Elche CF
Elche Club de Fútbol, S.A.D. (Valencian: Elx Club de Futbol), commonly referred to as Elche CF or simply Elche, is a professional football club based in Elche, a city in the province of Alicante within Spain's Valencian Community.[1]Founded in 1923 through the merger of several local clubs—the club was established to represent the city in competitive football and adopted its current name in 1940.[2][1]
Elche CF competes in La Liga, the top tier of the Spanish football league system, during the 2025–26 season following their promotion from the Segunda División after securing second place in the 2024–25 campaign with a 4–0 victory over Deportivo de La Coruña on the final matchday.[3][4]
The team plays its home matches at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, a modern venue opened in 1976 with a current seating capacity of 31,388, which has hosted significant events including matches from the 1982 FIFA World Cup.[5][6] Known by nicknames such as Los Franjiverdes (The Green-Striped Ones) due to their traditional green-and-white striped kits, Elche CF has a storied history marked by resilience amid frequent promotions and relegations between Spain's top two divisions.[1]
The club's most notable achievements include winning the Segunda División title in the 1958–59 season, which secured their first promotion to La Liga, and reaching the final of the Copa del Rey in 1969, where they finished as runners-up after defeating Valencia CF and Real Sociedad en route but losing 1–0 to Athletic Bilbao.[7]
Over its century-long existence, Elche has spent a total of 25 seasons in La Liga as of the 2025–26 campaign, with periods of sustained top-flight presence in the 1960s and 1970s, alongside additional Segunda División promotions in 1958, 2013, 2020, and 2025.[1][7]
Under president Joaquín Buitrago Marhuenda and current management, the club emphasizes community ties and youth development, maintaining a reserve team, Elche CF Ilicitano, in the Segunda Federación.[1][8]
History
Foundation and early years
Elche Club de Fútbol was established on January 10, 1923, through the merger of three local teams—La Sportiva, Gimnástica FC, and Illice FC—to create a unified club representing the town of Elche.[9] This union was driven by a popular demand for a single representative side amid growing interest in football in the region, with the new entity officially registering that year and initially adopting an all-white kit. The club later incorporated green-and-white colors that became emblematic of its identity. The founding reflected the amateur enthusiasm of the era, as the club initially operated without professional structures, relying on community support to organize its activities. In its formative years, Elche CF participated in regional competitions, joining the Campeonato Regional Levante and making its debut in the national league system with the 1929–30 Tercera División season, then a third-tier category dominated by amateur outfits.[10] Early matches were played on rudimentary local pitches, where the team faced challenges such as inconsistent performance and logistical hurdles typical of non-professional football in Valencia's Levante area. Under early leadership, including figures like initial board members who navigated the club's integration into federated play, Elche experienced mixed results, achieving temporary promotions but struggling with relegations that kept it in lower divisions through the 1930s and 1940s. The club maintained amateur status during this period, with players often balancing football with other occupations, until broader professionalization efforts in Spanish football began influencing lower tiers in the early 1950s. The 1950s marked a turning point amid ongoing promotion battles in Tercera División, where Elche faced stiff regional competition but built resilience through community involvement. In 1953, severe financial difficulties prompted the formation of a supporters' cooperative, which injected vital funds and signaled a shift toward more structured operations.[11] This culminated in the club's first major breakthrough: winning the Tercera División title in the 1956–57 season, securing promotion to Segunda División for the 1957–58 campaign after a playoff victory.[12] This achievement, the second ascent to the second tier after an earlier stint in 1934, underscored the perseverance of Elche's early development and laid the groundwork for future ambitions.First La Liga period
Elche CF earned promotion to La Liga for the 1959–60 season by winning the Segunda División title in 1958–59 with 40 points, marking the club's debut in the top flight.[13] However, finishing 16th and last in their inaugural La Liga campaign necessitated a relegation/promotion playoff against SD Indautxu, where Elche overturned a 0–1 first-leg deficit with a 4–0 home victory to secure their top-division status. The club then enjoyed its longest uninterrupted spell in La Liga, spanning 19 consecutive seasons from 1959–60 to 1977–78, a period of relative stability for a modest club from Alicante province. During this era, Elche achieved their highest league finishes of fifth place in both the 1963–64 and 1974–75 seasons, with the former campaign featuring a strong home record and contributions from key figures that propelled them to within striking distance of European qualification. Overall, the team recorded 13 wins, 8 draws, and 13 losses in 1974–75, accumulating 34 points and showcasing defensive solidity under manager Néstor Rossi. Under managers like César Rodríguez (1959–60) and later Heriberto Herrera (1963–64) and Néstor Rossi (1974–75), Elche built a competitive squad blending local talent with imports. Striker Juan Ángel Romero emerged as the period's standout player, netting 79 La Liga goals for the club across multiple stints, including crucial strikes that defined mid-table security and occasional pushes for higher honors. Other contributors, such as Paraguayan forward Cayetano Ré with 12 goals in 1959–60 alone, helped establish Elche as a resilient outfit capable of upsetting giants.[14] A highlight came on 22 September 1963, when Elche recorded their first-ever La Liga victory over Real Madrid, triumphing 2–0 at home with goals from Juan Carlos Lezcano and Antonio Oviedo; the win, against the European champions, elevated Elche to third in the standings and symbolized the club's growing ambition during the period.[15] This upset, following nine prior defeats and one draw against Madrid, underscored Elche's home strength at Campo de Altabix, where they remained unbeaten in several key fixtures. The era concluded with relegation at the end of the 1977–78 season, as Elche finished 17th with 27 points from 11 wins, 5 draws, and 18 losses, dropping to Segunda División alongside Real Betis and Cádiz amid a league expansion that intensified competition.Financial crisis and decline
Following the relegation from La Liga at the end of the 1977–78 season, Elche CF accumulated significant debt in the immediate aftermath, exacerbated by operational costs in Segunda División and limited revenue streams, leading to early signs of financial strain by the early 1980s.[16] The death of longtime president Manuel Martínez Valero in May 1983 marked a turning point in administrative turmoil, prompting an ownership transition to Diego Quiles, who assumed the presidency and guided the club to promotion back to La Liga via the playoffs at the end of the 1983–84 season.[17] However, this brief return proved unsustainable; after three seasons in the top flight, Elche finished last in 1988–89 with only 15 points from 38 matches, resulting in relegation to Segunda División amid mounting debts that threatened bankruptcy proceedings.[18] The financial crisis deepened in the early 1990s, with persistent deficits forcing administrative changes and culminating in relegation to Segunda División B at the end of the 1990–91 season, the club's first time in the third tier.[19] Survival became precarious as debts soared, leading to widespread speculation of an administrative drop to Tercera División and even potential dissolution, with media reports highlighting the risk of the club's extinction without intervention.[19] Legal disputes arose over stadium usage rights at Altabix (later renamed Martínez Valero), complicating efforts to secure funding and maintain facilities built during the club's earlier La Liga era.[16] Fan-led initiatives, including subscription drives and community fundraisers, played a crucial role in staving off collapse, while temporary administrative mergers with local entities were explored to consolidate resources, though none materialized fully.[19] The nadir came in 1995, when severe insolvency prompted a second club refoundation through a socios' assembly, converting Elche into a Sociedad Anónima Deportiva (SAD) to restructure debts and attract investment.[19] Remaining in Segunda B, the club endured inconsistent performances through the mid-1990s, with multiple coaching changes and modest finishes that underscored ongoing instability. Gradual stabilization followed under improved management, culminating in a third-place finish in the 1998–99 Segunda B regular season and successful playoff victories over Burgos CF (2–2 aggregate, advancing on away goals) and UD Melilla (2–0 aggregate) to secure promotion back to Segunda División after nine years away.[20] This ascent marked the end of the prolonged decline, setting the stage for sustained second-tier presence into the 2000s.[19]Revival and recent promotions
In the early 2000s, Elche CF began a period of stabilization and growth under the increasing influence of local entrepreneur José Sepulcre, who assumed a leading role in the club's management and became president in 2006. His tenure marked a turning point, with strategic capital injections that restructured the club's debts and prevented financial collapse, allowing for operational improvements and a focus on competitive rebuilding. This era laid the groundwork for the club's return to prominence in Spanish football, emphasizing sustainable management to avoid past pitfalls.[21][22] Under manager Fran Escribá, appointed in 2012, Elche achieved promotion to La Liga in 2013 after finishing second in the Segunda División, securing their first top-flight appearance in 24 years with a strong defensive record and key victories in the final matches. The team, known as the Franjiverdes, adapted well initially but struggled with consistency, leading to relegation in 2015—not due to on-field performance, where they finished 13th, but as an administrative penalty for unpaid tax debts exceeding €5 million, which violated league financial regulations. This decision by the Spanish Football Federation highlighted ongoing economic challenges but also prompted further reforms under Sepulcre.[23][24] Elche returned to La Liga in 2020 after defeating Girona 1-0 in the Segunda División playoff final, with a stoppage-time goal from Pere Milla clinching the aggregate victory and ending a five-year absence from the elite. In their first season back (2020–21), the club survived relegation by finishing 17th, securing safety on the final day with a 2–0 win over Athletic Bilbao, thanks to goals from Lucas Boyé and Raúl Guti and an improved home form under Jorge Almirón. They consolidated their position in 2021–22, ending 13th with 42 points, bolstered by a solid defense that conceded just 52 goals, demonstrating growing tactical maturity despite limited resources. However, defensive frailties and inconsistent results led to relegation in 2023 after a 20th-place finish, confirmed by a 2–1 loss to Almería on matchday 33, marking the end of another top-flight stint.[25][26][27][28] The club's latest resurgence came in the 2024–25 Segunda División season, where Elche finished second with 77 points from 22 wins, 11 draws, and 9 losses, earning automatic promotion to La Liga for the 2025–26 campaign alongside champions Levante UD. This achievement, sealed with a 4–0 victory over Deportivo de La Coruña on the final day, represented their seventh promotion to the top flight and showcased a balanced attack. The success reflected effective squad building and home dominance, with 15 wins at Estadio Martínez Valero.[29] Post-2010, Elche's modernization gained an international dimension with the 2019 acquisition of majority ownership by Argentine investor Christian Bragarnik, whose global network facilitated talent scouting and financial stability, contributing to the club's cyclical returns to La Liga. Complementing this, the club's youth development initiatives expanded through the Elche CF Academy, established with structured programs for ages 7–18, including international exchanges and holiday campuses, fostering homegrown talents who have integrated into the first team and supported long-term sustainability. These efforts underscore a shift toward a more professional, outward-looking structure.[30][31]Stadium and facilities
Estadio Martínez Valero
The Estadio Martínez Valero, the primary home venue for Elche CF, was inaugurated on September 8, 1976, with a friendly match against the Mexico national team that ended in a 3-3 draw.[32] It replaced the club's previous ground, the Campo de Altabix, which had been in use since 1923 and could no longer accommodate growing attendances.[32] The stadium opened with an initial capacity of approximately 28,000 spectators in a single-tier configuration, marking a significant upgrade for the club at the time.[33] Architecturally, the venue features modern two-tiered stands designed specifically for football, with a lower tier holding around 20,653 seats and an upper tier adding 15,364 more, creating a steep, immersive viewing experience for fans.[34] It holds UEFA Category 4 status, enabling it to host high-level European competitions and international fixtures, including three group stage matches at the 1982 FIFA World Cup: Hungary's 10-1 victory over El Salvador, Belgium's 1-0 win against El Salvador, and the 1-1 draw between Belgium and Hungary.[35] The pitch measures 108 by 70 meters, one of the largest in La Liga, contributing to its reputation for dynamic play.[35] Key renovations occurred in the 1980s, particularly ahead of the 1982 World Cup, when a second tier was added to boost capacity to over 50,000, though it was later reduced for safety and compliance reasons.[33] In the 2010s, further upgrades were implemented to meet La Liga standards following the club's 2013 promotion, including improvements to seating, lighting, and facilities, earning it recognition as the best stadium in La Liga for the 2013-14 season by fan organizations.[36] These enhancements have solidified its role in club lore, notably hosting the celebratory return match after the 2013 Segunda División promotion playoff victory, where thousands gathered to mark the end of a 24-year top-flight absence.[37] Today, the stadium serves as the home for both Elche CF's men's and women's teams, with a current capacity of 31,388 seats, though ongoing renovations, which began in early 2025 and are entering their second phase as of November 2025, aim to modernize the exterior, add commercial spaces, and enhance VIP areas while maintaining its core structure and targeting completion by the 50th anniversary in 2026.[5][38][39] Attendance has historically surged during La Liga campaigns, reflecting the venue's central place in the club's identity and community engagement.[39]Training grounds and academy
Elche CF's primary training facilities are centered at the Ciutat Esportiva Juan Ángel Romero, which has served as the club's main base for first-team preparations and youth development since its opening in 1980. The complex features multiple natural grass pitches, gymnasiums, and recovery areas designed to support professional and academy-level training.[34] The Elche CF Academy, encompassing the club's youth system or cantera, structures its programs across age categories from U8 to U19, focusing on technical skills, tactical understanding, and personal development to nurture future professionals. This grassroots initiative emphasizes values-based training and has established itself as a benchmark in regional and national youth football.[40] The academy's training primarily takes place at municipal fields in Elche, providing accessible infrastructure for daily sessions. For the women's section, integrated into the club's structure during the 2010s, sessions occur Mondays through Fridays depending on age groups, targeting players born between 2006 and 2012 to promote female talent and commitment.[41] Notable academy graduates include midfielders Rodrigo Mendoza and Miguel Cifuentes, as well as defender José Salinas, who have advanced to senior levels. In the 2025 first-team squad, academy products such as Josan, José Salinas, and Rodrigo Mendoza have contributed actively, highlighting the system's role in the club's revival.[42][43] Following the 2020 promotion to La Liga, Elche CF has pursued infrastructure enhancements, including the acquisition of land for €180,009 to develop a new ciudad deportiva aimed at modernizing training capabilities. Academy matches occasionally utilize the Estadio Martínez Valero for key fixtures.[44]Seasons and league performance
Season-by-season record
Elche CF's season-by-season record spans over a century, beginning with regional competitions in the 1920s and progressing through the lower divisions before achieving promotion to La Liga in the 1959–60 season. The club's performance has fluctuated between the top two tiers, with notable periods of stability in the 1960s and 1970s, followed by relegations and recoveries in later decades. Cup performances have been sporadic, with the club reaching the Copa del Rey final twice in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The following table summarizes the club's league participation from the 1959–60 season onward, including division, final position, points (where applicable), and key cup results. Data for earlier seasons in Tercera División and regional leagues is aggregated in historical summaries rather than listed individually due to the non-professional nature of those competitions.[45]| Season | Division | Position | Points | Cup Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1959–60 | La Liga | 10th | 27 | Round of 16, Copa del Rey |
| 1960–61 | La Liga | 14th | 25 | Quarter-finals, Copa del Rey |
| 1961–62 | La Liga | 8th | 31 | Round of 16, Copa del Rey |
| 1962–63 | La Liga | 8th | 37 | Semi-finals, Copa del Rey |
| 1963–64 | La Liga | 5th | 35 | Round of 16, Copa del Rey |
| 1964–65 | La Liga | 8th | 27 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 1965–66 | La Liga | 6th | 29 | Round of 16, Copa del Rey |
| 1966–67 | La Liga | 9th | 28 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 1967–68 | La Liga | 11th | 27 | Round of 16, Copa del Rey |
| 1968–69 | La Liga | 9th | 29 | Runners-up, Copa del Rey |
| 1969–70 | La Liga | 11th | 21 | Round of 16, Copa del Rey |
| 1970–71 | Segunda División | 4th | 56 | Runners-up, Copa del Rey |
| 1971–72 | La Liga | 14th | 26 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 1972–73 | Segunda División | 2nd | 44 | Round of 16, Copa del Rey |
| 1973–74 | La Liga | 16th | 24 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 1974–75 | La Liga | 12th | 35 | Round of 16, Copa del Rey |
| 1975–76 | Segunda División | 1st | 51 | Round of 16, Copa del Rey |
| 1976–77 | La Liga | 17th | 26 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 1977–78 | Segunda División | 3rd | 45 | Round of 16, Copa del Rey |
| 1978–79 | Segunda División | 5th | 43 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 1979–80 | Segunda División | 12th | 36 | Preliminary round, Copa del Rey |
| 1980–81 | Segunda División | 20th | 27 | Round of 16, Copa de la Liga |
| 1981–82 | Segunda División B | 1st | 50 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 1982–83 | Segunda División | 15th | 34 | Round of 16, Copa del Rey |
| 1983–84 | Segunda División | 21st | 28 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 1984–85 | Segunda División B | 3rd | 42 | Preliminary round, Copa del Rey |
| 1985–86 | Segunda División B | 4th | 40 | Round of 64, Copa del Rey |
| 1986–87 | Segunda División B | 1st | 45 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 1987–88 | Segunda División | 22nd | 23 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 1988–89 | Segunda División B | 3rd | 43 | Round of 64, Copa del Rey |
| 1989–90 | Segunda División | 11th | 37 | Round of 16, Copa del Rey |
| 1990–91 | Segunda División | 20th | 28 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 1991–92 | Segunda División B | 1st | 52 | Round of 16, Copa del Rey |
| 1992–93 | Segunda División | 14th | 45 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 1993–94 | Segunda División B | 3rd | 52 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 1994–95 | Segunda División B | 3rd | 54 | Round of 16, Copa del Rey |
| 1995–96 | Segunda División B | 2nd | 59 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 1996–97 | Segunda División | 20th | 39 | Round of 16, Copa del Rey |
| 1997–98 | Segunda División B | 2nd | 60 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 1998–99 | Segunda División | 15th | 48 | Round of 16, Copa del Rey |
| 1999–00 | Segunda División | 7th | 57 | Second round, Copa del Rey |
| 2000–01 | Segunda División | 16th | 45 | Round of 64, Copa del Rey |
| 2001–02 | Segunda División | 20th | 41 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 2002–03 | Segunda División B | 1st | 68 | Second round, Copa del Rey |
| 2003–04 | Segunda División | 11th | 52 | Round of 16, Copa del Rey |
| 2004–05 | Segunda División | 14th | 51 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 2005–06 | Segunda División | 12th | 55 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 2006–07 | Segunda División | 19th | 42 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 2007–08 | Segunda División | 16th | 50 | Second round, Copa del Rey |
| 2008–09 | Segunda División | 16th | 50 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 2009–10 | Segunda División | 16th | 50 | Second round, Copa del Rey |
| 2010–11 | Segunda División | 18th | 48 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 2011–12 | Segunda División | 17th | 49 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 2012–13 | Segunda División | 1st | 75 | Quarter-finals, Copa del Rey |
| 2013–14 | La Liga | 16th | 40 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 2014–15 | La Liga | 13th* | 41 | Round of 16, Copa del Rey |
| 2015–16 | Segunda División | 11th | 57 | Second round, Copa del Rey |
| 2016–17 | Segunda División | 21st | 43 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 2017–18 | Segunda División B | 3rd** | 63 | Second round, Copa del Rey |
| 2018–19 | Segunda División | 11th | 55 | Second round, Copa del Rey |
| 2019–20 | Segunda División | 6th*** | 61 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 2020–21 | La Liga | 17th | 36 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 2021–22 | La Liga | 13th | 42 | Round of 16, Copa del Rey |
| 2022–23 | La Liga | 19th | 25 | Round of 32, Copa del Rey |
| 2023–24 | Segunda División | 11th | 59 | Second round, Copa del Rey |
| 2024–25 | Segunda División | 2nd | 77 | Quarter-finals, Copa del Rey |
| 2025–26 | La Liga | 11th**** | 15 | Ongoing, Copa del Rey |
All-time statistics
Elche CF has competed in La Liga on multiple occasions since its debut in the 1959–60 season, accumulating a historical record of 230 wins, 216 draws, and 356 losses across 802 matches, with a goal difference of -340. The club's all-time leading goalscorer is Juan Francisco Martínez Modesto, known as Nino, with 135 goals in 475 appearances across all competitions.[48] In La Liga specifically, Juan Ángel Romero holds the record with 79 goals, followed by Vavá with 62 and Juan Lezcano with 57.[49] At the Estadio Martínez Valero, Elche has achieved notable unbeaten home streaks, including equaling the record for the longest such run by a newly promoted La Liga team with seven matches in the 2025–26 season.[50] In the all-time Segunda División league table, Elche ranks 6th based on historical performance metrics including points and matches played.[51] As of November 15, 2025, Elche's early results in the 2025–26 La Liga season show 3 wins, 6 draws, and 3 losses in 12 matches, with 13 goals scored and 14 conceded.[47]| Top La Liga Goalscorers | Goals |
|---|---|
| Juan Ángel Romero | 79 |
| Vavá | 62 |
| Juan Lezcano | 57 |
Current squad and staff
First-team squad
As of November 2025, Elche CF's first-team squad for the 2025–26 La Liga season consists of 26 players, blending experienced international talents with young prospects, under a total market value of approximately €65 million. The team emphasizes defensive solidity and creative midfield play, with key contributors like captain Pedro Bigas anchoring the backline. Goalkeeper Matías Dituro has been a mainstay.[52]Goalkeepers
The goalkeeper unit is led by veteran Matías Dituro, supported by promising backups including loanee Iñaki Peña from Barcelona.| No. | Player | Nationality | Age | Contract Expiry | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matías Dituro | Argentina | 38 | June 2026 | First-choice starter, known for shot-stopping reliability |
| 13 | Iñaki Peña | Spain | 26 | June 2026 (loan) | Backup |
| 40 | Owen Bosch | Spain | 18 | June 2027 | Academy product, yet to debut |
| 45 | Alejandro Iturbe | Spain | 22 | June 2026 | Third option, 0 appearances |
Defenders
The defense features a mix of height and pace, with centre-backs like Bambo Diaby providing aerial dominance.| No. | Player | Nationality | Age | Contract Expiry | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Adrià Pedrosa | Spain | 27 | June 2027 | Left-back starter |
| 4 | Bambo Diaby | France | 27 | June 2026 | Centre-back, key in set-pieces |
| 6 | Pedro Bigas (Captain) | Spain | 35 | June 2026 | Versatile defender |
| 15 | Álvaro Núñez | Spain | 25 | June 2027 | Right-back |
| 22 | David Affengruber | Austria | 24 | June 2026 | Centre-back rotation |
| 23 | Víctor Chust | Spain | 25 | June 2027 | Centre-back, recent signing for depth |
Midfielders
Midfield is the squad's engine, with defensive anchors like Federico Redondo controlling tempo.| No. | Player | Nationality | Age | Contract Expiry | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Federico Redondo | Argentina | 22 | June 2030 | Defensive midfielder starter |
| 7 | Yago Santiago | Spain | 22 | June 2028 | Attacking midfielder |
| 8 | Marc Aguado | Spain | 25 | June 2027 | Central midfielder |
| 14 | Aleix Febas | Spain | 29 | June 2026 | Central midfielder, rotation player |
| 16 | Martim Neto | Portugal | 22 | June 2028 | Attacking midfielder |
| 30 | Rodrigo Mendoza | Spain | 20 | June 2027 | Box-to-box, academy graduate |
Forwards
The forward line relies on clinical finishers like Rafa Mir; substitutes provide width and pace for counter-attacks.| No. | Player | Nationality | Age | Contract Expiry | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | André Silva | Portugal | 30 | June 2026 | Centre-forward backup |
| 10 | Rafa Mir | Spain | 28 | June 2027 | Main striker |
| 19 | Grady Diangana | England (DR Congo eligible) | 27 | June 2027 | Right winger, recent addition |