined by winger Santi Cazorla
and full-back Joan Capdevila
. The only other Villarreal player in the tournament was Nihat Kahveci
, a striker for Turkey
, who reached the semi-finals.
In the 2010 World Cup, another triumph for Spain, only Capdevila kept his squad place from two years previous. Central defender Diego Godín
played for Uruguay
, who finished forth. The striker Nilmar
was in the Brazil
squad which reached the quarter-finals. The tournament's Best Player and Best Goal award were given to Diego Forlán
, another Uruguayan, who played for Villarreal between 2004 and 2007 before joining Atlético Madrid, where he was employed at the time of the tournament.
Mateo Musacchio
Gonzalo Rodríguez
Marco Ruben
Nilmar
Cristián Zapata Wakaso Mubarak
Giuseppe Rossi
Hernán Pérez
Jonathan de Guzmán
(1995–96) José Antonio Irulegui (1996–99) Joaquín Caparrós
(1999) Paquito García Gómez (1999-00) Víctor Muñoz (2000–03) Benito Floro (2003–04) Manuel Pellegrini
(2004–09) Ernesto Valverde (2009–10) Juan Carlos Garrido
(2010–)
Ariel Ibagaza
Peña
Nilmar
Marcos Senna
Cicinho
Juliano Belletti
Edmilson Jon Dahl Tomasson
Luis Antonio Valencia
Luis Antonio Valencia
Robert Pirès
Pascal Cygan
Alessio Tacchinardi
Giuseppe Rossi
Guillermo Franco
Santi Cazorla
Joseba Llorente Cani
Nihat Kahveci
Diego Forlán
Diego Godín
Sebastian Eguren
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
football
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
club based in Vila-real
Vila-real
Vila-real is a city in the province of Castellón, in the Valencian Community, Spain. Located 7 km to the south of the province's capital , at 42 m above sea level, it has 51,367 inhabitants , most of them living in the urban area that covers about 10.72% of its county's 55.4 km2 surface...
, a city in the province of Castellón
Castellón (province)
Castellón or Castelló is a province in the northern part of the Valencian Community, Spain. It is bordered by the provinces of Valencia to the south, Teruel to the west, Tarragona to the north, and by the Mediterranean Sea to the east. The western side of the province is in the mountainous...
within the Valencian Community
Valencian Community
The Valencian Community is an autonomous community of Spain located in central and south-eastern Iberian Peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Valencia...
. Founded in 1923, the team plays at the 24,890-seat El Madrigal stadium.
The club is nicknamed El Submarino Amarillo (Yellow Submarine
Yellow Submarine
-The Beatles:*"Yellow Submarine" , original song released in 1966*Yellow Submarine , a feature-length animated film featuring The Beatles' music*Yellow Submarine , 1969 album with the soundtrack to the film...
) due to its yellow home kit, and due to being a low-profile team compared to Real Madrid
Real Madrid
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
, Barcelona
FC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
and Valencia
Valencia CF
Valencia Club de Fútbol is a Spanish football club based in Valencia, Spain. They play in La Liga and are one of the most successful and biggest clubs in Spanish Football and European Football. Valencia have won six La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, two Fairs Cups which was the...
who they have challenged for trophies over the last decade.
Early years
Villareal CF was founded as Villareal CD on 10 March 1923 "to promote all sports especially football". The stadium was rented for 60 pesetas a month and ticket prices were set at half a peseta for men and a quarter of a peseta for children. Women were granted free admission.. On June 17 CD CastellónCD Castellón
Club Deportivo Castellón, S.A.D. is a Spanish football team based in Castellón de la Plana, in the Valencian Community. Founded in 1922, it currently plays in Tercera División – Group 6, holding home games at Nou Estadi Castalia, which has a capacity of 16,000.-History:Football first appeared in...
, a modern rival of the club, played the first match, against a club named after Cervantes
Cervantes
-People:*Alfonso J. Cervantes , mayor of St. Louis, Missouri*Francisco Cervantes de Salazar, 16th-century man of letters*Ignacio Cervantes, Cuban composer*Jorge Cervantes, a world-renowned expert on indoor, outdoor, and greenhouse cannabis cultivation...
. On October 21 that year Villareal played their first game ever, playing against Castellon. Villareal started off with a kit of white shirts and black shorts, reflected in their first badge.
1929–1998
Villarreal entered regional competitions within the Spanish football pyramid from 1929–30 onwards. The 1934–35 season saw the team lose to Cartagena CFCartagena CF
Cartagena Club de Fútbol was a football club based in Cartagena, Region of Murcia. The club came to play 6 seasons in Segunda División. Cartagena CF disappears at end of 1951–52 season for not paying its players....
when a win would see them promoted to the nationwide Second Division. The following season saw Villarreal win the First Division of the region before the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War.
When the war finished in 1939 the club played again in the Second Division of the region before promotion in 1950–51 to the first. In 1942 the club changed their name to CAF Villarreal, with a new badge in the yellow colour of their new shirts. The 'F' stood for Foghetcaz , an athletics club and supporter of the team.
The name changed again to the current Villarreal CF in 1954, with a badge similar to the present one. They finished 7th and then 4th twice in the First regional league before being promoted to the Tercera Liga (Third Nationwide) as champions in 1956. They were relegated in 1960–1961 after finishing 14th.
The club adopted their present badge in Summer 1966. In 1966–67 Villarreal returned to the Tercera as Champions. In 1970 they reached the national Segunda for the first time. After narrowly avoiding relegation in their first season they were relegated the following. In 1975–76 they were relegated from the Tercera to the Regionals, but were promoted back again the next season.
In 1986–87 Villarreal were promoted to the Segunda Liga B. In 1990 they finished 18th and were relegated back to the Tercera.
There were back-to-back promotions as the club returned to Segunda B and finished second, earning promotion to Segunda A for the first time. From 1992–93, Villarreal were often in low or mid-table positions, but reached the play-offs in 1997–98 by finishing 4th. The two-legged play of was against Compostela. Villarreal hosted the first leg which was a 0–0 draw, but the second leg at the home of the Galician team was a 1–1 draw, thus Villarreal were promoted on the away goals rule.
Primera Liga debut
Villarreal's Primera Liga debut started with a match against then European Champions Real MadridReal Madrid C.F.
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
in the Santiago Bernabéu
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
The Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is an all-seater football stadium in Madrid, Spain. It was inaugurated on 14 December 1947 and is owned by Real Madrid Club de Fútbol. It has a current capacity of 85,454 spectators....
on August 31, 1998. The first home game was against Celta Vigo
Celta de Vigo
Real Club Celta de Vigo , simply referred to as Celta Vigo, is a Spanish professional football club based in Vigo, Galicia, currently playing in the Segunda División. It was founded on March 28, 1923 following the merger of Real Vigo Sporting and Real Fortuna Foot-ball Club.Nicknamed Los Celestes ,...
the week after. Because of a difficult season, Villarreal were relegated to the Segunda División for the 1999–2000 season. By finishing third they were promoted back to the Primera Liga.
European qualifications
Main Article: Villarreal CF in European competitionsVillarreal CF in European competitions
Villarreal CF, a Spanish football club, has played in European football since 2002, in the Intertoto Cup, UEFA Cup, Champions League and Europa League.-2005–06 UEFA Champions League:...
After finishing seventh on their return to the Primera, Villarreal came 15th for two seasons.
2002–03
Villarreal competed in the Intertoto Cup of Summer 2002, defeating Hafnarfjordur of Iceland, TorinoTorino F.C.
Torino Football Club, commonly referred to as simply Torino, is a professional Italian football club based in Turin, Piedmont, that was founded in 1906. The club has spent most of its history in the top tier in Italian football....
of Italy and Troyes
Troyes AC
Espérance Sportive Troyes Aube Champagne is a French association football club, based in Troyes. It was founded in 1900. The club was promoted to Ligue 1 for the 2005–06 season and their first Ligue 1 season was in 1954/55, and their second spell came in 1999/2000 Espérance Sportive Troyes Aube...
of France . They lost in the final to compatriots Málaga CF
Málaga CF
Málaga Club de Fútbol is a Spanish football club based in Málaga, Andalusia. The team currently plays in Spain's La Liga.Málaga CF is generally seen as the successor to CD Málaga, one of the most historical Andalusian football clubs, by being a near-identical looking football club that even shares...
, 2–1 on aggregate.
2003–04
In Summer 2003 they defeated the Dutch team Heerenveen in the final of the Intertoto CupUEFA Intertoto Cup
The UEFA Intertoto Cup, also abbreviated as UI Cup and originally called the International Football Cup, was a summer football competition for European clubs that had not qualified for one of the two major UEFA competitions, the Champions League and the UEFA Cup. The competition was discontinued...
, thereby qualifying for the UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
of the upcoming season. In their major European debut, Villarreal reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup, losing to neighbours and eventual champions Valencia CF
Valencia CF
Valencia Club de Fútbol is a Spanish football club based in Valencia, Spain. They play in La Liga and are one of the most successful and biggest clubs in Spanish Football and European Football. Valencia have won six La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, two Fairs Cups which was the...
. In the league, Villarreal finished 8th.
2004–05
In Summer 2004 Villarreal retained the Intertoto CupUEFA Intertoto Cup
The UEFA Intertoto Cup, also abbreviated as UI Cup and originally called the International Football Cup, was a summer football competition for European clubs that had not qualified for one of the two major UEFA competitions, the Champions League and the UEFA Cup. The competition was discontinued...
, beating compatriots Atlético Madrid on penalties after the final finished 2–2 on aggregate. This qualified them to the UEFA Cup. They lost in the quarter-finals of the 2004-05 UEFA Cup to Dutch side AZ, losing 3–2 on aggregate. During the same season, Villarreal finished in 3rd place in La Liga
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
, earning the club their first direct qualification to a European tournament; the Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
. The club's centre-forward Diego Forlán
Diego Forlán
Diego Forlán Corazo is an Uruguayan footballer who plays as a striker for Internazionale and the Uruguayan national team. He is a two-time winner of both the Pichichi Trophy and the European Golden Shoe, and also received the Golden Ball as the best player at the 2010 World Cup.Forlán was born...
won the Pichichi
Pichichi
Pichichi may refer to* Rafael Moreno Aranzadi - a football player who was better known as "Pichichi"* Pichichi Trophy - a trophy named in honour of the above awarded to the top goalscorer in Spain's La Liga each season...
trophy for top scorer in the league, with 25 goals.
2005–06
Villarreal defeated the Premier League's EvertonEverton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
in a play-off for the Champions League group stages. The group saw Villarreal go undefeated, drawing both games against Manchester United and achieving a draw and a win each against Lille
Lille OSC
LOSC Lille Métropole is a French association football club based in Lille. The club was founded in 1944 as a result of a merger and currently play in Ligue 1, the first division of French football. Lille plays its home matches at the Stade Lille-Metropole in nearby Villeneuve-d'Ascq. In 2012, the...
of France and Benfica of Portugal. The win over Benfica was away and both teams advanced to the last 16.
The club then drew 3–3 against Rangers
Rangers F.C.
Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
of Scotland in the Last 16, advancing on away goals due to a 2–2 draw at Ibrox
Ibrox
Ibrox is a district of the city of Glasgow in western Scotland. It is located to the south of the River Clyde next to the district of Govan....
. In the quarter-final Villarreal beat Internazionale
F.C. Internazionale Milano
Football Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always...
on away goals after finishing 2–2 on aggregate. The club bowed out in the semi-finals against Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
, losing 1–0 away at Highbury. Juan Román Riquelme
Juan Román Riquelme
Juan Román Riquelme is an Argentine footballer who plays for Boca Juniors. A longtime Argentine international, Riquelme is best known for his spells with Boca Juniors and Villarreal...
had a penalty saved by Jens Lehmann
Jens Lehmann
Jens Gerhard Lehmann is a German former football goalkeeper. He was voted UEFA Club Goalkeeper of the Year for the 1996–97 and 2005–06 seasons, and he has been selected for three World Cup squads. He was a member of Arsenal's Invincibles, playing every match of their famous unbeaten title winning...
in the home game, which finished 0–0. Arsenal went on to lose in the final in Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
to another Spanish club, FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
.
Villarreal finished 7th in La Liga, which only earned an Intertoto Cup position.
2006–07
Villarreal contested the Intertoto Cup in Summer 2006 and was knocked out in its first game, to MariborMaribor
Maribor is the second largest city in Slovenia with 157,947 inhabitants . Maribor is also the largest and the capital city of Slovenian region Lower Styria and the seat of the Municipality of Maribor....
of Slovenia
Slovenia
Slovenia , officially the Republic of Slovenia , is a country in Central and Southeastern Europe touching the Alps and bordering the Mediterranean. Slovenia borders Italy to the west, Croatia to the south and east, Hungary to the northeast, and Austria to the north, and also has a small portion of...
. The first leg was lost 2–1 at home and the away game was a 1–1 draw. The team came 5th in La Liga.
2007–08
Villarreal gained their best league position this season, finishing 2nd to Real Madrid, and also reached the last 32 in that season's UEFA Cup. After defeating BATE Borisov of Belarus in a play-off, the team won Group C unbeaten. Their group opponents were FiorentinaACF Fiorentina
ACF Fiorentina, commonly referred to as simply Fiorentina, is a professional Italian football club from Florence, Tuscany. Founded by a merger in 1926, Fiorentina have played at the top level of Italian football for the majority of their existence; only four clubs have played in more Serie A...
of Italy, Czech club Mladá Boleslav
Mladá Boleslav
Mladá Boleslav is a city in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic, on the left bank of the Jizera river about 50 km northeast of Prague.Founded in the second half of the 10th century by King Boleslav II as a royal castle...
, IF Elfsborg
IF Elfsborg
IF Elfsborg is a Swedish football club located in Borås. The club has won five national championship titles, the latest in 2006, and two national cup titles. Currently playing in the highest Swedish league, Allsvenskan. Elfsborg is based at Borås Arena...
of Sweden and AEK Athens of Greece.
In the last 32, Villarreal were defeated by eventual champions Zenit Saint Petersburg
FC Zenit Saint Petersburg
Football Club Zenit is a Russian football club from the city of Saint-Petersburg. Founded in 1925 , the club plays in the Russian Premier League...
, losing the first leg 1–0 in Russia to a Pavel Pogrebnyak
Pavel Pogrebnyak
Pavel Viktorovich Pogrebnyak is an association footballer currently plays as a striker with German side VfB Stuttgart and the Russian national team...
goal. The second leg was won 2–1 by Villarreal at El Madrigal but Zenit advanced on away goals.
Rivalries
Villarreal has supported a long rivalry with CD CastellónCD Castellón
Club Deportivo Castellón, S.A.D. is a Spanish football team based in Castellón de la Plana, in the Valencian Community. Founded in 1922, it currently plays in Tercera División – Group 6, holding home games at Nou Estadi Castalia, which has a capacity of 16,000.-History:Football first appeared in...
for geographical reasons, since both are from the province of Castellón
Castellón (province)
Castellón or Castelló is a province in the northern part of the Valencian Community, Spain. It is bordered by the provinces of Valencia to the south, Teruel to the west, Tarragona to the north, and by the Mediterranean Sea to the east. The western side of the province is in the mountainous...
. They also rival Valencia CF
Valencia CF
Valencia Club de Fútbol is a Spanish football club based in Valencia, Spain. They play in La Liga and are one of the most successful and biggest clubs in Spanish Football and European Football. Valencia have won six La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, two Fairs Cups which was the...
, since the two are the most competitive teams of the Valencian Community
Valencian Community
The Valencian Community is an autonomous community of Spain located in central and south-eastern Iberian Peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Valencia...
; this clash is called the "Derby de la Comunitat".
Records
- Villarreal's biggest league win at home has been achieved three times. The score of 5–0 was the result against UD SalamancaUD SalamancaUnión Deportiva Salamanca, S.A.D. is a Spanish football team based in Salamanca, in the autonomous community of Castile and León. Founded on 16 March 1923, it currently plays in Segunda División B – Group 2....
(1998–99 in Segunda), Celta VigoCelta de VigoReal Club Celta de Vigo , simply referred to as Celta Vigo, is a Spanish professional football club based in Vigo, Galicia, currently playing in the Segunda División. It was founded on March 28, 1923 following the merger of Real Vigo Sporting and Real Fortuna Foot-ball Club.Nicknamed Los Celestes ,...
(2002–03 in Primera), and CD TenerifeCD TenerifeClub Deportivo Tenerife, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in Tenerife . Founded in 1922, it currently plays in Segunda División B, holding home matches at Estadio Heliodoro Rodríguez López, with a 24,000-seat capacity.-History:Club Deportivo Tenerife was founded in...
(2009–10 in Primera). The most goals in a game was 6, at home to Racing Santander in 2003–04 (Primera).
- The largest away win was at Las PalmasUD Las PalmasUnión Deportiva Las Palmas, S.A.D. is a Spanish football team based in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in the autonomous community of Canary Islands...
by 5–1 in 2000–01 (Primera) and 4–0 at Real SociedadReal SociedadReal Sociedad de Fútbol, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in the city of San Sebastián, Basque Country, founded on 7 September 1909...
in the same league during the 2004–05 season.
Club colours
The club's famous yellow kit dates back to 1947. With the new season fast approaching, the son of the then Villarreal president travelled to Valencia to purchase replacements of the club's official kit of white shirts and black shorts. Discovering that the shop had neither in stock, he instead bought the only colour that they did have, which happened to be yellow. The players agreed that the shirts were suitable, although they weren't keen on the black shorts, so the president's son travelled to Castellón and purchased a batch of white shorts. The players voted that they should be dyed blue. After remaining as the club's official kit for some time, the yellow shirts and blue shorts combination was last worn in the 2002/2003 season, and the club has since sported all yellow kits. Away colours have often been navy blue.From 2005 to June, 30 2011 the shirt sponsor was "Aeroport Castello", an airport. Since that date they have worn unsponsored shirts. The kit is made by the Chinese company Xtep
Xtep
Xtep International Holdings Limited is a publicly-traded sportswear company headquartered in Quanzhou, Fujian, China. It is engaged in the design, development, manufacture and sales of sportswear under the company-owned "Xtep" brand and "Koling" brand and the Disneyland Sports brand.It was listed...
, having previously been produced by Puma
PUMA AG
Puma SE, officially branded as PUMA, is a major German multinational company that produces high-end athletic shoes, lifestyle footwear and other sportswear. Formed in 1924 as Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik by Adolf and Rudolf Dassler, relationships between the two brothers deteriorated until the two...
of Germany.
Domestic
- La LigaLa LigaThe Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
- Runners-up (1): 2008
- Segunda DivisiónSegunda DivisiónThe Segunda División is the lower tier of the two professional football leagues in Spain. From the season 2008-09 onwards, the name of the league is Liga Adelante.-History:...
- Promotion (2): 1998, 2000
- Segunda División BSegunda División BSegunda División B is the third level of the Spanish football league system. It is administered by the RFEF. The top two levels are La Liga, also referred to as the Primera División, and the Segunda División. Immediately below Segunda División B is the Tercera Division...
- Runners-up (2): 1988, 1992
- Tercera DivisiónTercera DivisiónTercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:...
- Winners (1): 1970
European
- UEFA Champions LeagueUEFA Champions LeagueThe UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
- Semi-finalists (1): 2006
- UEFA Europa League
- Semi-finalists (2): 2004, 2011
- UEFA Intertoto CupUEFA Intertoto CupThe UEFA Intertoto Cup, also abbreviated as UI Cup and originally called the International Football Cup, was a summer football competition for European clubs that had not qualified for one of the two major UEFA competitions, the Champions League and the UEFA Cup. The competition was discontinued...
- Winners (2): 2003, 2004
Season to season
| class="wikitable"> | |||
| Season | Division | Place | Copa del Rey Copa del Rey The Copa del Rey is an annual football cup competition for Spanish football teams. Its full name is Campeonato de España – Copa de Su Majestad el Rey de Fútbol .... |
|---|---|---|---|
| from 29–30 | Regional | — | |
| to 55–56 | Regional | — | |
| 1956/57 | 3ª Tercera División Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:... |
8th | |
| 1957/58 | 3ª Tercera División Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:... |
5th | |
| 1958/59 | 3ª Tercera División Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:... |
6th | |
| 1959/60 | 3ª Tercera División Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:... |
12th | |
| 1960/61 | 3ª Tercera División Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:... |
14th | |
| from 61–62 | Regional | — | |
| to 66–67 | Regional | — | |
| 1967/68 | 3ª Tercera División Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:... |
3rd | |
| 1968/69 | 3ª Tercera División Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:... |
9th | |
| 1969/70 | 3ª Tercera División Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:... |
1st | |
| 1970/71 | 2ª Segunda División The Segunda División is the lower tier of the two professional football leagues in Spain. From the season 2008-09 onwards, the name of the league is Liga Adelante.-History:... |
16th | |
| 1971/72 | 2ª Segunda División The Segunda División is the lower tier of the two professional football leagues in Spain. From the season 2008-09 onwards, the name of the league is Liga Adelante.-History:... |
17th | |
| 1972/73 | 3ª Tercera División Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:... |
12th | |
| 1973/74 | 3ª Tercera División Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:... |
12th | |
| 1974/75 | 3ª Tercera División Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:... |
8th | |
| 1975/76 | 3ª Tercera División Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:... |
13th |
Copa del Rey
The Copa del Rey is an annual football cup competition for Spanish football teams. Its full name is Campeonato de España – Copa de Su Majestad el Rey de Fútbol ....
Tercera División
Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:...
Tercera División
Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:...
Tercera División
Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:...
Tercera División
Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:...
Tercera División
Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:...
Tercera División
Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:...
Tercera División
Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:...
Tercera División
Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:...
Tercera División
Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:...
Tercera División
Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:...
Segunda División B
Segunda División B is the third level of the Spanish football league system. It is administered by the RFEF. The top two levels are La Liga, also referred to as the Primera División, and the Segunda División. Immediately below Segunda División B is the Tercera Division...
Segunda División B
Segunda División B is the third level of the Spanish football league system. It is administered by the RFEF. The top two levels are La Liga, also referred to as the Primera División, and the Segunda División. Immediately below Segunda División B is the Tercera Division...
Segunda División B
Segunda División B is the third level of the Spanish football league system. It is administered by the RFEF. The top two levels are La Liga, also referred to as the Primera División, and the Segunda División. Immediately below Segunda División B is the Tercera Division...
Tercera División
Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:...
Segunda División B
Segunda División B is the third level of the Spanish football league system. It is administered by the RFEF. The top two levels are La Liga, also referred to as the Primera División, and the Segunda División. Immediately below Segunda División B is the Tercera Division...
Segunda División
The Segunda División is the lower tier of the two professional football leagues in Spain. From the season 2008-09 onwards, the name of the league is Liga Adelante.-History:...
Segunda División
The Segunda División is the lower tier of the two professional football leagues in Spain. From the season 2008-09 onwards, the name of the league is Liga Adelante.-History:...
Copa del Rey
The Copa del Rey is an annual football cup competition for Spanish football teams. Its full name is Campeonato de España – Copa de Su Majestad el Rey de Fútbol ....
Segunda División
The Segunda División is the lower tier of the two professional football leagues in Spain. From the season 2008-09 onwards, the name of the league is Liga Adelante.-History:...
Segunda División
The Segunda División is the lower tier of the two professional football leagues in Spain. From the season 2008-09 onwards, the name of the league is Liga Adelante.-History:...
Segunda División
The Segunda División is the lower tier of the two professional football leagues in Spain. From the season 2008-09 onwards, the name of the league is Liga Adelante.-History:...
Segunda División
The Segunda División is the lower tier of the two professional football leagues in Spain. From the season 2008-09 onwards, the name of the league is Liga Adelante.-History:...
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
Segunda División
The Segunda División is the lower tier of the two professional football leagues in Spain. From the season 2008-09 onwards, the name of the league is Liga Adelante.-History:...
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
2004–05 La Liga
2004–05 season was composed of the following clubs:* Albacete Balompié* Athletic Bilbao* Atlético Madrid* FC Barcelona* Real Betis* Deportivo de La Coruña* Espanyol* Getafe CF* Levante UD* Málaga CF* Real Mallorca* CD Numancia* CA Osasuna...
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
2005–06 La Liga
* Athletic Bilbao* Atlético Madrid* FC Barcelona* Betis* Cádiz CF* Celta de Vigo* Deportivo Alaves* Deportivo de La Coruña* Espanyol* Getafe CF* Málaga CF* RCD Mallorca* CA Osasuna* Racing de Santander* Real Madrid* Real Sociedad* Sevilla FC...
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
2009–10 La Liga
- Personnel and sponsoring :- Before the start of the season :- During the season :-League table:||rowspan=1 style="background-color:#F9F9F9;"|||rowspan=1 style="background-color:#F9F9F9;"|...
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
2010–11 La Liga
The 2010–11 La Liga season was the 80th since its establishment. The campaign began on 28 August 2010 and ended on 21 May 2011. A total of 20 teams contested the league, 17 of which already contested in the 2009–10 season and three of which were promoted from the Segunda División...
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
2011–12 La Liga
The 2011–12 La Liga season is the 81st since its establishment. Barcelona are the defending champions, having won their 21st La Liga title in the previous season for the third time in a row. The campaign began on 27 August 2011, and will end on 13 May 2012...
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
----
- 13 seasons in La LigaLa LigaThe Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
- 9 seasons in Segunda DivisiónSegunda DivisiónThe Segunda División is the lower tier of the two professional football leagues in Spain. From the season 2008-09 onwards, the name of the league is Liga Adelante.-History:...
- 4 seasons in Segunda División BSegunda División BSegunda División B is the third level of the Spanish football league system. It is administered by the RFEF. The top two levels are La Liga, also referred to as the Primera División, and the Segunda División. Immediately below Segunda División B is the Tercera Division...
- 23 seasons in Tercera DivisiónTercera DivisiónTercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system. The top three are the Primera División, often referred to as "La Liga" in English, the Segunda División, and Segunda División B.-Current Format:...
- 23 seasons in Categorías RegionalesDivisiones Regionales de FútbolThe Divisiones Regionales de Fútbol are the Spanish football lower divisions. They are administered by the Autonomous football federations. The level immediately above is the Tercera División. The autonomous regional divisions are:-External links:*...
Top scorers in Primera Liga
- 1998–99:
Gheorghe CraioveanuGheorghe CraioveanuGheorghe 'Gică' Craioveanu is a retired Romanian footballer who played as a striker.He played most of his professional career in Spain - 11 years out of 18 - representing three teams and amassing totals of 330 games and 70 goals, both major levels combined.A Romanian international in the 90's, he...
13 - 2000–01: Víctor 14
- 2001–02: Víctor 14
- 2002–03: Jorge LópezJorge López MontañaJorge López Montaña |La Rioja]]) is a Spanish footballer who plays for OFI Crete in Greece, as a right midfielder.-Football career:A product of hometown CD Logroñés' youth system, López was purchased by Villarreal CF in 1999, with whom he achieved La Liga promotion at the end of the season...
8 - 2003–04:
Sonny AndersonSonny AndersonAnderson da Silva Nilmar , known as Sonny or Anderson, is a retired Brazilian footballer who played as a striker....
12 - 2004–05:
Diego ForlánDiego ForlánDiego Forlán Corazo is an Uruguayan footballer who plays as a striker for Internazionale and the Uruguayan national team. He is a two-time winner of both the Pichichi Trophy and the European Golden Shoe, and also received the Golden Ball as the best player at the 2010 World Cup.Forlán was born...
25 (PichichiPichichiPichichi may refer to* Rafael Moreno Aranzadi - a football player who was better known as "Pichichi"* Pichichi Trophy - a trophy named in honour of the above awarded to the top goalscorer in Spain's La Liga each season...
winner for most in all league) - 2005–06:
Juan Román RiquelmeJuan Román RiquelmeJuan Román Riquelme is an Argentine footballer who plays for Boca Juniors. A longtime Argentine international, Riquelme is best known for his spells with Boca Juniors and Villarreal...
12 - 2006–07: Diego ForlánDiego ForlánDiego Forlán Corazo is an Uruguayan footballer who plays as a striker for Internazionale and the Uruguayan national team. He is a two-time winner of both the Pichichi Trophy and the European Golden Shoe, and also received the Golden Ball as the best player at the 2010 World Cup.Forlán was born...
19 - 2007–08:
Nihat KahveciNihat KahveciNihat Kahveci is a Turkish footballer. Nihat plays as a Forward.-Biography:Nihat's family name, Kahveci, means "coffee maker." Many people in Turkey adopted the name of their profession as their family name in the early 20th century, suggesting that Nihat's ancestors were in the coffee business...
18 - 2008–09: Joseba Llorente 15
- 2009–10: NilmarNilmarNilmar Honorato da Silva , commonly known as Nilmar, is a Brazilian footballer who currently plays as a striker for Villarreal CF and the Brazilian national team.-Internacional:...
11 - 2010–11: Giuseppe RossiGiuseppe RossiGiuseppe Rossi is an Italian footballer who plays as a striker for Spanish club Villarreal CF and the Italian national team.- Early life :...
18
Nickname and mascot
The team is nicknameNickname
A nickname is "a usually familiar or humorous but sometimes pointed or cruel name given to a person or place, as a supposedly appropriate replacement for or addition to the proper name.", or a name similar in origin and pronunciation from the original name....
d El Submarino Amarillo (the Yellow Submarine) because of their yellow strip. The mascot
Mascot
The term mascot – defined as a term for any person, animal, or object thought to bring luck – colloquially includes anything used to represent a group with a common public identity, such as a school, professional sports team, society, military unit, or brand name...
(named Groguet, "Little Yellow") is characterised as a submarine
Submarine
A submarine is a watercraft capable of independent operation below the surface of the water. It differs from a submersible, which has more limited underwater capability...
in human form. He made his debut on the 26th October 2001 and was named in December 13th that year by a local 12 year-old, Javier Fuster Almela, following a province-wide competition open to under-15s.
Notable players
Due to being a lower-league club for most of their history, very few Villarreal players have played at international tournaments. In the 2006 World Cup one Villarreal player was selected in Spain's squad, the Brazilian-born midfielder Marcos SennaMarcos Senna
Marcos Antônio Senna da Silva , known as Senna, is a Spanish footballer who plays for Villarreal CF as a central midfielder.He is known for his passing range and long shooting and is also a penalty specialist.-Club career:...
. Mexican forward Guillermo Franco
Guillermo Franco
Guillermo Luis Franco Farquarson is an Argentine-born Mexican football striker who plays for Vélez Sársfield. He also played for the Mexico national team, until his international retirement in September 2010.-Early life:...
was selected for his country, who were elmiminated by Argentina
Argentina national football team
The Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
, whose squad included his team-mates Juan Pablo Sorín
Juan Pablo Sorín
Juan Pablo Sorín is a former Argentine footballer. He was born in Buenos Aires. He is a much-travelled player, having spent time in Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Italy, France and Germany. He was captain of the Argentine team in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.He is a versatile left wing-back who can play...
and Juan Román Riquelme
Juan Román Riquelme
Juan Román Riquelme is an Argentine footballer who plays for Boca Juniors. A longtime Argentine international, Riquelme is best known for his spells with Boca Juniors and Villarreal...
.
For Euro 2008, Villarreal contributed three players to Spain's team, which won the tournament. Marcos Senna was joined by winger Santi Cazorla
Santi Cazorla
Santiago "Santi" Cazorla González is a Spanish footballer who plays for Málaga CF in La Liga.A versatile winger, he can play on either flank, being ambidextrous...
and full-back Joan Capdevila
Joan Capdevila
Joan Capdevila i Méndez is a Spanish footballer who plays for S.L. Benfica in Portugal, and the Spanish national team.His usual position is left defender, but he is also capable of operating as a winger and, from a defensive position, often contributes with goals...
. The only other Villarreal player in the tournament was Nihat Kahveci
Nihat Kahveci
Nihat Kahveci is a Turkish footballer. Nihat plays as a Forward.-Biography:Nihat's family name, Kahveci, means "coffee maker." Many people in Turkey adopted the name of their profession as their family name in the early 20th century, suggesting that Nihat's ancestors were in the coffee business...
, a striker for Turkey
Turkey national football team
The Turkey national football team represents Turkey in association football and is controlled by the Turkish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Turkey. They are affiliated with UEFA...
, who reached the semi-finals.
In the 2010 World Cup, another triumph for Spain, only Capdevila kept his squad place from two years previous. Central defender Diego Godín
Diego Godín
Diego Roberto Godín Leal is a Uruguayan footballer who plays for Atlético Madrid in La Liga, as a central defender.A fast and composed defender, he combines physical presence with an ability to play the ball comfortably from behind.-Club career:...
played for Uruguay
Uruguay national football team
The Uruguayan national football team represents Uruguay in international association football and is controlled by the Uruguayan Football Association, the governing body for football in Uruguay. The current head coach is Óscar Tabárez...
, who finished forth. The striker Nilmar
Nilmar
Nilmar Honorato da Silva , commonly known as Nilmar, is a Brazilian footballer who currently plays as a striker for Villarreal CF and the Brazilian national team.-Internacional:...
was in the Brazil
Brazil national football team
The Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
squad which reached the quarter-finals. The tournament's Best Player and Best Goal award were given to Diego Forlán
Diego Forlán
Diego Forlán Corazo is an Uruguayan footballer who plays as a striker for Internazionale and the Uruguayan national team. He is a two-time winner of both the Pichichi Trophy and the European Golden Shoe, and also received the Golden Ball as the best player at the 2010 World Cup.Forlán was born...
, another Uruguayan, who played for Villarreal between 2004 and 2007 before joining Atlético Madrid, where he was employed at the time of the tournament.
Current squad
The numbers are established according to the official website:www.villarrealcf.es and www.lfp.esOut on loan
Foreign players
Mateo MusacchioMateo Musacchio
Mateo Pablo Musacchio is an Argentine footballer who plays for Villarreal CF in Spain, as a central defender.-Club career:A product of Club Atlético River Plate's youth system, Musacchio made his first-team debut as a 16-year old during the 2006–07 season, making four appearances...
Gonzalo RodríguezGonzalo Javier Rodríguez
Gonzalo Javier Rodríguez, sometimes just Gonzalo , is an Argentine footballer who plays for Villarreal CF in La Liga, as a central defender.-Club career:...
Marco Ruben
Marco Rubén
Marco Gastón Ruben Rodríguez is an Argentine footballer who plays for Villarreal CF in Spain, as a striker.-Club career:...
Nilmar
Nilmar
Nilmar Honorato da Silva , commonly known as Nilmar, is a Brazilian footballer who currently plays as a striker for Villarreal CF and the Brazilian national team.-Internacional:...
Cristián Zapata Wakaso MubarakWakaso Mubarak
Mubarak Wakaso is a Ghanaian footballer who plays for Villarreal CF in Spain, as a defensive midfielder.-Club career:...
Giuseppe RossiGiuseppe Rossi
Giuseppe Rossi is an Italian footballer who plays as a striker for Spanish club Villarreal CF and the Italian national team.- Early life :...
Hernán Pérez
Hernán Pérez
Hernán Arsenio Pérez González is a Paraguayan footballer who plays for Villarreal CF in Spain, as a right midfielder.-Club career:...
Jonathan de GuzmánJonathan de Guzmán
Jonathan Alexander de Guzmán is a Canadian-born footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder and is currently playing for Villarreal CF....
Former managers
Julio Raúl (1990–91) Carlos Simón Server (1991–92) David VidalDavid Vidal
David Vidal Tomé is a Spanish football manager.-Managerial career:After an unassuming playing career , Vidal took up coaching in 1982, first with Cádiz CF, his adopted city, where he had hung up his boots.He began with the Andalusians' youth sides,...
(1995–96) José Antonio Irulegui (1996–99) Joaquín Caparrós
Joaquín Caparrós
Joaquín de Jesús Caparrós Camino is a Spanish football coach, currently in charge of RCD Mallorca.-Football career:Caparrós was born in Utrera, Province of Seville, Andalusia. After an obscure career as a player, he started coaching in his mid-20's, his first club being amateurs San José Obrero CF...
(1999) Paquito García Gómez (1999-00) Víctor Muñoz (2000–03) Benito Floro (2003–04) Manuel Pellegrini
Manuel Pellegrini
Manuel Luis Pellegrini Ripamonti is a Chilean manager and former footballer. His current club is La Liga side Málaga CF.-Club career:...
(2004–09) Ernesto Valverde (2009–10) Juan Carlos Garrido
Juan Carlos Garrido
Juan Carlos Garrido Fernández is a Spanish football manager, currently in charge of Villarreal CF.-Football career:Garrido started managing at only 24, his first club being local amateurs El Puig Club de Fútbol...
(2010–)
Famous players
Juan Riquelme Gonzalo RodríguezGonzalo Rodriguez
Gonzalo "Gonchi" Rodríguez was a racing driver. He showed promise in Formula 3000 for three seasons, taking two wins in 1998 at Spa-Francorchamps and Nürburgring, winning the following season in Monaco and finishing third in both championships. Following a rotation of drivers as team mates to Al...
Ariel Ibagaza
Ariel Ibagaza
Ariel Miguel Santiago Ibagaza is an Argentine footballer who plays for Olympiacos FC in Greece.Nicknamed El Caño, his usual position is attacking midfielder, and he is well known for his technique and vision, and spent the vast majority of his professional career in Spain, where he represented...
Peña
Peña
Peña, meaning "rocky outcrop" or "rocky summit" in the Spanish language , may refer to:-Mountains:*Peña Montañesa, a mountain in the Pre-Pyrenees, Aragon, Spain*Peña de los Enamorados, a mountain near Antequera, Andalusia, Spain...
Nilmar
Nilmar
Nilmar Honorato da Silva , commonly known as Nilmar, is a Brazilian footballer who currently plays as a striker for Villarreal CF and the Brazilian national team.-Internacional:...
Marcos Senna
Marcos Senna
Marcos Antônio Senna da Silva , known as Senna, is a Spanish footballer who plays for Villarreal CF as a central midfielder.He is known for his passing range and long shooting and is also a penalty specialist.-Club career:...
Cicinho
Cicinho
Cícero João de Cézare, nicknamed Cicinho, in Pradópolis, São Paulo, Brazil), is a Brazilian footballer who currently plays for Serie A club Roma.Currently married to longtime girlfriend, Reem Borriello; the two have one son, Heitor...
Juliano Belletti
Juliano Belletti
Juliano Haus Belletti , is a former Brazilian footballer. He was awarded the Silver Ball by Placar for his consistently great performances for Atlético Mineiro during the 1999 Brazilian Série A...
Edmilson Jon Dahl Tomasson
Jon Dahl Tomasson
Jon Dahl Tomasson is a retired Danish footballer and assistant manager at the Dutch football club SBV Excelsior....
Luis Antonio Valencia
Luis Antonio Valencia
Luis Antonio Valencia Mosquera , commonly known as Antonio Valencia, is an Ecuadorian footballer who currently plays as a winger for Manchester United and the Ecuadorian national team...
Luis Antonio Valencia
Luis Antonio Valencia
Luis Antonio Valencia Mosquera , commonly known as Antonio Valencia, is an Ecuadorian footballer who currently plays as a winger for Manchester United and the Ecuadorian national team...
Robert Pirès
Robert Pirès
Robert Emmanuel Pirès is a former French international footballer. He is perhaps best known for his time with Arsenal, with whom he won three FA Cups and two FA Premier League titles including the club's famous unbeaten season of 2003–04...
Pascal Cygan
Pascal Cygan
Pascal Cygan is a retired French footballer. His favoured position was central defender, but he could also play at left back when needed....
Alessio Tacchinardi
Alessio Tacchinardi
Alessio Tacchinardi is a retired Italian footballer who played as defensive midfielder and spent the vast majority of his career playing for Juventus FC, winning 17 official trophies with the club...
Giuseppe Rossi
Giuseppe Rossi
Giuseppe Rossi is an Italian footballer who plays as a striker for Spanish club Villarreal CF and the Italian national team.- Early life :...
Guillermo Franco
Guillermo Franco
Guillermo Luis Franco Farquarson is an Argentine-born Mexican football striker who plays for Vélez Sársfield. He also played for the Mexico national team, until his international retirement in September 2010.-Early life:...
Santi Cazorla
Santi Cazorla
Santiago "Santi" Cazorla González is a Spanish footballer who plays for Málaga CF in La Liga.A versatile winger, he can play on either flank, being ambidextrous...
Joseba Llorente Cani
Cañi
For the Spanish footballer nicknamed 'Cani', see Rubén Gracia.Cañí is a Spanish adjective, which refers to the Gypsy race. It may also refer to:*La España cañí, a set phrase that refers to folkloric Spain and is sometimes used derogatorily....
Nihat Kahveci
Nihat Kahveci
Nihat Kahveci is a Turkish footballer. Nihat plays as a Forward.-Biography:Nihat's family name, Kahveci, means "coffee maker." Many people in Turkey adopted the name of their profession as their family name in the early 20th century, suggesting that Nihat's ancestors were in the coffee business...
Diego Forlán
Diego Forlán
Diego Forlán Corazo is an Uruguayan footballer who plays as a striker for Internazionale and the Uruguayan national team. He is a two-time winner of both the Pichichi Trophy and the European Golden Shoe, and also received the Golden Ball as the best player at the 2010 World Cup.Forlán was born...
Diego Godín
Diego Godín
Diego Roberto Godín Leal is a Uruguayan footballer who plays for Atlético Madrid in La Liga, as a central defender.A fast and composed defender, he combines physical presence with an ability to play the ball comfortably from behind.-Club career:...
Sebastian Eguren
Sebastián Eguren
Sebastián Eguren Ledesma is an Uruguayan footballer who plays for Sporting de Gijón in La Liga, mainly as a defensive midfielder.-Club career:...
See also
- Villarreal CF BVillarreal CF BVillarreal Club de Fútbol B is a Spanish football team based in Villarreal, in the autonomous community of Valencia. Founded in 1999, it is the reserve team of Villarreal CF, and plays in Segunda División, holding home games at Ciudad Deportiva Villarreal CF, with a 5,000-seat capacity.Unlike in...
– Second team currently in the Segunda DivisiónSegunda DivisiónThe Segunda División is the lower tier of the two professional football leagues in Spain. From the season 2008-09 onwards, the name of the league is Liga Adelante.-History:... - Villarreal CF CVillarreal CF CVillarreal Club de Fútbol C, S.A.D. is a Spanish football team based in Villarreal, in the autonomous community of Valencia. Founded in 2002, it is the third team of Villarreal CF, and plays in Tercera División, holding home games at Ciudad Deportiva Villarreal CF, with a capacity of 1,500...
– Third team currently in the Tercera División, Group 6Tercera División Groups 1-9The Tercera División is the fourth level of the Spanish football league system and features 361 teams divided into 18 regional groups.-Group 1:-Group 2:-Group 3:-Group 4:-Group 5:-Group 6:-Group 7:-Group 8:-Group 9:... - :Category:Villarreal CF footballers
- :Category:Villarreal CF managers