Villarreal CF

About Villarreal CF

Villarreal CF have always been the small-town club punching above their weight. Founded in 1923, they spent decades as a modest fixture of Spanish football, far removed from the glamour of Madrid or Barcelona, before eventually becoming one of the most respected names in the game. The town itself is tiny by La Liga standards, which only adds to the sense that what this club has built is a bit of an anomaly.

They've never lifted La Liga or the Copa del Rey, and it's worth saying plainly because it tells you something about the shape of their history. Villarreal's story isn't one of domestic dominance. Their early days included a Tercera División title back in 1969-70, a reminder of just how far up the pyramid they've since climbed. Later came two UEFA Intertoto Cups, in 2003 and 2004, which hinted at the European pedigree that was still to come.

That pedigree announced itself properly in 2020-21, when Villarreal won the UEFA Europa League, the biggest trophy in the club's history. For a side without a league title or a Copa del Rey to their name, that European crown means everything. It's the moment that defines them, and it fits a club that has built its reputation on doing things a little differently, and doing them well, at the Estadio de la Ceramica and beyond.

Head Coach

Marcelino

Iñigo Pérez took over as Villarreal head coach on June 1st, bringing two years of experience from his time at Rayo Vallecano. The Spanish manager signed a three-year deal to replace Marcelino García Toral, tasked with reviving the club's fortunes.

Trophies & Honours

• Villarreal have never won La Liga or the Copa del Rey. Their major honour is the UEFA Europa League 1 (2020-21). Also UEFA Intertoto Cup: 2 (2003, 2004); Tercera División champions: 1 (1969-70)