Juan Foyth is the only current player included in a list featuring five Argentine footballers
Villarreal CF has been home to some great international stars throughout its history.
Some of them went on to become true club icons thanks to their commitment and their successful, long-lasting spells with the Yellow Submarine. These are the 10 foreign players who have worn the Yellows’ shirt the most times:
1st – Rodolfo Arruabarrena (20/07/1975, Argentina)
279 matches – (14 goals, 6 assists) | (01/07/2000 – 01/07/2007)
A key figure in the squad that made history by lifting two Intertoto Cups and reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup (2003/04) and the UEFA Champions League (2005/06). In the latter, he played a starring role, scoring the decisive goal that sent Villarreal into their first-ever Champions League semi-final.
2nd – Gonzalo Rodríguez (10/04/1984, Argentina)
254 matches – (9 goals, 1 assist) | (01/07/2004 – 02/08/2012)
One of his standout achievements was featuring in three European semi-finals: two in the UEFA Europa League (2003/04 and 2010/11) and one in the UEFA Champions League (2005/06). Perhaps his biggest highlight, however, came in the 2007/08 season, when Villarreal finished runners-up in LaLiga.
Nonetheless, two ACL ruptures and a broken fibula during his time with the Yellow Submarine prevented him from climbing to the top of this list.
3rd – Mateo Musacchio (26/08/1990, Argentina)
249 matches – (7 goals, 11 assists) | (31/08/2009 – 01/07/2017)
A starter in both of Villarreal’s UEFA Europa League semi-finals in the 2010s (2010/11 and 2015/16). He was also a vital part of the side during the relegation campaign, forming part of the team’s backbone. Named in LaLiga’s Team of the Season in 2013.
His career, too, was heavily impacted by injuries, which caused him to miss a total of 93 official matches.
4th – Samuel Chukwueze (22/05/1999, Nigeria)
207 matches – (37 goals, 29 assists) | (10/08/2016 – 27/07/2023)
Arrived from Nigeria’s Diamond Academy and joined Villarreal’s youth ranks. After progressing through the Yellows’ reserve team, he made his first-team debut in September 2018.
Winner of the UEFA Europa League (2020/21) and a Champions League semi-finalist (2021/22). It was his memorable goal that sent Villarreal through to their second Champions League semi-final.
5th – Giuseppe Rossi (01/02/1987, USA/Italy)
192 matches – (82 goals, 25 assists) | (31/07/2007 – 07/01/2013)
A crucial player in Villarreal’s second-place finish in LaLiga in 2007/08 and part of the squad that reached the Europa League semi-final (2010/11). He remains among the top three goalscorers in the club’s history.
Unfortunately, Rossi’s time at Villarreal was plagued by injuries. He missed over 100 games, spending more than 600 days on the sidelines.
6th – Étienne Capoue (11/07/1988, France)
148 matches – (12 goals, 9 assists) | (04/01/2021 – 01/07/2024)
It only took a few seasons for him to earn his place in Villarreal’s history. Named MVP of the UEFA Europa League final in 2020/21, the club’s first-ever European title, he was also a cornerstone of the side that reached the Champions League semi-finals. Villarreal CF was the final team of his professional playing career.
7th – Carlos Bacca (08/09/1986, Colombia)
144 matches – (43 goals, 15 assists) | (16/08/2017 – 13/07/2021)
Although he initially arrived on loan, his strong performances kept him at Villarreal for four seasons. The Colombian striker capped off his time at the club in perfect fashion by winning his third UEFA Europa League trophy, this time with the Yellows.
8th – Juan Román Riquelme (24/06/1978, Argentina)
143 matches – (45 goals, 28 assists) | (28/08/2003 – 01/01/2008)
Joined Villarreal on loan from FC Barcelona and went on to become a true club legend under Manuel Pellegrini’s guidance. Forever remembered for the missed penalty in the 2005/06 Champions League semi-final against Arsenal, but above all, celebrated as one of the greatest players in Villarreal’s history.
9th – Juan Foyth (12/01/1998, Argentina)
135 matches – (5 goals, 6 assists) | (04/10/2020 – present)
Signed on loan from Tottenham Hotspur and remains the only active player on this ranking. An essential part of Villarreal’s recent golden era, winning the UEFA Europa League 2020/21 and reaching the Champions League semi-finals in 2021/22.
10th – Robert Pirès (29/10/1973, France)
129 matches – (18 goals, 15 assists) | (01/07/2006 – 01/07/2010)
Arrived at Villarreal in May 2006 after his successful spell at Arsenal. One of his standout achievements was helping the club finish as LaLiga runners-up in 2007/08, where he served as one of the team’s key leaders.
