The 2025/26 season finds Villarreal CF firmly established as La Liga’s perennial European qualifiers and cup specialists, a club that has transcended its modest geographic footprint to become a continental force. The Yellow Submarine, as they are affectionately known, compete from the Estadio de la Cerámica in Castellón, where passionate supporters create an atmosphere that belies the stadium’s 23,000 capacity. Following Marcelino García Toral’s return for a second spell (2023-2024), the club has settled under the steady guidance of a new manager who has maintained Villarreal’s identity—technical possession football, aggressive pressing, and intelligent recruitment of undervalued South American and European talents. The club’s 2021 Europa League triumph remains a cherished memory, but the ambition now is sustained Champions League qualification and domestic cup contention. This season’s squad reflects Villarreal’s strategic model: blending homegrown products, experienced internationals, and emerging prospects purchased from across the continent. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Villarreal’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
1. Filip Jörgensen
Nationality: Swedish (Danish-born)
Former Clubs: Malmö, Villarreal B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate (promoted from B team)
Filip Jörgensen has emerged as one of La Liga’s most promising young goalkeepers, establishing himself as Villarreal’s undisputed number one following the departure of veteran Pepe Reina. The 23-year-old’s shot-stopping (76% save percentage in 2024/25, 74% in 2025/26 to date) and reflexes have been instrumental in Villarreal’s European qualification push. His distribution (89% pass completion), particularly his quick throws to initiate counters and clipped passes to advancing full-backs, suits the club’s possession-based transitional system. Jörgensen’s command of the penalty area, claiming crosses (84% success) and organising set-piece defences, matured noticeably through 35+ La Liga appearances across two seasons. Having started 32 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 12 clean sheets, he has attracted interest from Premier League clubs (Chelsea, Newcastle) which Villarreal have so far rejected. Jörgensen’s relationship with Swedish teammates (none currently) provides comfort; his Danish youth international background (he switched allegiance to Sweden in 2024) provides technical foundations. Jörgensen’s contract runs through 2029, with a €45 million release clause protecting Villarreal’s asset. His performance against Real Madrid in October 2025—making 11 saves, including a spectacular double stop—announced his arrival on the biggest stage.
2. Diego Conde
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Leganés, Getafe
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2025)
Diego Conde’s summer 2025 arrival from Getafe added Spanish veteran experience and La Liga reliability as Jörgensen’s backup. The 30-year-old’s shot-stopping (72% save percentage in limited appearances) and distribution (87% pass completion) provide functional cover. Conde’s experience—including 100+ La Liga appearances across Leganés and Getafe—provides dressing room wisdom. He started 12 matches in 2025/26 (cup competitions and Jörgensen’s rest), keeping 5 clean sheets. Conde’s contract runs through 2028, with Villarreal viewing him as reliable veteran depth.
3. Iker Álvarez
Nationality: Spanish (Andorran descent)
Former Clubs: Villarreal B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Iker Álvarez has graduated to emergency third-choice option following development with Villarreal B. The 25-year-old’s shot-stopping fundamentals are sound, though his distribution requires refinement at the highest level. Álvarez’s contract runs through 2028, with another loan possible.
Defenders
1. Juan Foyth
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: Estudiantes, Tottenham Hotspur
Transfer Fee: £13 million (2021)
Juan Foyth has become one of La Liga’s most complete right-backs, providing Argentine international experience, 1v1 defending, and technical quality following his permanent signing from Tottenham. The 27-year-old’s defensive positioning (2.2 interceptions per 90), tackling (2.9 per 90), and ability to neutralise rapid wingers provide security. His overlapping runs (3.5 per 90) and crossing (37% accuracy) created 4 assists in 2025/26. Foyth’s versatility across right-back and centre-back offers Villarreal tactical flexibility. His relationship with Argentine-speaking teammates (including any signings) provides comfort; his Estudiantes and Tottenham education provided big-club exposure. Foyth’s contract runs through 2028, with Villarreal rejecting January 2026 approaches from Atlético Madrid. Foyth’s performance against Barcelona in 2025—keeping Raphinha quiet, assisting the winning goal—demonstrated his two-way ceiling.
2. Pau Torres (Vice-Captain)
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy graduate, returned from Aston Villa on loan in 2025)
Pau Torres’s homecoming in summer 2025, following two seasons at Aston Villa, added Spanish international pedigree, left-footed passing, and Villarreal DNA to the club’s defence. The 28-year-old’s passing (5.7 progressive passes per 90), particularly his raking diagonals and line-breaking verticals, initiates attacks from deep. His reading of the game (2.6 interceptions per 90) and positioning—anticipating danger before it materialises—compensate for lacking elite pace. Torres’s partnership with Jorge Cuenca (or his successor) provides defensive balance; his leadership as vice-captain, formalised upon return, manages the dressing room through calm authority. Torres’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood, over 200 appearances before departure—provides emotional connection supporters adore. His contract, structured as a loan with obligation to buy (€25 million), runs through 2029. Torres’s performance against Real Madrid in 2025—playing out of pressure, organising the defensive line—demonstrated why Villarreal brought him home.
3. Jorge Cuenca
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Barcelona B, Almería (loan), Getafe
Transfer Fee: €5 million (2025)
Jorge Cuenca’s summer 2025 arrival from Getafe added Spanish left-footed centre-back depth and La Liga experience to Villarreal’s defensive rotation. The 26-year-old’s left-footed passing (4.8 progressive passes per 90) and composure under pressure suit Villarreal’s possession system. His aerial duel success (77%) and tackling (2.5 per 90) provide defensive security. Cuenca’s partnership with Pau Torres has developed rapidly; their complementary styles (Cuenca’s physicality, Torres’s composure) create defensive synergy. Cuenca’s contract runs through 2029, with Villarreal viewing him as long-term defensive partner for Torres. Cuenca’s performance against Real Sociedad in 2025—keeping a clean sheet, completing 92% of passes—demonstrated his reliability.
4. Alfonso Pedraza
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate, Alavés (loan)
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Alfonso Pedraza has become Villarreal’s first-choice left-back, providing Spanish pace, crossing, and attacking thrust across eight seasons at the club (with loan spells interspersed). The 29-year-old’s overlapping runs (4.2 per 90) and crossing (39% accuracy) created 6 assists in 2025/26, his most productive campaign. His defensive positioning (1.8 interceptions per 90) and recovery pace (34.8 km/h) provide balance. Pedraza’s relationship with the club—over 200 appearances—provides emotional connection. His contract runs through 2028, with Villarreal viewing him as long-term left-back solution. Pedraza’s performance against Sevilla in 2025—assisting two goals, making 5 tackles—demonstrated his two-way ceiling.
5. Juan Bernat
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Valencia, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica (loan)
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Juan Bernat has accepted a rotational role following his free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, providing Spanish international experience, technical quality, and left-back coverage as Pedraza’s understudy. The 32-year-old’s experience—including Bundesliga titles with Bayern, Ligue 1 titles with PSG, and Champions League knockout football—provides dressing room wisdom. His passing (90% completion) and composure under pressure suit Villarreal’s possession system. Bernat’s injury history (ACL rupture in 2023, subsequent setbacks) has limited his availability (12 appearances in 2025/26), but his quality when fit remains evident. Bernat’s contract runs through 2027, with a coaching role or return to Valencia likely thereafter. Bernat’s performance against Celta Vigo in 2025—keeping a clean sheet, completing 94% of passes—demonstrated enduring quality.
6. Eric Bailly
Nationality: Ivorian
Former Clubs: Espanyol, Manchester United, Villarreal (first spell), Marseille (loan)
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2025, returning after Marseille loan)
Eric Bailly’s emotional return to Villarreal in summer 2025, following a nomadic spell at Manchester United and Marseille, added Ivorian physicality, aerial dominance, and cult hero status to the club’s centre-back depth. The 31-year-old’s aerial duel success (82%) and tackling (2.9 per 90) provide physical cover. His injury record (missed 14 matches in 2025/26) remains concerning, limiting his availability. Bailly’s relationship with the club—where he won the Europa League in 2021—provides emotional connection. His contract runs through 2027, with Villarreal hoping for improved fitness. Bailly’s performance against Athletic Bilbao in 2025—winning 10 duels, scoring a towering header—demonstrated his physical ceiling.
7. Kiko Femenía
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Alcorcón, Barcelona B, Alavés, Watford
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Kiko Femenía has provided veteran right-back depth across multiple seasons, offering Spanish professionalism, defensive diligence, and dressing room continuity. The 34-year-old’s experience—including 100+ La Liga appearances—provides emergency cover. Femenía’s contract expires in 2027, with retirement likely.
8. Carlos Romero
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Carlos Romero has graduated from Villarreal’s academy to left-back emergency depth following promising development. The 22-year-old’s defensive positioning and crossing provide functional cover. Romero’s contract runs through 2028.
Midfielders
1. Álex Baena
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Álex Baena has become one of La Liga’s most creative midfielders, graduating from Villarreal’s academy to become the team’s primary playmaker and set-piece specialist. The 24-year-old’s passing (0.46 expected assists per 90), particularly his disguised through balls, clipped finishes, and first-time passes, orchestrates Villarreal’s attacking phases. His set-piece delivery, from corners (7 assists) and free kicks (3 direct goals), created 11 assists in 2025/26, leading the squad. Baena’s finishing (8 goals in 2025/26) and movement into the box provide additional scoring dimension. His work rate defensively (2.0 tackles per 90) and pressing intensity (10.5 pressures per 90) exceed expectations for a creative player. Baena’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood—provides emotional connection supporters adore. His contract runs through 2029, with Villarreal rejecting January 2026 approaches from Atlético Madrid and Aston Villa. Baena’s performance against Real Sociedad in 2025—assisting two goals, scoring a stunning free kick—demonstrated his elite ceiling.
2. Dani Parejo (Captain)
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Real Madrid Castilla, Queens Park Rangers (loan), Getafe, Valencia
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2020)
Dani Parejo, now 37, remains Villarreal’s midfield metronome and captain, his passing intelligence and tactical mastery compensating for diminished physical capacity. The veteran’s passing (5.9 progressive passes per 90, 92% completion) and composure under pressure enable Villarreal to control possession against any opponent. His reading of the game (2.0 interceptions per 90) and positional discipline provide midfield security. Parejo’s set-piece delivery, particularly from deep free kicks, remains a weapon (4 assists in 2025/26). His leadership, formalised as club captain following Raúl Albiol’s 2024 departure, manages Villarreal’s dressing room through professional standards and tactical authority. Parejo’s contract expires in 2027, with a coaching role at Villarreal or return to Valencia’s coaching staff likely thereafter. Parejo’s performance against Barcelona in 2025—controlling tempo, completing 96% of passes—demonstrated enduring influence.
3. Étienne Capoue
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Angers, Tottenham Hotspur, Watford
Transfer Fee: £5 million (2021)
Étienne Capoue, now 38, has accepted a reduced rotational role following his eight seasons across Tottenham, Watford, and Villarreal, providing French physicality, defensive midfield cover, and dressing room leadership. The veteran’s tackling (2.8 per 90) and interceptions (2.0 per 90) remain effective in limited minutes. Capoue’s experience—including Europa League winner with Villarreal (2021)—provides invaluable wisdom for younger teammates. His contract expires in 2026, with retirement likely. Capoue’s performance against Rayo Vallecano in 2025—entering at 0-0, controlling midfield—demonstrated enduring reliability.
4. Ramón Terrats
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Girona
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2023)
Ramón Terrats has emerged as a reliable midfield rotation option following patient integration, providing Spanish passing quality, work rate, and tactical discipline. The 24-year-old’s passing (89% completion, 4.5 progressive passes) and pressing (10.8 pressures per 90) provide functional depth. Terrats’s contract runs through 2028, with Villarreal viewing him as long-term squad piece. Terrats’s performance against Mallorca in 2025—completing 91% of passes, making 4 tackles—demonstrated his reliability.
5. Santi Comesaña
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Villarreal B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Santi Comesaña has developed into a useful midfield rotation option following his promotion from Villarreal B, providing energy, tackling, and pressing intensity. The 26-year-old’s work rate (11.3 kilometres per match) and tackling (2.7 per 90) provide defensive midfield cover. Comesaña’s contract runs through 2028.
6. Ilias Akhomach
Nationality: Moroccan (Spanish-born)
Former Clubs: Barcelona B
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Ilias Akhomach’s summer 2024 arrival from Barcelona B added Moroccan international flair, dribbling, and creativity to Villarreal’s attacking midfield options. The 21-year-old’s dribbling (3.6 successful take-ons per 90) and close control unlock packed defences. His finishing (3 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (4 assists) suggest potential. Akhomach’s versatility across attacking midfield and both wings offers Villarreal tactical options. His contract runs through 2029, with Villarreal expecting increased contributions. Akhomach’s performance against Alavés in 2025—scoring a stunning solo goal—demonstrated his ceiling.
7. Pape Gueye
Nationality: Senegalese
Former Clubs: Le Havre, Marseille, Watford (loan)
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2025)
Pape Gueye’s summer 2025 arrival from Marseille added Senegalese physicality, ball-carrying, and defensive midfield depth to Villarreal’s squad. The 26-year-old’s tackling (2.9 per 90) and ball-carrying (3.7 progressive carries) provide midfield security and progression. Gueye’s contract runs through 2029, with Villarreal viewing him as Capoue’s long-term successor. Gueye’s performance against Athletic Bilbao in 2025—making 7 tackles, controlling midfield—demonstrated his value.
Forwards
1. Gerard Moreno (Vice-Captain)
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Villarreal B, Mallorca (loan), Roma (loan)
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate (returned from Roma for €10 million, 2018)
Gerard Moreno, now 33, remains Villarreal’s all-time leading goalscorer and attacking talisman, his left-footed finishing, intelligent movement, and penalty-box poise undiminished by age. The Spaniard’s finishing (16 goals in 2025/26, 27% conversion rate) and movement off the shoulder (3.1 shots per 90) provide consistent scoring threat. His link-up play, particularly dropping deep to receive and laying off to advancing midfielders, created 7 assists. Moreno’s work rate pressing centre-backs (10.5 pressures per 90) sets Villarreal’s defensive tone from the front. His relationship with the club—academy since childhood, over 300 appearances, 120+ goals—provides emotional connection supporters adore. Moreno’s contract runs through 2027, with a coaching role likely thereafter. Moreno’s performance against Real Betis in 2025—scoring a hat-trick, all poacher’s finishes—demonstrated enduring clinical quality.
2. Yéremi Pino
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Yéremi Pino has fully recovered from his ACL rupture (2023/24) to reclaim his place as Villarreal’s starting right winger, providing Spanish pace, dribbling, and improving end product. The 23-year-old’s dribbling (3.8 successful take-ons per 90) and acceleration (0-30 km/h in 2.6 seconds) terrorise defenders. His finishing (9 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (8 assists) provide balanced output. Pino’s defensive work rate—tracking full-backs (2.0 tackles per 90)—suits Villarreal’s pressing system. His relationship with the club—academy since childhood—provides emotional connection. Pino’s contract runs through 2029, with Villarreal rejecting January 2026 approaches from Arsenal. Pino’s performance against Barcelona in 2025—scoring a brace, assisting another—demonstrated his return to elite form.
3. Ben Brereton Díaz
Nationality: Chilean (English-born)
Former Clubs: Nottingham Forest, Blackburn Rovers, Sheffield United (loan), Southampton
Transfer Fee: £7 million (2024)
Ben Brereton Díaz has emerged as Villarreal’s secondary striking option, providing Chilean international physicality, aerial presence, and penalty-box finishing following his permanent signing from Southampton. The 26-year-old’s finishing (10 goals in 2025/26, primarily as substitute or rotation) and aerial duel success (74%) provide valuable depth. His work rate pressing centre-backs (10.8 pressures per 90) suits Villarreal’s system. Brereton Díaz’s relationship with Spanish/English-speaking teammates provides comfort. His contract runs through 2029, with Villarreal viewing him as long-term Moreno successor. Brereton Díaz’s performance against Valencia in 2025—scoring a brace, both headers—demonstrated his physical ceiling.
4. Arnaut Danjuma (second spell)
Nationality: Dutch
Former Clubs: Club Brugge, Bournemouth, Villarreal (first spell), Tottenham Hotspur
Transfer Fee: Loan from Tottenham (2025, with option to buy)
Arnaut Danjuma’s loan return to Villarreal in summer 2025, after disappointing spells at Tottenham and Bournemouth, added Dutch attacking flair, dribbling, and nostalgia to the club’s left-wing options. The 28-year-old’s dribbling (3.5 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (5 goals in 2025/26) remind fans of his 2021/22 breakout (16 goals). His defensive work rate (1.5 tackles per 90) remains limited, restricting him to impact or rotation roles. Danjuma’s relationship with the club—where he previously flourished—provides comfort. Villarreal holds a €15 million purchase option. Danjuma’s performance against Sevilla in 2025—scoring a stunning solo goal—demonstrated his quality.
5. José Luis Morales
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Levante
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
José Luis Morales, now 38, has accepted a veteran rotational role providing Spanish pace, finishing, and dressing room humour as Villarreal’s fourth-choice forward. The veteran’s finishing (4 goals in 2025/26, primarily as substitute) and movement off the shoulder remain effective in limited minutes. Morales’s contract expires in 2026, with retirement likely. Morales’s performance against Getafe in 2025—entering at 0-0, scoring a 89th-minute winner—demonstrated enduring impact.
6. Thierno Barry
Nationality: Belgian
Former Clubs: Basel
Transfer Fee: €10 million (2025)
Thierno Barry’s summer 2025 arrival from Basel added Belgian youth pedigree and raw potential to Villarreal’s attack. The 21-year-old’s finishing (2 goals in limited minutes, 500 in 2025/26) and dribbling (3.2 successful take-ons per 90) suggest potential. Barry’s contract runs through 2030, with Villarreal expecting gradual integration.
Conclusion
Villarreal’s 2025/26 squad represents the most balanced and tactically coherent group assembled since the club’s Europa League triumph in 2021, a testament to the recruitment team’s intelligence, the academy’s continued production, and the manager’s tactical clarity. The defence, anchored by Pau Torres’s homecoming and Juan Foyth’s Argentine reliability, provides platform for Villarreal’s possession-based transitional system. The midfield, dominated by Álex Baena’s creativity and Dani Parejo’s metronomic passing, controls matches through technique and intelligence. The attack, headlined by Gerard Moreno’s enduring finishing and Yéremi Pino’s emerging brilliance, carries genuine goal threat against any opponent. Crucially, Villarreal has balanced immediate competitiveness with financial sustainability; Jörgensen, Baena, Pino, and Cuenca represent significant resale value while contributing immediately. The looming challenge involves maintaining European qualification despite competing with financially superior clubs (Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético). Yet the Estadio de la Cerámica’s intimate atmosphere, amplified by supporters who remember the club’s rise from Spain’s lower divisions to European glory, provides emotional fuel. Villarreal no longer surprises opponents; they are respected, feared even. The Yellow Submarine continues to punch above its weight. Endavant.
