The 2025/26 season represents a critical juncture for Valencia CF, a fallen giant of Spanish football still searching for stability following years of ownership turmoil, financial restrictions, and managerial rotation under Peter Lim’s controversial tenure. The Mestalla, one of La Liga’s most iconic and atmospheric stadiums, continues to host a fan base whose patience has worn thin, with protests against the ownership remaining a regular fixture on matchdays. Rubén Baraja, the club’s legendary former midfielder and now head coach, enters his third full season at the helm having performed minor miracles to keep Los Che competitive despite severe spending limitations. Baraja has cultivated a squad built around homegrown talents, undervalued loans, and experienced veterans willing to bleed for the shirt. This season’s roster reflects the reality of modern Valencia: no superstar signings, but a collective spirit that occasionally evokes the glory days of the late 1990s and early 2000s when the club won La Liga and reached consecutive Champions League finals. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Valencia’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
1. Giorgi Mamardashvili
Nationality: Georgian
Former Clubs: Dinamo Tbilisi, Lokomotiv Moscow
Transfer Fee: £1.5 million (2022)
Giorgi Mamardashvili has become one of La Liga’s most valuable goalkeepers and Valencia’s most saleable asset, his towering 6’6” frame, reflexes, and command of the penalty area drawing persistent interest from Premier League and Champions League clubs. The 25-year-old’s shot-stopping (77% save percentage in 2024/25, 76% in 2025/26 to date) and post-shot expected goals prevented (PSxG+/- of +7.4, ranking fourth among La Liga keepers) have single-handedly kept Valencia in matches where the outfield performance was lacking. Mamardashvili’s distribution (86% pass completion) remains functional, but his sweeping ability—comfortable defending 15-20 yards from goal—suits Baraja’s moderately high defensive line. His command of crosses (89% success) and 1v1 saving have thwarted countless breakaways. Having started 35 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 14 clean sheets, he has proven indispensable. Mamardashvili’s relationship with Georgian teammates (none currently) provides comfort; his rapid rise from Dinamo Tbilisi to La Liga stardom has made him a national hero. Mamardashvili’s contract runs through 2029, with a €100 million release clause designed to fend off suitors, though Valencia’s financial situation may force a sale in summer 2026. Mamardashvili’s performance against Barcelona in November 2025—making 13 saves, including a penalty stop—demonstrated his elite ceiling.
2. Jaume Doménech
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Valencia B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Jaume Doménech has accepted a veteran rotational role behind Mamardashvili, providing Spanish experience, dressing room leadership, and cup competition reliability in his eighth season at the club. The 35-year-old’s shot-stopping (71% save percentage in limited appearances) remains solid, though his distribution (84% pass completion) lags behind Mamardashvili’s. Doménech’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood, over 100 appearances—provides emotional connection. He started 8 matches in 2025/26 (cup competitions and Mamardashvili’s rest), keeping 3 clean sheets. Doménech’s contract expires in 2027, with a coaching role likely thereafter.
3. Cristian Rivero
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Cristian Rivero has graduated to emergency third-choice option following development with Valencia B. The 27-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Defenders
1. Cristhian Mosquera
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Cristhian Mosquera has emerged as one of La Liga’s most promising young centre-backs, graduating from Valencia’s academy to become a first-team regular at just 21 years old. The young defender’s reading of the game—intercepting passes (2.4 per 90), cutting angles, covering for advancing full-backs—belies his age. His right-footed passing (4.9 progressive passes per 90, 89% completion), particularly his line-breaking verticals and diagonals to advancing wingers, initiates attacks from deep. Mosquera’s composure under pressure, rarely rushing clearances when pressed by elite forwards, demonstrates a maturity that has drawn comparisons to a young Carlos Marchena. His partnership with Cenk Özkacar (and later his successor) has conceded only 1.15 goals per 90 minutes over two seasons. Mosquera’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood—provides emotional connection supporters adore. Mosquera’s contract, extended in 2025 through 2031 with a €60 million release clause, protects Valencia’s most valuable homegrown defensive asset. Mosquera’s performance against Real Madrid in December 2025—keeping Kylian Mbappé quiet, playing out of pressure—demonstrated his elite potential.
2. Cenk Özkacar
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Altınordu, Olympique Lyonnais
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2023, following loan)
Cenk Özkacar has developed into Mosquera’s reliable partner, providing Turkish physicality, aerial dominance, and left-footed balance to Valencia’s defence. The 25-year-old’s aerial duel success (83%) leads Valencia’s defence, neutralising target forwards and providing set-piece security. His tackling (2.6 per 90) and blocks (1.2 per 90) provide defensive security. Özkacar’s left-footed passing (4.2 progressive passes per 90) enables Valencia to build play through the left channel. His partnership with Mosquera has developed understanding; their complementary styles (Özkacar’s physicality, Mosquera’s composure) create defensive synergy. Özkacar’s relationship with Turkish teammates (none currently) provides comfort. Özkacar’s contract runs through 2029, with Valencia viewing him as long-term defensive cornerstone.
3. José Gayà (Captain)
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
José Gayà has become Valencia’s captain and longest-serving current first-team player, entering his 11th season at the Mestalla and embodying the club’s fighting spirit through relentless running, crossing, and emotional leadership. The 30-year-old’s overlapping runs (4.3 per 90) and crossing (40% accuracy) created 8 assists in 2025/26, his best La Liga return. Gayà’s defensive positioning (2.0 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.7 per 90) provide security. His recovery pace (35.0 km/h) prevents dangerous transitions. Gayà’s relationship with the club—academy since age eight, over 350 appearances—provides emotional connection supporters adore. Gayà’s leadership, formalised as club captain in 2020 following Dani Parejo’s controversial departure, manages Valencia’s dressing room through vocal authority and professional standards despite the ownership turmoil. Gayà’s contract runs through 2029, with Valencia rejecting January 2026 approaches from Barcelona. Gayà’s performance against Villarreal in the 2025/26 local derby—assisting two goals, making 6 tackles—demonstrated his enduring quality.
4. Thierry Correia
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: Sporting CP
Transfer Fee: £10 million (2021)
Thierry Correia has established himself as Valencia’s first-choice right-back, providing Portuguese pace, dribbling, and defensive improvement following his permanent signing. The 26-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.7 per 90) and crossing (37% accuracy) created 4 assists in 2025/26. His defensive positioning (1.9 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.6 per 90) provide balance. Correia’s recovery pace (35.3 km/h) prevents dangerous transitions. His relationship with Portuguese-speaking teammates (none currently) provides comfort. Correia’s contract runs through 2029, with Valencia rejecting January 2026 approaches.
5. Gabriel Paulista
Nationality: Spanish (Brazilian-born)
Former Clubs: Vila Nova (loan), Villarreal, Arsenal
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024, returning after Arsenal spell)
Gabriel Paulista’s return to Valencia in summer 2024, following his Arsenal departure, added Brazilian-Spanish experience, aggression, and centre-back depth to the squad. The 35-year-old’s tackling (2.5 per 90) and aerial duel success (79%) provide functional cover. Paulista’s relationship with the club—where he previously played from 2017-2021—provides emotional connection. His contract expires in 2027, with a coaching role or Brazilian return likely thereafter.
6. Jesús Vázquez
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Jesús Vázquez has developed into a reliable left-back rotation option following patient integration, providing Spanish pace and crossing as Gayà’s understudy. The 23-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.4 per 90) and crossing (36% accuracy) created 2 assists in 2025/26. Vázquez’s contract runs through 2029, with Valencia viewing him as long-term Gayà successor.
7. Mukhtar Diakhaté
Nationality: Spanish (Senegalese descent)
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Mukhtar Diakhaté has graduated from Valencia’s academy to centre-back emergency depth following promising development. The 22-year-old’s physicality and aerial presence suggest potential. Diakhaté’s contract runs through 2029.
8. Dimitri Foulquier
Nationality: French (Guadeloupean descent)
Former Clubs: Granada, Watford
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Dimitri Foulquier has provided right-back depth following his free transfer from Granada, offering French international experience (Guadeloupe) and defensive cover. The 32-year-old’s playing time has been limited (6 appearances in 2025/26). Foulquier’s contract expires in 2027.
Midfielders
1. Pepelu (Vice-Captain)
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Levante, Getafe
Transfer Fee: £5 million (2024)
Pepelu has become Valencia’s midfield anchor and vice-captain, providing Spanish passing security, tactical discipline, and physical presence following his controversial transfer from cross-city rivals Levante. The 27-year-old’s passing (5.2 progressive passes per 90, 90% completion) and composure under pressure enable Valencia to build play through midfield. His tackling (3.1 per 90) and interceptions (2.4 per 90) provide defensive security. Pepelu’s aerial duel success (78%) and set-piece goal threat (4 headers in 2025/26) add value at both ends. His partnership with Javi Guerra provides midfield balance (Pepelu’s destruction, Guerra’s creativity). Pepelu’s contract runs through 2029, with Valencia viewing him as long-term midfield anchor. Pepelu’s performance against Real Madrid in 2025—making 9 tackles, controlling midfield—demonstrated his value.
2. Javi Guerra
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Javi Guerra has emerged as Valencia’s most exciting academy product since Gayà, establishing himself as a first-team regular at 22 and earning Spain under-21 recognition. The attacking midfielder’s ball-carrying (4.2 progressive carries per 90) and dribbling (3.4 successful take-ons per 90) unlock packed defences. His finishing (8 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (5 assists) provide elite production from central midfield. Guerra’s work rate (11.4 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity (11.0 pressures per 90) suit Baraja’s demanding system. Guerra’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood—provides emotional connection supporters adore. Guerra’s contract, extended in 2025 through 2031 with a €60 million release clause, protects Valencia’s asset. Guerra’s performance against Barcelona in 2025—scoring a stunning solo goal, assisting another—demonstrated his elite potential.
3. Hugo Guillamón
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Hugo Guillamón has entered his seventh season at Valencia, providing Spanish versatility across defensive midfield and centre-back, tactical intelligence, and passing range. The 25-year-old’s passing (4.8 progressive passes per 90, 89% completion) and composure under pressure enable Valencia to build play. His tackling (2.4 per 90) and interceptions (2.0 per 90) provide defensive security. Guillamón’s versatility offers Baraja tactical options. Guillamón’s contract runs through 2029, with Valencia viewing him as valuable squad piece. Guillamón’s performance against Athletic Bilbao in 2025—filling at centre-back, keeping a clean sheet—demonstrated his versatility.
4. André Almeida
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: Vitória Guimarães
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2022)
André Almeida has accepted a rotational role following Guerra’s emergence, providing Portuguese technical quality, creativity, and work rate from attacking midfield. The 25-year-old’s dribbling (3.2 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (4 goals in 2025/26) provide functional depth. Almeida’s contract runs through 2028.
5. Jesús Vázquez (covered in defenders)
6. Alberto Marí
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Alberto Marí has provided emergency midfield depth following development with Valencia B. The 23-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
7. Selim Amallah
Nationality: Moroccan
Former Clubs: Valladolid
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Selim Amallah has seen limited minutes in 2025/26 following his free transfer from Valladolid, providing Moroccan international experience (2022 World Cup) as emergency midfield cover. The 29-year-old’s contract runs through 2027.
Forwards
1. Hugo Duro
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Getafe (loan), Real Madrid Castilla
Transfer Fee: £4 million (2022)
Hugo Duro has become Valencia’s first-choice striker and cult hero, his work rate, finishing, and emotional connection with the Mestalla faithful making him indispensable to Baraja’s system. The 26-year-old’s finishing (14 goals in 2025/26) and conversion rate (25%) provide consistent scoring threat. His work rate pressing centre-backs (11.2 pressures per 90) sets Valencia’s defensive tone from the front. Duro’s hold-up play (69% success receiving back to goal) and aerial duel success (74%) provide physical presence. Duro’s relationship with the club—embracing Valencia after leaving Real Madrid Castilla—provides emotional connection. Duro’s contract runs through 2029, with Valencia rejecting January 2026 approaches from Villarreal. Duro’s performance against Sevilla in 2025—scoring a hat-trick, all poacher’s finishes—demonstrated his clinical quality.
2. Fran Pérez (Hacen)
Nationality: Spanish (Moroccan descent)
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Fran Pérez, known as “Hacen” on his shirt, has emerged as Valencia’s most exciting young winger, graduating from the academy to become a first-team regular at 22. The right winger’s dribbling (3.8 successful take-ons per 90) and acceleration (0-30 km/h in 2.6 seconds) terrorise defenders. His finishing (6 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (7 assists) provide balanced output from the right flank. Pérez’s defensive work rate—tracking full-backs (1.9 tackles per 90)—suits Baraja’s demands. Pérez’s contract, extended in 2025 through 2031 with a €40 million release clause, protects Valencia’s asset. Pérez’s performance against Betis in 2025—assisting two goals, completing 6 dribbles—demonstrated his potential.
3. Sergi Canós
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Liverpool (youth), Brentford, Valencia
Transfer Fee: £2 million (2024)
Sergi Canós has provided experienced wide depth following his arrival from Brentford, offering Spanish work rate, crossing, and Premier League experience. The 28-year-old’s dribbling (3.3 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (4 goals in 2025/26) provide functional depth. Canós’s contract runs through 2029.
4. Roman Yaremchuk
Nationality: Ukrainian
Former Clubs: Dynamo Kyiv, Gent, Benfica, Club Brugge
Transfer Fee: Loan from Club Brugge (2025)
Roman Yaremchuk’s season-long loan from Club Brugge added Ukrainian physicality, aerial presence, and hold-up play to Valencia’s attack as Duro’s backup. The 30-year-old’s finishing (6 goals in 2025/26, primarily as substitute) and aerial duel success (79%) provide functional depth. Yaremchuk’s loan expires at the end of the 2025/26 season.
5. Alberto Marí
Nationality: Spanish (covered in midfield)
6. Rafa Mir
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Wolves, Huesca (loan), Valencia (loan)
Transfer Fee: Loan expired (returned to Wolves)
Rafa Mir returned to Wolves following his loan spell, with Valencia unable to afford his purchase option. The 28-year-old’s brief Valencia stint produced 3 goals in 12 appearances.
Conclusion
Valencia’s 2025/26 squad represents the most resilient and tactically coherent group assembled since Peter Lim’s ownership plunged the club into crisis, a testament to Rubén Baraja’s coaching, the academy’s continued production, and the players’ willingness to fight despite ownership chaos. The defence, anchored by Cristhian Mosquera’s emerging stardom and José Gayà’s captaincy leadership, provides platform for Baraja’s demanding system. The midfield, dominated by Pepelu’s security and Javi Guerra’s creativity, controls matches through pressing, physicality, and transition. The attack, headlined by Hugo Duro’s work rate and finishing, carries sufficient goal threat to secure mid-table finishes. Crucially, Valencia has balanced immediate competitiveness with financial reality; Mosquera, Guerra, and Pérez represent significant resale value that may be cashed in to address the club’s debts. The looming challenge involves navigating persistent ownership uncertainty while maintaining on-pitch competitiveness—and doing so without selling every valuable asset. Yet the Mestalla’s legendary atmosphere, amplified by supporters who remember the glory days of Mendieta, Cañizares, and Baraja himself, provides emotional fuel. Valencia no longer competes for Champions League places; they fight merely to survive as a respectable La Liga club while hoping for an ownership change that restores the club to its former stature. This squad appears equipped to deliver another top-half finish, keeping the flame alive until better days arrive. Amunt Valencia.
