A new form of entertainment called football arrives in Vila-real thanks to José Calduch, who discovers the sport while studying Medicine in Barcelona and decides to bring it to his hometown for everyone to enjoy. On 10th March 1923, in the back room of the family pharmacy, José Calduch founds CD Villarreal, the predecessor of today’s Villarreal CF. That same year, he purchases a plot of land and converts it into the Campo del Villarreal, later named El Madrigal.

As football quickly gained popularity, CD Villarreal began to rise and compete in their first matches. On 15th December 1935, the team from Vila-real, wearing white shirts and black shorts, were crowned regional champions, but the Spanish Civil War abruptly halted all sporting competition in the city.

Following the Spanish Civil War and the disappearance of CD Villarreal, football survived in the town thanks to local supporters' clubs. One team stood out above the rest: Club Atlético Foghetecaz. In 1944, the Town Hall purchased the facilities, converting them into a municipal ground. This footballing revival culminated in 1947, when the team took a decisive step by registering with the Valencian Football Federation under a name representing the town: CAF Villarreal. Soon after, the club claimed its first Regional Amateur Championship.

Villarreal CF adopted their current name, which they have retained to this day. The club changed their kit, introducing a yellow shirt with blue shorts and socks with yellow trim. The team earned their first promotion to Tercera División, paving the way for the arrival of foreign players. In 1952, El Madrigal underwent its first major renovation, modelled after the Helsinki Olympic Stadium.

Villarreal CF earned promotion back to Tercera and achieved an unprecedented milestone: their first promotion to the Segunda División, clinched against Bilbao Athletic at the Santiago Bernabéu. The joy of this historic success gave birth to songs that still accompany the club to this day.

The Submarine went through difficult times. The club hit rock bottom with a harsh relegation to Regional Preferente, but recovered by winning the Regional Amateur Championship and earning another promotion to Tercera División. During this period, Villarreal begin playing friendlies against international sides, such as Gwardia Warsaw from Poland. The latter match marked the first use of floodlights at El Madrigal, although their official debut came later against UD Ibiza.

Villarreal said goodbye to regional football. Players such as Adriano, Nadal and Honorio became key figures, guiding the team back to Spain’s second tier. This period was marked by two promotions: first to Segunda División B, and then a historic return to Segunda División. The streets of Vila-real and the stands of La Línea de la Concepción were filled with yellow joy.

With the arrival of José Manuel Llaneza, who joined the club with the backing of Font de Mora, and Fernando Roig becoming the majority shareholder, Villarreal CF achieved the impossible: reaching the top flight and establishing themselves in the elite of Spanish football. The club grew rapidly and became more professional, driven by exemplary management. El Madrigal adapted to the new era, a training ground is built, and the first global stars arrive.

Villarreal impressed European football. The club became a competitive side in LALIGA and a regular contender in European competitions thanks to the contributions of legends such as Riquelme, Forlán, Cazorla, Senna and Bruno. During this period, they faced footballing giants such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Inter Milan. Villarreal lifted two Intertoto Cups, reached one UEFA Champions League semi-final and two Europa League semi-finals, and also finished runners-up in LALIGA.

Villarreal lived a dream that eventually turned into a nightmare. The Yellow Submarine were unexpectedly relegated in 2012, only to return to the top flight the very next season.

After the unexpected relegation, Villarreal were forced to rebuild and came back stronger. Led by Fernando Roig Negueroles, the Submarine returned to the top flight, consolidated their position in the elite and once again became a European contender – not just to compete, but to win. Under Unai Emery, Villarreal conquered the UEFA Europa League in 2021 and reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in 2022, once again astonishing the footballing world. The club celebrated its centenary and undertook a remarkable redevelopment of the Estadio de la Cerámica.