Villarreal CF adds two iconic images to the Estadio de la Cerámica’s unique Walk of Fame
Villarreal CF adds two iconic images to the Estadio de la Cerámica’s unique Walk of Fame
Villarreal CF presented two new images on the Passeig Groc this Tuesday. In a ceremony led by Fernando Roig and the mayor of Vila-real José Benlloch, the Yellows hhave included two tiles in tribute to José Manuel Llaneza, former vice-president of Villarreal CF, and the centenary of the Estadio de la Cerámica, which took place on 17th June 2023.
These two new moments are added to the four existing tiles, the photographs of legends Bruno Soriano and Santi Cazorla, as well as the images of the UEFA Europa League title win in 2021 and the first promotion to the Second Division in 1969/70.
José Manuel Llaneza, the architect of the Yellows’ success
José Manuel Llaneza was one of the great architects of Villarreal CF’s brilliant history. The Valencian executive served as manager, CEO and vice-president during his 28 years at the club. He arrived under Pascual Font de Mora, made the club professional at a key moment and convinced Fernando Roig to take charge of the club.
With his magnificent management, Villarreal CF achieved two promotions to the Primera División, two UEFA Champions League semi-finals and another pair of UEFA Europa League semi-finals. With him on the board, the Submarine achieved the greatest success in its history: the Europa League title in 2021.
In addition to his successful sporting career, under the guidance of Fernando Roig, he led the construction of the Training Ground, which is now named after him as a tribute. He was also one of the driving forces behind the Yellows Academy, making it one of the cornerstones of the project.
The Estadio de la Cerámica, a centenary stadium
Inaugurated on 17th June 1923 under the name of ‘Campo del Villarreal’, the Estadio de la Cerámica is one of the few fields of Spanish elite football that is hundreds of years old.
Formerly known as El Madrigal, it has remained unchanged in the same place where it was conceived by José Calduch, the club’s founder, more than 100 years ago. Since then, it has undergone countless renovations. Especially after the arrival of Fernando Roig at Villarreal CF, who led several renovations. In 2017, the club changed its name to Estadio de la Cerámica and began an impressive transformation to become one of the most modern and state-of-the-art stadiums in continental football.
