The history of the “Valencia” club did not begin with a loud triumph: in March 1919, on a quiet street at number 10 in Barcelona, several young people with burning eyes gathered. The conversation was not about politics, economics, or art. Only about football. That day, a football club was born, which over the decades turned into a symbol of the region, culture, philosophy — into a legend.
The Beginning of the History: Foundation of the “Valencia” Club and First Steps
It took several months before the official debut in a tournament. The “Valencia” FC was founded on March 18, and the first game was played on May 21 against the “Gimnastico” club. That 1-0 score became the first brick in the foundation of a future dynasty. Already in 1923, the team moved to the “Mestalla” stadium — an arena that became almost a shrine for many Spaniards.
During this period, the history of the “Valencia” club intersected with local competitions — the regional championship became the arena for the first titles. Victories came quickly. Support grew, infrastructure strengthened, and each new season brought more ambitions.
First Significant Success: Entry into the National League
After the establishment of the national league, “Valencia” confidently made itself known. In 1931, the club secured a place in the Second Division, and a couple of years later — a ticket to the elite. The first season in La Liga brought not just a struggle for survival, but a stable mid-table position.
The Civil War in Spain temporarily halted development, but even in the chaos, “Valencia” did not stop preparing, worked with youth, strengthened ties with the regions. It was thanks to this that after the war, the club emerged in a completely different status.
Triumph of the Forties: First Titles and Ascension
The 1940s brought three championship titles in eight seasons. It was then that the history of the “Valencia” club was first tinged with gold. The key figures were forward Epifanio Fernandez and midfielder Amadeo Ibarra. The playing style was based on the classic Spanish school — short passes, emphasis on technique, control of the tempo.
Home matches at the “Mestalla” attracted tens of thousands. The club dominated not only in the league but also in the Spanish Cup. The victory over Madrid’s “Atletico” in the 1949 final was remembered as one of the most spectacular matches of the decade.
1950s–1960s: Transition Period, Generational Shift
The next decade was marked by profound changes. Veterans left, new names emerged. Young goalkeeper Ibanez became a symbol of reliability, and midfielder Roberto Gil became a link between eras. In 1954, the team won the Fair Cup, thereby indicating ambitions in Europe.
During this period, the history of the “Valencia” club did not shine with trophies, but laid the foundation for future generations. The scouting system covered the entire province, the first training center opened. Financial discipline strengthened, work with youth began — from Cheste to Oviedo.
The Era of Mario Kempes: Argentina on Spanish Soil
In 1976, “Valencia” signed Argentine Mario Kempes. The forward immediately became a stadium idol, and his brace in the King’s Cup final against “Real Madrid” entered history. During this period, the history of the “Valencia” club acquired a new international dimension.
Kempes was not just scoring goals. He was shaping an attacking philosophy around himself. Three seasons in a row ended with a top-3 finish in La Liga. In 1980, the club won the Cup Winners’ Cup, and later — the UEFA Super Cup, becoming the first Spanish team to beat London’s “Arsenal” in the final of a European trophy.
Financial Difficulties and Era of Changes in the Nineties
The 1990s were a period of uncertainty. The team’s stocks were falling, the transfer window was unstable, and spectator interest was declining. However, it was during these years that the history of the “Valencia” club introduced Europe to Jorge Valdano, Amancio, and a new generation of midfielders.
In 1996, Paco Roja took over as president. Under his leadership, a large-scale restructuring began. The budget was balanced, the debt restructured, and the squad rejuvenated. The principle of “betting on our own” brought results by the beginning of the new millennium.
Revival of the 2000s: Rafael Benitez and the Golden Era
The 2000s transformed the club into a contender for titles not only in Spain but throughout Europe. With the arrival of Rafael Benitez, “Valencia” completely changed its style. Tactics were no longer dependent on stars — the focus shifted towards team cohesion. In the 2001/2002 season, the team won La Liga for the first time in 31 years. And in 2004, they repeated the success and added the UEFA Cup, defeating “Marseille” in the final.
The history of the “Valencia” club gained the status of a hegemon in the second tier of the Champions League. The team regularly reached the knockout stages, demonstrating stability and discipline. The core was formed by David Albelda, Ruben Baraja, and Aimar. Entertainment was combined with pragmatism, and the “Mestalla” once again echoed louder than Madrid.
European Stability and Trophy Contention
The second half of the decade was marked by the fight for the top 4. During this period, the history of the “Valencia” club inscribed the names of Villa, Silva, and Joaquin in the pantheon of legends. With a limited budget, coaches adapted the scheme to the available squad, relying on youth from their own academy.
In 2008, “Valencia” once again won the Spanish Cup, defeating “Getafe” in the final. The victory was symbolic: the team proved that it could compete even in a crisis. At the same time, the “Mestalla” always remained a fortress — during the season, the team lost no more than two matches at home.
Financial Decline and Sporting Rollercoaster
Since 2010, the club has faced serious financial difficulties. The construction of a new stadium was halted. Sales of key players, including Juan Mata and David Villa, sparked dissatisfaction among fans. Despite this, the history of the “Valencia” club did not stop. The team continued to qualify for European competitions, often reaching the Champions League round of 16.
Against this backdrop, the management carried out internal reforms. Expensive veterans left, and young talents from Brazil, Portugal, and Belgium took their place. Work with coaches was done selectively, with each new specialist receiving strict KPIs and a two-year contract.
Relaunch of the “Valencia” Club and Adaptation to Modern Realities
In 2018, “Valencia” had its best season in a decade. Coach Marcelino built a team based on vertical football. The history of the “Valencia” club received another wave of glory after defeating “Barcelona” in the 2019 Spanish Cup final. That match became a symbol of returning to traditions — defensive reliability and disciplined attack.
At the same time, the team continued to resolve internal conflicts. Management changed, transfer policy fluctuated from strategic to chaotic. However, the academy operated at full capacity — in the 2020/2021 season, seven academy graduates were on the field simultaneously.
Modern Stage: Challenges and Hopes
By 2023, the history of the “Valencia” club entered a stage of transformation. Financial problems did not disappear, but asset control strengthened. The new administration focused on reducing debts, launching digital platforms, and modernizing the “Mestalla” stadium.
The current squad includes young stars like Yunus Musa and Gabriel Paulista. Despite instability, the club retained its core, continued to fight for European competitions, and the “Mestalla” remained the arena for loud matches.
Development of “Valencia” by Decades:
- 1919–1930: establishment, local tournaments, first victories in regional competitions.
- 1930–1940: entry into the national league, debut in La Liga, stability.
- 1940–1950: golden decade, three championship titles, image enhancement.
- 1950–1960: reconstruction, youth work, international ambitions.
- 1970–1980: Kempes era, Cup Winners’ Cup triumph, popularity growth.
- 1980–1990: decline, financial difficulties, squad renewal.
- 2000–2010: return to the elite, Benitez era, trophies in Europe.
- 2010–2020: financial crisis, Champions League qualifications, project relaunch.
- 2020–2024: stabilization, focus on the academy, digital transformation.
The History of the “Valencia” Club Continues
The history of the “Valencia” club is the path of the region, a way of life, a source of pride for thousands of families. Despite crises, falls, and rises, the team continues to symbolize faith in progress, the power of traditions, and a passion for the game.
