Celta Vigo Squad 2024/25

The 2024/25 season marks a significant chapter in RC Celta de Vigo squad storied history. Under the guidance of head coach Claudio Giráldez, the team has assembled a diverse and talented squad, blending seasoned veterans with emerging talents. This composition aims to navigate the challenges of La Liga and the Copa del Rey with ambition and resilience. Here’s is an in-depth look at the current squad, categorized by position, with detailed insights into each player’s background and career trajectory.

Goalkeepers

Iván Villar

Iván Villar, born on July 9, 1997, in Aldán, Spain, is a testament to Celta Vigo squad commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. Progressing through the club’s youth system, Villar has established himself as a reliable presence between the posts. His journey includes loan experiences at Levante UD and CD Leganés, where he honed his skills and gained valuable first-team exposure. Known for his sharp reflexes and command of the penalty area, Villar embodies the club’s philosophy of developing and trusting in its academy products.

Vicente Guaita

Vicente Guaita, born on January 10, 1987, in Torrent, Spain, brings a wealth of experience to Celta’s goalkeeping department. Beginning his professional career with Valencia CF, Guaita showcased his shot-stopping abilities, which led to subsequent stints at Getafe CF and Crystal Palace in the English Premier League. In 2024, he returned to Spain, signing with Celta Vigo to provide mentorship to younger goalkeepers and offer a dependable option when called upon.

Defenders

Carl Starfelt

Carl Starfelt, born on June 1, 1995, in Stockholm, Sweden, is a central defender renowned for his tactical intelligence and aerial prowess. His professional journey began with IF Brommapojkarna, followed by a move to IFK Göteborg, where his performances caught the eye of international scouts. In 2019, he transferred to Rubin Kazan in Russia, and his consistent displays there led to a move to Celtic FC in Scotland in 2021. In 2024, Celta Vigo squad secured his services, aiming to bolster their defensive solidity with his experience and leadership.

Óscar Mingueza

Óscar Mingueza, born on May 13, 1999, in Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Spain, is a versatile defender capable of operating both as a center-back and right-back. A product of FC Barcelona‘s La Masia academy, Mingueza made his first-team debut during the 2020/21 season, contributing to both domestic and European campaigns. In 2022, seeking regular first-team opportunities, he joined Celta Vigo squad on a four-year deal, bringing with him a blend of technical proficiency and tactical versatility.

Sergio Carreira

Sergio Carreira, born on October 13, 2000, in Vigo, Spain, is a dynamic right-back who has risen through the ranks of Celta’s youth system. After impressing with Celta B, he earned promotion to the first team, showcasing his attacking impetus and defensive diligence. A loan spell at CD Mirandés in the 2021/22 season provided him with regular competitive action, furthering his development. Carreira’s blend of pace and crossing ability makes him a valuable asset on the right flank.

Joseph Aidoo

Joseph Aidoo, born on September 29, 1995, in Tema, Ghana, is a commanding central defender known for his physicality and reading of the game. His European journey commenced with Hammarby IF in Sweden, where his performances earned him a move to KRC Genk in Belgium. At Genk, Aidoo was instrumental in their 2018/19 Belgian Pro League triumph. In 2019, Celta Vigo squad invested in his talents, bringing him to La Liga, where he has since been a stalwart in their defensive line.

Marcos Alonso

Marcos Alonso, born on December 28, 1990, in Madrid, Spain, boasts a rich footballing lineage and a career spanning several top European leagues. Starting at Real Madrid, he ventured abroad to Bolton Wanderers in England, followed by successful periods at ACF Fiorentina in Italy and Chelsea FC, where he secured Premier League and UEFA Champions League honors. In 2022, he returned to Spain with FC Barcelona before making the switch to Celta Vigo roster in 2024, adding experience and depth to their left-back position.

Mihailo Ristić

Mihailo Ristić, born on October 31, 1995, in Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a left-back celebrated for his versatility and technical skills. His professional career began with Red Star Belgrade, where he contributed to their domestic successes. Subsequent moves saw him at FC Krasnodar in Russia and Montpellier HSC in France, where he continued to develop his game. In 2022, he joined SL Benfica in Portugal before signing with Celta Vigo in 2024, aiming to fortify their defensive options on the left flank.

Javier Manquillo

Javier Manquillo, born on May 5, 1994, in Madrid, Spain, is a right-back with extensive experience across Europe’s top leagues. Emerging from Atlético Madrid‘s youth setup, he gained first-team experience before embarking on loan spells with Liverpool FC and Olympique de Marseille. A permanent move to Newcastle United in 2017 saw him accumulate significant Premier League experience. In 2024, he returned to Spain, joining Celta Vigo squad to add depth and competition to their defensive ranks.

Carlos Domínguez

Carlos Domínguez, born on January 4, 2001, in Vigo, Spain, is a promising central defender who has progressed through Celta’s youth academy. Making his first-team debut in the 2020/21 season, Domínguez has displayed composure and maturity beyond his years.

Midfielders

Renato Tapia

Renato Tapia, born on July 28, 1995, in Lima, Peru, is a defensive midfielder known for his tenacity, ball-winning abilities, and leadership on the field. Tapia’s journey in professional football started at Twente in the Netherlands, where he developed a reputation as a tough-tackling midfielder. He later moved to Feyenoord, winning the Eredivisie and further honing his skills. In 2020, Celta Vigo squad signed him on a free transfer, a move that proved crucial in strengthening their midfield. Tapia’s ability to break up opposition attacks and distribute the ball effectively makes him one of the team’s most vital players.

Fran Beltrán

Fran Beltrán, born on February 3, 1999, in Madrid, Spain, is a deep-lying playmaker with a keen sense of positioning and an eye for progressive passing. A product of Rayo Vallecano‘s youth academy, Beltrán broke into their first team as a teenager, impressing with his technical skills and composure. In 2018, Celta Vigo squad secured his services for around €8 million. Since then, he has become a crucial component in the team’s midfield, dictating the tempo of play with his precise passing and intelligence.

Iago Aspas

Iago Aspas, born on August 1, 1987, in Moaña, Spain, is a Celta Vigo legend and the heartbeat of the team. Having spent the majority of his career at Celta, Aspas has become synonymous with the club’s identity. His brief stints at Liverpool and Sevilla didn’t match his impact at Celta, where he returned and solidified his legacy as one of La Liga’s most consistent forwards. Known for his sharp finishing, vision, and ability to create goals out of nothing, Aspas continues to be the talisman for the club.

Luca de la Torre

Luca de la Torre, born on May 23, 1998, in San Diego, USA, is an attacking midfielder with excellent dribbling ability and tactical intelligence. De la Torre started his professional career at Fulham before moving to Heracles Almelo in the Netherlands, where he impressed with his creativity. Celta signed him in 2022, seeing his potential as a link between midfield and attack. His ability to progress the ball and find teammates in dangerous positions makes him a valuable asset in the squad.

Hugo Sotelo

Hugo Sotelo, born on February 19, 2003, in Vigo, Spain, is one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from Celta’s youth system in recent years. The young midfielder possesses great technical ability and composure beyond his years. He made his first-team debut in 2021 and has gradually gained more playing time. With his passing range and ability to read the game, he is expected to be a key part of Celta’s midfield for years to come.

Forwards

Jonathan Bamba

Jonathan Bamba, born on March 26, 1996, in Alfortville, France, is a dynamic winger known for his pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability. He came through the youth ranks at Saint-Étienne before making a name for himself at Lille, where he played a vital role in their Ligue 1-winning campaign in 2020/21. Celta Vigo squad signed him in 2023, looking to add more attacking threat from the flanks. His ability to take on defenders and create scoring opportunities makes him an important player in the squad.

Jørgen Strand Larsen

Jørgen Strand Larsen, born on February 6, 2000, in Halden, Norway, is a powerful striker with strong aerial ability and a keen eye for goal. He developed at Sarpsborg 08 before moving to FC Groningen in the Netherlands, where he became one of the Eredivisie’s most promising forwards. Celta Vigo squad brought him in for around €11 million in 2022 to add physicality and goal-scoring instinct to their attack. His ability to hold up play and finish in tight spaces makes him a valuable asset.

Anastasios Douvikas

Anastasios Douvikas, born on August 2, 1999, in Greece, is a striker with an impressive goal-scoring record. He developed at Asteras Tripolis before making a name for himself at FC Utrecht in the Dutch Eredivisie. In 2023, Celta Vigo signed him to add more firepower to their attack. Douvikas’ movement off the ball and ability to score from various positions make him a crucial component of the team’s offensive setup.

Miguel Rodríguez

Miguel Rodríguez, born on February 22, 2003, in Redondela, Spain, is an exciting young forward who has progressed through Celta Vigo’s youth ranks. He is known for his quick acceleration, dribbling, and ability to play across multiple attacking positions. Having made his first-team debut in recent seasons, Rodríguez is seen as one for the future and is expected to gradually earn more playing time.

Celta Vigo enters the 2024/25 season with a well-balanced squad that combines experience with youth. The team boasts a strong defensive core, a technically gifted midfield, and an attack filled with dynamic options. Players like Iago Aspas continue to lead by example, while new arrivals such as Jonathan Bamba and Jørgen Strand Larsen bring fresh energy to the squad. Under Claudio Giráldez’s management, Celta aims to push for a competitive finish in La Liga, hoping to build on their recent performances and strive for European qualification. The blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents makes this Celta Vigo team one to watch.