Best Valencia Players of All Time: Legends of Spanish Football
Valencia CF is one of Spain’s most storied football clubs, with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1919. Known for its passionate fanbase and iconic Mestalla Stadium, Valencia has produced and attracted some of the finest football talent over the years.
From homegrown legends to international stars, the best Valencia players of all time have left an indelible mark on the club’s history, driving Valencia to success both domestically and in European competitions. This list honors the best Valencia players of all time who wore the iconic white and black-striped jersey with pride, celebrating their contributions to the club and the legacy they’ve built.
#10: Joaquín (2006 – 2011)
Position: Winger
Height/Weight: 5’10”, 165 lbs
This site uses affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click at no cost to you.
Joaquín brought flair, speed, and creativity to Valencia’s attack during his time at the club. Known for his dazzling dribbling skills and ability to deliver pinpoint crosses, Joaquín was a constant threat on the right wing.
He was a key player in Valencia’s successful campaigns in La Liga and Europe, helping the team secure a Copa del Rey title in 2008. Joaquín’s combination of technical ability and work ethic made him a fan favorite at the Mestalla, and his contributions during his five seasons with Valencia left a lasting impression on the club’s history.
Accolades/Stats: Copa del Rey winner (2008), 30 goals in 218 appearances for Valencia.
#9: Claudio López (1996 – 2000)
Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 5’9″, 165 lbs
Claudio López, known as “El Piojo,” was one of the most electrifying forwards in Valencia’s history. With his blistering pace and clinical finishing, López was a constant goal threat and played a pivotal role in Valencia’s resurgence in the late 1990s.
He was instrumental in leading the team to the 1999 Copa del Rey victory and the 2000 UEFA Champions League final. López’s ability to score crucial goals in big matches endeared him to the fans, and he remains one of the most beloved players to have worn the Valencia shirt.
Accolades/Stats: Copa del Rey winner (1999), 72 goals in 182 appearances for Valencia.
#8: Vicente Rodríguez (2000 – 2011)
Position: Winger
Height/Weight: 5’10”, 160 lbs
Vicente Rodríguez was a key figure in one of the most successful eras in Valencia’s history. Known for his exceptional dribbling, precise crossing, and deadly left foot, Vicente was a constant threat on the left wing. He played a crucial role in Valencia’s two La Liga titles in 2002 and 2004, as well as their UEFA Cup triumph in 2004.
Despite injuries that plagued his later years, Vicente’s impact on the pitch was undeniable, and he remains a symbol of the club’s golden era.
Accolades/Stats: 2x La Liga Champion (2002, 2004), UEFA Cup winner (2004), 50 goals in 385 appearances for Valencia.
This site uses affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click at no cost to you.
#7: Santiago Cañizares (1998 – 2008)
Position: Goalkeeper
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 176 lbs
Santiago Cañizares was the backbone of Valencia’s defense for a decade, providing stability and leadership from the back. Known for his cat-like reflexes and commanding presence in the box, Cañizares was crucial in Valencia’s success during the early 2000s.
He played a key role in the club’s two La Liga titles and their runs to the UEFA Champions League finals in 2000 and 2001. Cañizares’ contributions were recognized with multiple Zamora Trophies as the best goalkeeper in La Liga, and he remains one of the most respected figures in the club’s history.
Accolades/Stats: 2x La Liga Champion (2002, 2004), UEFA Cup winner (2004), 3x Zamora Trophy winner (2001, 2002, 2004).
#6: David Silva (2000 – 2010)
Position: Attacking Midfielder / Winger
Height/Weight: 5’7″, 143 lbs
David Silva, known for his incredible vision, passing accuracy, and technical skills, was one of Valencia’s brightest stars during his time at the club. Silva’s ability to unlock defenses with his precise through balls and his versatility in playing multiple attacking roles made him a key player for Valencia.
He was instrumental in helping the team secure the Copa del Rey title in 2008, and his consistent performances earned him a move to Manchester City, where he became a global football icon. Silva’s legacy at Valencia is marked by his elegance on the ball and his ability to change the course of a game with a single pass.
Accolades/Stats: Copa del Rey winner (2008), 37 goals and numerous assists in 168 appearances for Valencia.
#5: Pablo Aimar (2001 – 2006)
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Height/Weight: 5’7″, 150 lbs
Pablo Aimar, often regarded as one of the most technically gifted players to ever play for Valencia, brought flair, creativity, and vision to the heart of the team’s midfield. Aimar was a magician with the ball at his feet, capable of threading the perfect pass or scoring a stunning goal from distance.
During his time at Valencia, Aimar was instrumental in the club’s success, helping them win two La Liga titles and the UEFA Cup in 2004. His ability to orchestrate the attack and create opportunities for his teammates made him a fan favorite, and his influence on the pitch was pivotal in Valencia’s golden era.
Accolades/Stats: 2x La Liga Champion (2002, 2004), UEFA Cup winner (2004), 34 goals in 216 appearances for Valencia.
#4: Fernando Gómez Colomer (1983 – 1998)
Position: Midfielder
Height/Weight: 5’9″, 165 lbs
Fernando Gómez Colomer, known simply as “Fernando,” is one of Valencia’s most iconic figures. As the club’s all-time appearance leader, Fernando embodied loyalty and consistency throughout his career. A versatile midfielder, he was known for his intelligence on the ball, passing ability, and knack for scoring crucial goals.
Fernando was a key player for Valencia during the 1980s and 1990s, leading the team through some challenging periods and helping them return to prominence in La Liga. His dedication to the club and his leadership on the field made him a beloved figure at the Mestalla.
Accolades/Stats: Valencia’s all-time appearance leader with 553 games, 142 goals for Valencia, Spanish Player of the Year (1989).
This site uses affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click at no cost to you.
#3: Gaizka Mendieta (1992 – 2001)
Position: Midfielder
Height/Weight: 5’10”, 165 lbs
Gaizka Mendieta was the heart and soul of Valencia during the late 1990s and early 2000s, known for his all-around brilliance and leadership. Mendieta was a dynamic midfielder, equally capable of breaking up play as he was at creating and scoring goals.
His vision, passing, and ability to score from long range made him one of the most complete players in La Liga. Mendieta was instrumental in leading Valencia to two consecutive UEFA Champions League finals in 2000 and 2001, as well as winning the Copa del Rey in 1999. His performances during this period earned him widespread acclaim and cemented his legacy as one of the best players in Valencia’s history.
Accolades/Stats: 2x UEFA Champions League finalist (2000, 2001), Copa del Rey winner (1999), UEFA Super Cup winner (1999), Spanish Player of the Year (2000).
#2: David Villa (2005 – 2010)
Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 5’9″, 152 lbs
David Villa, known as “El Guaje,” was Valencia’s most prolific striker during his time at the club. Villa was a lethal goal scorer, known for his incredible finishing, movement off the ball, and ability to score from anywhere on the pitch. He consistently ranked among the top scorers in La Liga, finishing with over 100 goals for Valencia.
Villa was instrumental in Valencia’s success in the mid-2000s, leading the team to the Copa del Rey title in 2008. His performances at Valencia solidified his reputation as one of Spain’s greatest forwards and earned him a move to Barcelona, where he continued to achieve success.
Accolades/Stats: Copa del Rey winner (2008), 129 goals in 225 appearances for Valencia, La Liga top scorer in 2005-06 season.
#1: Mario Kempes (1976 – 1984, 1986)
Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 6’0″, 176 lbs
Mario Kempes, known as “El Matador,” is widely regarded as the greatest player in Valencia’s history. Kempes was a complete forward, combining strength, speed, technical ability, and an unparalleled goal-scoring instinct. He was the top scorer in La Liga in 1977 and 1978, leading Valencia to victory in the 1979 Copa del Rey and, most memorably, the 1980 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.
Kempes was also a key player for Argentina, winning the Golden Boot and the World Cup in 1978. His influence at Valencia was immense, as he consistently delivered in the biggest moments, becoming an icon at the club. Kempes’ legacy as one of the all-time greats in football is forever intertwined with his time at Valencia.
Accolades/Stats: 2x La Liga top scorer (1977, 1978), Copa del Rey winner (1979), UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup winner (1980), 146 goals in 246 appearances for Valencia.
