Valencia CF
Valencia have won six Spanish titles, reached two Champions League finals in a row and played at Mestalla for over a century. They are also a club in the middle of a long goodbye, with the Nou Mestalla now rising on the other side of the city.
Six Titles Across Four Eras
The club was formally approved on 18 March 1919 and won its first league in 1941–42, adding more in 1943–44 and 1946–47. Then came a long wait, ended in 1970–71 by Alfredo Di Stéfano in his first spell as coach. In the early 1960s Valencia also won back-to-back Inter-Cities Fairs Cups.
Mario Kempes was the face of the late 1970s side. He won the 1979 Copa del Rey and led the team to the 1980 Cup Winners’ Cup, won on penalties against Arsenal at Heysel after a 0–0 draw. Valencia added the UEFA Super Cup the same year.
The best modern spell came under Rafael Benítez. Valencia clinched the 2001–02 title at Málaga, then did the double of La Liga and the UEFA Cup in 2003–04, beating Marseille 2–0 in Gothenburg with goals from Vicente and Mista. Copa del Rey wins in 2008 and 2019 took the total to eight. Peter Lim has owned the club since 2014.
Two Finals, Two Heartbreaks
Valencia reached the Champions League final in 2000 and again in 2001. The first, in Paris, ended in a 3–0 defeat to Real Madrid. A year later, at San Siro on 23 May 2001, Héctor Cúper’s side drew 1–1 with Bayern Munich after extra time and lost the shootout, Mauricio Pellegrino missing the decisive kick. Few clubs have come so close twice without lifting it.
Mestalla and the Nou Mestalla
Mestalla opened in 1923 and holds 49,430, with famously steep stands close to the pitch. Work on the Nou Mestalla resumed on 10 January 2025 after years of delays. By July 2026 the club said contractor FCC had completed about 75% of the job, with the roof still to finish. The new ground will hold just over 70,000, and the planned opening is July 2027, though local reports warn that licences could push it back.
Aguirre Takes On a Rescue Job
Valencia are in La Liga for 2026/27 after finishing ninth last season, but the start has been rough. Carlos Corberán was sacked on 13 September 2026 along with sporting director Ron Gourlay, and Óscar Sánchez stepped up from the reserves as interim. Javier Aguirre was appointed on 23 September on a deal to the end of the season, with an option for one more. A 0–0 draw with Athletic Club at Mestalla on 17 October left Valencia 19th on six points after nine games.
Mario Kempes
White, Black and Orange
Valencia have traditionally worn white shirts with black shorts, which is where the Blanquinegros name comes from. Black has taken a turn as the main colour at times, and recent away kits have leaned on shades of orange, a nod to the region. The bat on the crest gives the club its other nickname, Los Murciélagos.
This FanFile covers Valencia CF as a club rather than one particular jersey. Check the crest, sponsor, manufacturer label and product code on your own shirt to identify its specific season and edition.
Your Next Football Shirt Could Come from Anywhere
Enjoyed discovering the story behind Valencia CF? Explore another club, country and football culture through an authentic mystery football shirt from Mystique Jerseys. Choose your size and tell us which teams you want to avoid before we select your surprise.
Prefer to browse? See every mystery football shirt in one place.
Club Links
Sources & Further Reading
- Valencia CF: official statement on Javier Aguirre’s appointment
- Valencia CF: Nou Mestalla construction resumes
- Wikipedia: Valencia CF honours, finals and stadium
- ElDesmarque: Nou Mestalla progress, July 2026
- VAVEL: the coaching change and start to 2026/27
- La Nación: Valencia 0–0 Athletic Club and league position
Facts checked: 22 October 2026.