Last update 14 December, 2024 by Alberto Llopis
The Valencia Football Club, one of the most historic teams in Spain, It has had among its ranks great international talents who left an indelible mark on Mestalla. These players not only stood out for their technical quality, but also for his leadership skills, delivery on the field and contributions to team success. Next, We review the foreign legends that marked the history of the club.
The best foreign players in the history of Valencia
Mario Kempes: The Matador of Mestalla
The Matador is, without a doubt, Valencia's most emblematic foreigner. He arrived at the club in 1976 He came from Rosario Central and quickly won the hearts of the fans with his goals and charisma..
He was the top scorer in the League in two consecutive seasons (1976-77 y 1977-78) and led the team in conquering the King's Cup 1979, the European Cup Winners' Cup 1980 and the European Super Cup that same year. Kempes scored 149 goals in 247 matches with Valencia, establishing himself as an eternal icon of the club.
Predrag Mijatović: Montenegrin elegance
The Montegrino arrived at Valencia in 1993 from Partizan Belgrade and quickly became the team's franchise player. His ability to create play, His vision and scoring instinct made him one of the best playmakers in LaLiga in the 90.
In his last season with the club (1995-96), frame 28 goals in 40 parties, winning the controversial transfer to Real Madrid. Mijatović left Mestalla having scored 56 goals in 123 parties. He left through the back door for many of the Valencian fans but, It is for many reasons, one of the best foreign players in the history of Valencia.
Miroslav Djukic: The Serbian wall
Miroslav Đukić was one of the most reliable defenders to wear the Valencia shirt. arrived in 1997 and quickly established himself as a leader in the defense thanks to his ability to read the game and his defensive solidity.
He was part of the team that reached the Champions League final in the year 2000 and also contributed to the success in King's Cup 1998-99. Đukić is remembered not only for his talent, but for his character on and off the field.
Adrian Ilia: The “Cobra” from Romania
Romanian striker Adrian Ilie, nicknamed by Claudio Ranieri as “the Cobra”, He arrived at Valencia 1998 and stood out for his scoring instinct and his ability to score in decisive moments.
Ilie was part of the golden generation that won the King's Cup in 1999, reached the final of the Champions League in 2000 and won the League 2002. Year in which he left Valencia CF. Con 42 goals in 123 official matches, Ilie is remembered as one of the most important forwards of his time at Mestalla.
Kily Gonzalez: The Argentine claw
Cristian “Kilos” González landed at Valencia in the year 1999, from Rosario Central. Its intensity, character and quality on the left wing made him an idol of the fans. Kily was instrumental in the conquest of LaLiga in the seasons 2001-02 y 2003-04 and was also part of the team that won the UEFA Cup in 2004. His commitment on the field made him a reference and a very loved player at Mestalla.
Roberto Fabian Ayala
Roberto Fabian Ayala, known as the “Mouse”, He is probably the best central defender who has played for Valencia in recent years. 50 years. He arrived at the club in the year 2000 and became the leader of a defense that was key to the team's successes during that decade.
Ayala won two titles LaLiga (2001-02 y 2003-04), the UEFA Cup 2004 and the European Super Cup 2004. Your ability to anticipate, His strength in the air and his leadership ensured him a place of honor in the club's history.. A Valencia CF legend
Mauricio Pellegrino
Argentine Mauricio Pellegrino was a fundamental pillar in Valencia's defense during his stay at Mestalla between 1999 y 2005. With his tactical intelligence and his sobriety on the field, Pellegrino formed a memorable partnership with Ayala, being key to the club's successes, including both Suspenders and the historic European campaign of 2004. His later stage as coach of Valencia did not go so well.
Waldo Machado: The Brazilian goalscorer of the 60
Waldo Machado He was one of Valencia's first great foreign forwards. arrived in 1961 from Fluminense and became one of the top scorers in the club's history, scoring 160 goals in 296 official matches.
Waldo stood out for his technical ability, his speed and his ability to define, leading the team in achieving two titles of the Fairs Cup (1961-62 y 1962-63). His legacy as one of the best scorers in the history of Valencia is still valid.
Pablo Aimar: Argentine magic
Pablo Aimar, known as “The Clown”, arrived at Mestalla in the year 2001 and became the creative brain of the team. With his vision of the game, impossible dribbles and precision in the pass, was fundamental in Valencia's successes at the beginning of the 2000. Aimar was part of the team that won two Suspenders (2001-02 y 2003-04) and the UEFA Cup in 2004. His style of play left an indelible mark, inspiring a whole generation of Valencians.
Claudio ‘Piojo’ López: Speed and goal
He “Louse” López landed at Mestalla in 1996 and became one of the most feared forwards in LaLiga thanks to his devilish speed and precision in front of goal. He was key in Valencia's qualification to the Champions League final in 2000, scoring decisive goals in crucial moments.
Con 72 goals in 178 parties, López is remembered as one of the most effective attackers in the club's recent history. It became very popular, especially for his performances against Van Gaal's FC Barcelona, whom he destroyed on multiple occasions.