David Albelda

2.1. Valencia CF Debut and Loan Spells

Albelda's professional career began with Valencia B (Valencia's reserve team) in the 1995-96 season, where he made 31 appearances and scored 4 goals. To gain further experience, he was loaned out to Villarreal CF, also located in the Valencian Community, on two separate occasions. His first loan spell was during the 1996-97 season, where he played 34 matches in the Segunda División. He returned to Villarreal for a second loan period in the 1998-99 season, making 35 appearances and scoring 2 goals in La Liga. These loan experiences were crucial for his development, preparing him for a significant role upon his return to Valencia. He permanently returned to his first professional club, Valencia CF, for the 1999-2000 season.

2.2. Rise to Prominence and Captaincy

Upon his return, Albelda quickly established himself as a vital component of the Valencia squad. He played a major role in the team's historic successes, including winning La Liga titles in the 2001-02 and 2003-04 seasons. Adding to these triumphs, he also helped Valencia secure the UEFA Cup in 2004, and the 2004 UEFA Super Cup in the same year.
Following the departure of long-standing captain Gaizka Mendieta to SS Lazio in the summer of 2001, Albelda was deservedly awarded the team captaincy. He held this position for over a decade, becoming a revered and influential leader on and off the field. Known for his physical strength and robust playing style, Albelda was highly effective in central midfield, consistently intercepting opposition attacks and proving crucial in initiating Valencia's counter-attacks. His leadership qualities and unwavering commitment earned him the reputation as the team's "spiritual pillar." Furthermore, he was part of the Valencia squad that reached the UEFA Champions League final consecutively in the 1999-2000 and 2000-01 seasons.

2.3. Conflict with Ronald Koeman

A controversial period unfolded during the 2007-08 season under newly appointed manager Ronald Koeman. On 20 December 2007, Koeman made the unpopular decision to axe Albelda, along with fellow long-serving teammates Santiago Cañizares and Miguel Ángel Angulo, from the squad. This decision was particularly striking as Albelda had just renewed his contract with Valencia until 2011. In response, on 2 January 2008, Albelda's lawyer publicly stated that Valencia had ignored his client's request for an amicable termination of his contract, indicating that legal action was the only remaining option. Albelda pursued a judicial resolution, reportedly seeking a significant compensation of 60.00 M EUR for contract termination. The dispute meant Albelda was unable to join any other Spanish team for the remainder of the season, having already played more than four league games. Despite his eventual return, Albelda reportedly continued to face booing from some sections of the fans during player introductions and substitutions, reflecting the lingering tensions from the dispute.

In late April 2008, a crucial turning point arrived with Ronald Koeman's dismissal. Albelda, Cañizares, and Angulo were reinstated by the new interim manager, Voro, at a time when the team was seriously threatened with relegation, with only five league rounds remaining. Albelda made his return to action in the second half of a challenging 6-0 away loss against FC Barcelona on 4 May. His first start following reinstatement came in the following week's derby against Levante UD, which Valencia won decisively 5-1, mathematically securing their top-flight status. For the 2008-09 season, Albelda continued to be a regular presence in midfield, often partnering with his long-time teammate Rubén Baraja. He also demonstrated his versatility on 10 January 2009, delivering a standout performance at right-back, filling in for the suspended Miguel in a thrilling 3-3 home derby against Villarreal.

2.4. Later Years and Retirement

From 2010 to 2013, Albelda's appearances for Valencia became more intermittent, as he also contended with several injury problems. On 10 June 2013, Valencia announced that the 35-year-old midfielder's contract would not be renewed, marking his departure from the club as a free agent after nearly two decades, including his time in the youth academy. Despite receiving offers from several clubs outside of Spain, Albelda announced his retirement from professional football two months later, in August 2013, citing that no offers met his or his family's expectations.

6.1. Club

• Note on "Other" column: For Valencia B (1995-96), appearances are in the 1996 Segunda División promotion play-off. For Valencia (1999-2000), appearances are in the 1999 Supercopa de España. For Valencia (2004-05), appearances are in the 2004 Supercopa de España and the 2004 UEFA Super Cup. For Valencia (2008-09), appearances are in the 2008 Supercopa de España. For Villarreal (1998-99), appearances are in the 1999 La Liga relegation play-off.

6.2. International