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Levante UD
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Levante Unión Deportiva, S.A.D. (Spanish: [leˈβante wˈnjon depoɾˈtiβa]) is a Spanish football club in Valencia, in the namesake autonomous community.
Key Information
Founded on 6 September 1909, the club will compete in La Liga for the 2025–26 season, holding home games at Ciutat de València Stadium.[2][3][4]
History
[edit]Early years (1909–1935)
[edit]
Levante UD was formerly registered as Levante Football Club on 9 September 1909[5][6] (celebrating its 100th anniversary on 9 September 2009).[7] Thus Levante is the most senior football club in Valencia, with rival team Valencia CF not being formed until 1919.[8][9][10][11]
Levante shares its name with the eastern region of the Iberian Peninsula, with Spain's east coast, the coast over which the sun rises (levantar in Spanish),[12] with the Levant wind that comes from the east, and with the Levante beach in La Malvarrosa where Levante Football Club played some of its earliest fixtures.
Levante's earliest games were played at La Platjeta, near the docks on a plot of land owned by a perfume entrepreneur. Its next ground was also near the port area, and the club gradually became associated with the working class. In 1919, the side played Valencia CF for the first time, losing 0–1; the game marked the inauguration of the recently built ground at Algirós. In 1928, Levante FC won its first trophy, the Valencian Championship.
1909 also saw the birth of Gimnástico Football Club, which originally played at Patronato de la Juventud Obrera, being then named Gimnástico-Patronato. In 1919, Gimnástico became the champion of the Campeonato de Valencia, beating CD Castellón in two leg finals; the next year, the club had become Real Gimnástico Football Club, after being granted royal patronage by Alfonso XIII, and they reached the final of Campeonato Regional de Levante, but lost to Club Deportivo Aguileño. In 1931, with the founding of the Second Spanish Republic, the club dropped the Real from its name.
In 1934–35, both Levante and Gimnástico debuted in the second division, when the league was expanded from 10 teams to 24. In 1935, Levante won the Campeonato Levante-Sur, a competition that featured teams from Valencia, Murcia and Andalusia,[13] and subsequently reached the semi-finals of the Spanish Cup, consecutively beating Valencia and Barcelona before losing to eventual runners-up Sabadell.
During the civil war: Copa de la España Libre (1937)
[edit]During the Spanish Civil War, Levante and Gimnástico played in the Mediterranean League, finishing fifth and sixth respectively. Teams from this league also competed in the Copa de la España Libre ("Free Spain Cup"). It was originally intended that the top four teams from the league would enter the cup, but Barcelona opted to tour Mexico and the United States, and as a result, Levante took its place. The first round of the competition was a mini-league with the top two teams, Levante and Valencia, qualifying for the final. On 18 July 1937, Levante defeated its city rivals 1–0 at the Montjuïc.[14][15]
Merging: Gimnástico and Levante (1939)
[edit]
During the Civil War, Levante's ground was destroyed, but the club's squad remained intact. In contrast, Gimnástico had a ground, Estadio de Vallejo, but had lost most of their players. As a result, in 1939 Levante FC and Gimnástico FC merged into Levante Unión Deportiva.[16] Levante UD can thus trace its origin back to at least 1909 through both Levante FC and Gimnástico FC. The merged club was at first named Unión Deportiva Levante-Gimnástico, then changed it a few years later to Levante Unión Deportiva. The current club colours date from this era: the blaugrana, blue-garnet, home colours were originally those of Gimnástico FC, while the black and white away kit were the colours of Levante FC. Levante UD also inherited from Gimnástico FC their nickname, Granota, the Frogs.[17][18][11][9][19]
La Liga: relegations and promotions (1963–present)
[edit]Levante had to wait until the 1960s to make its La Liga debut. In 1963, the club finished runner-up in Group II of the second division, defeating Deportivo de La Coruña 4–2 on aggregate in the promotion play-offs. During the first top flight season, it managed to win both games against Valencia, and also achieved a 5–1 home win against Barcelona in the 1964–65 campaign, but was relegated nonetheless after losing in the playoffs against Málaga. It spent most of the following two decades in the second and third divisions; the Segunda División B would not be created until 1977.

In the early 1980s, Dutch superstar Johan Cruyff played half a season for the club, retiring three years later. After winning 2003–04's second division, Levante returned to the top level but survived only one season. Finishing third in 2005–06, it returned for two additional campaigns, the decisive match in the 2006–07 season being a 4–2 home win against Valencia courtesy of Riga Mustapha (two goals), Salva and Laurent Courtois.
Levante's financial status worsened, however, and there were reports that the players had only received approximately one-fifth of their contractual payments. News reports stated that the club had incurred a debt of over €18 million in payments due to its players. The team plummeted down the standings, and it was confirmed with several matches to go that the club would be playing in the second division in 2008–09. The players protested at their lack of payments at one point, refusing to move for several seconds after the opening whistle against Deportivo and later announcing that they would strike during the season-ending game at Real Madrid. The threat was withdrawn when league officials announced that a benefit game would be played between a Levante XI and a Primera División XI, with all receipts going to pay the Levante players' wages.
On 13 June 2010, Levante returned to La Liga after a 3–1 home win against already relegated Castellón, making its final round 0–4 defeat at Real Betis irrelevant.[20] Under the manager who led the team back to the top flight, Luis García Plaza, Levante finally retained its top division status in the 2010–11 season. At one point in the league's second round of matches, Levante was third in the table behind Barcelona and Real Madrid, after losing just once (against Real Madrid) in 12 games.[21]

On 26 October 2011, during round nine of the season, Levante defeated Real Sociedad 3–2 to move top of the first division table for the first time in the club's history, with 23 points.[22] In the process, it recorded seven straight wins after drawing its first two games.[23] The club eventually finished sixth after defeating Athletic Bilbao 3–0 at home in its last match, thus qualifying for the UEFA Europa League for the first time in its history.[24] There, they made it to the last 16 before a 2–0 extra-time loss to Russia's FC Rubin Kazan.[25]
In the 2015–16 season, Levante was relegated after defeat by Málaga and finished last. The club was promoted back to the top league in 2016–17, winning the Segunda División title. In the 2017–18 season, the club secured safety in the league and on 13 May, beat the champions Barcelona 5–4 (having led 5–1 early in the second half), with Emmanuel Boateng scoring his first ever career hat-trick.[26] This win ended Barcelona's hopes of achieving an unbeaten season.[27]
In the 2021–22 season, Levante was relegated after being defeated 0–6 by Real Madrid, ending their five years in the top tier.
Seasons
[edit]Recent history
[edit]
| Season | Div | Pos. | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts | Cup | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003–04 | 2D | 1st | 42 | 22 | 13 | 7 | 59 | 33 | 79 | Last 16 | Promoted |
| 2004–05 | 1D | 18th | 38 | 9 | 10 | 19 | 39 | 58 | 37 | Relegated | |
| 2005–06 | 2D | 3rd | 42 | 20 | 14 | 8 | 53 | 39 | 74 | 1st round | Promoted |
| 2006–07 | 1D | 15th | 38 | 10 | 12 | 16 | 37 | 53 | 42 | Last 16 | |
| 2007–08 | 1D | 20th | 38 | 7 | 5 | 26 | 33 | 75 | 26 | Last 16 | Relegated |
| 2008–09 | 2D | 8th | 42 | 18 | 10 | 14 | 59 | 59 | 64 | ||
| 2009–10 | 2D | 3rd | 42 | 19 | 14 | 9 | 63 | 45 | 71 | Promoted | |
| 2010–11 | 1D | 14th | 38 | 12 | 9 | 17 | 41 | 52 | 45 | Last 16 | |
| 2011–12 | 1D | 6th | 38 | 16 | 7 | 15 | 54 | 50 | 55 | Quarter-finals | Qualified to UEFA Europa League |
| 2012–13 | 1D | 11th | 38 | 12 | 10 | 16 | 40 | 57 | 46 | Last 16 | Last 16 UEFA Europa League |
| 2013–14 | 1D | 10th | 38 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 35 | 43 | 48 | Quarter-finals | |
| 2014–15 | 1D | 14th | 38 | 9 | 10 | 19 | 34 | 67 | 37 | Last 16 | |
| 2015–16 | 1D | 20th | 36 | 7 | 8 | 21 | 34 | 66 | 29 | 1st round | Relegated |
| 2016–17 | 2D | 1st | 42 | 25 | 9 | 8 | 57 | 32 | 84 | 2nd round | Champions and Promoted |
| 2017–18 | 1D | 15th | 38 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 44 | 58 | 46 | Last 16 | |
| 2018–19 | 1D | 15th | 38 | 11 | 11 | 16 | 59 | 66 | 44 | Last 16 | |
| 2019–20 | 1D | 12th | 38 | 14 | 7 | 17 | 47 | 53 | 49 | Last 32 | |
| 2020–21 | 1D | 14th | 38 | 9 | 14 | 15 | 46 | 57 | 41 | Semi-finals | |
| 2021–22 | 1D | 19th | 38 | 8 | 11 | 19 | 51 | 76 | 35 | 2nd round | Relegated |
| 2022–23 | 2D | 3rd | 42 | 18 | 18 | 6 | 46 | 30 | 72 | Last 16 | Promotion Play-offs Runners-up |
| 2023–24 | 2D | 8th | 42 | 13 | 20 | 9 | 49 | 45 | 59 | 2nd round | |
| 2024–25 | 2D | 1st | 42 | 22 | 13 | 7 | 69 | 42 | 79 | 1st round | Champions and Promoted |
European record
[edit]| Season | Competition | Round | Opposition | Home | Away | Aggregate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012–13 | UEFA Europa League | Play-off round | 1–0 | 2–0 | 3–0 | |
| Group L | 3–0 | 0–0 | 2nd | |||
| 2–2 | 1–2 | |||||
| 1–0 | 3–1 | |||||
| Round of 32 | 3–0 | 1–0 | 4–0 | |||
| Round of 16 | 0–0 | 0–2 (a.e.t.) | 0–2 |
Season to season
[edit]
|
|
|
- 17 seasons in La Liga
- 41 seasons in Segunda División
- 12 seasons in Segunda División B
- 16 seasons in Tercera División
- 1 season in Categorías Regionales
Players
[edit]Current squad
[edit]- As of 2 September 2025[28]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
|
Reserve team
[edit]Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
|
Out on loan
[edit]Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
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Club officials
[edit]Current technical staff
[edit]| Position | Staff |
|---|---|
| Head coach | |
| Assistant head coach | |
| Fitness coach | |
| Goalkeeper coach | |
| Chief analyst | |
| Chief of medical services | |
| Doctor | |
| Rehab fitness coach | |
| Rehab coach | |
| Physiotherapist | |
| Nutritionist | |
| Chiropodist | |
| Delegate | |
| Maintenance chief | |
| Equipment manager |
Last updated: 26 February 2025
Source: Levante UD (in Spanish)
Notable former players
[edit]Note: this list includes players that have appeared in at least 100 league games and/or have reached international status.
Abdelkader Ghezzal
Nabil Ghilas
Pablo Cavallero
Gustavo Reggi
Mitchell Langerak
Andreas Ivanschitz
Sávio
Wanderley
Zé Maria
Vladimir Manchev
Daniel N'Gom Kome
Lauren
Albert Meyong
Valdo
José Veiga
Carlos Caszely
Edwin Congo
Jefferson Lerma
Félix Ettien
Arouna Koné
Keylor Navas
Tomislav Erceg
Felipe Caicedo
Jefferson Montero
Sergio Barila
Juvenal
Yago
Frédéric Déhu
Olivier Kapo
Péguy Luyindula
Laurent Robert
Shota Arveladze
Emmanuel Boateng
Riga Mustapha
Theofanis Gekas
Nikolaos Karabelas
Loukas Vyntra
Ian Harte
Damiano Tommasi
Giuseppe Rossi
Enis Bardhi
Mohamed Sissoko
Issam El Adoua
Nabil El Zhar
Zouhair Feddal
Moha
Simão Mate
Johan Cruyff
Faas Wilkes
Obafemi Martins
Dariusz Dudka
Duda
Fahad Al-Muwallad
Vladan Kujović
Baba Diawara
Pape Diop
Rémi Gomis
Sylvain N'Diaye
Alexis
Salva Ballesta
Sergio Ballesteros
Claudio Barragán
Antonio Calpe
Diego Camacho
José Campaña
Víctor Casadesús
Ángel Cuéllar
Asier del Horno
Iñaki Descarga
Ernesto Domínguez
Javier Farinós
Rubén García
Sergio García
Fernando Giner
Sergio González
Jason
Jofre
Juanfran
Juanlu
Vicente Latorre
Pedro López[29]
José Francisco Molina
Nando
David Navarro
Miguel Pallardó
Sergio Postigo
Alberto Rivera
Gaspar Rubio
Rubén Suárez
Vicente Rodríguez
Johan Mjällby
Fabio Celestini
Enes Ünal
Shaquell Moore
Gustavo Munúa
Héctor Núñez
Tabaré Silva
Cristhian Stuani
Emilio Rentería
Predrag Mijatović
Coaches
[edit]
Josep Escolà (1955–56)
Enrique Orizaola (1964–65)
Mundo (1971)
José Juncosa (1972–73)
Héctor Núñez (1973–74)
Ferdinand Daučík (1974–75)
Dagoberto Moll (1975–76)
Pachín (1979–81)
Joaquim Rifé (1981)
Todor Veselinović (1981)
Vicente Piquer (1981)
Pachín (1984–85)
Quique Hernández (1987)
Pachín (1987–88)
Antal Dunai (1990)
José Antonio Irulegui (1990–91)
Luis Costa (1992)
José Enrique Díaz (1993–94)
Jordi Gonzalvo (1994)
Juande Ramos (1994–95)
Mané (1996–97)
José Enrique Díaz (1997)
Jesús Aranguren (1998)
Pepe Balaguer (1998–2000)
José Carlos Granero (2000–01)
Pepe Balaguer (2001–2002)
Carlos García Cantarero (2002–03)
Manuel Preciado (2003–04)
Bernd Schuster (2004–05)
José Luis Oltra (2005)
Mané (2005–06)
Juan Ramón López Caro (2006–07)
Abel Resino (2007)
Gianni De Biasi (2007–08)
José Ángel Moreno (2008)
Luis García (2008–11)
Juan Ignacio Martínez (2011–13)
Joaquín Caparrós (2013–14)
José Luis Mendilibar (2014)
Lucas Alcaraz (2014–15)
Rubi (2015–16)
Juan Muñiz (2016–18)
Paco López (2018–21)
Javier Pereira (2021)
Alessio Lisci (2021–22)
Mehdi Nafti (2022)
Javier Calleja (2022–2024)
Felipe Miñambres (2024)
Julián Calero (2024–present)
Honours
[edit]National competitions
[edit]- Copa del Rey
- Segunda División
- Segunda División B
- Winners (5) - joint record: 1978–79, 1988–89, 1994–95, 1995–96, 1998–99
- Tercera División
- Winners (7): 1931–32, 1943–44, 1945–46, 1953–54, 1955–56, 1972–73, 1975–76
Regional competitions
[edit]- Campeonato de Valencia
- Winners: 1927–28
- Campeonato Levante-Sur
- Winners: 1934–35
Friendly tournaments
[edit]Stadium
[edit]Estadi Ciutat de València[4][3] was opened on 9 September 1969, with capacity for 25,354 spectators. The pitch measures 107 by 69 metres.
Due to the 2019–20 season's late finish because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and renovation work at their stadium, Levante concluded the campaign behind closed doors at the Estadi Olímpic Camilo Cano in La Nucia, Province of Alicante.[32]
Rivals
[edit]Levante contest the Derbi Valenciano, also known as the Derbi del Turia or Derbi Valentino, with local rivals Valencia.[33] The fixture has been played 38 times competitively, with Valencia winning 21 times to Levante's 8.
See also
[edit]- Atlético Levante UD, reserve team of Levante UD
- Levante UD Femenino, women's team
- Levante UD (beach soccer), beach soccer department
References
[edit]- ^ "Levante: Paco López es el hombre de moda tras vencer al Barça". AS.com (in Spanish). 15 May 2018. Archived from the original on 4 September 2020. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
- ^ "Ten things you may not know about the Ciutat de Valencia stadium". Laliga.es. 13 September 2018. Archived from the original on 8 August 2019. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
- ^ a b "Levante UD Información al Espectador" (PDF). LALIGA. Archived (PDF) from the original on 17 May 2024. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
- ^ a b "Estadi Ciutat de Valencia - Levante". The Stadium Guide. Archived from the original on 29 December 2019. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
- ^ "Levante Unión Deportiva SAD". Laliga.es. 13 September 2018. Archived from the original on 16 August 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
- ^ "La nostra història, el nostre orgull". Archived from the original on 8 September 2017. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
- ^ "El Levante cumple cien años". Archived from the original on 23 June 2018. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
- ^ ""Se siente, se nota, Valencia es granota"". 15 June 2010.
- ^ a b "La historia más enorme jamás contada". 28 November 2011. Archived from the original on 25 June 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
- ^ "El nacimiento del fútbol en Valencia". Levanteud.com. Archived from the original on 16 August 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
- ^ a b González, Emilio Nadal (16 December 2014). Siempre Tuyo, Levante Ud. ISBN 9788416048724.
- ^ "Levant". Dictionary.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
- ^ Spain – List of Champions of Levante, Valencia and Murcia Archived 13 February 2023 at the Wayback Machine; at RSSSF
- ^ Spain – Copa de España Libre 1937; at RSSSF
- ^ a b La Federación reconoce la Copa del Levante de 1937 y la del Deportivo de 1912 Archived 3 April 2023 at the Wayback Machine, [The Federation recognizes Levante's 1937 Cup and Deportivo's 1912 Cup], Noel Rodilla, Marca, 25 March 2023 (in Spanish)
- ^ "Todo empezó en el mes de septiembre de 1909". Levanteud.com. Archived from the original on 20 August 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
- ^ "Why are Levante called the 'granotas'?". Laliga.es. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
- ^ La Vanguardia (26 October 2011). "Las diez leyendas del Levante". Lavanguardia.com. Archived from the original on 25 December 2019. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
- ^ "El Levante cumple cien años... Más dos". 31 August 2009. Archived from the original on 23 June 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
- ^ Levante are finally dethroned as La Liga becomes a more boring place Archived 14 June 2024 at the Wayback Machine; The Guardian, 31 October 2011
- ^ Levante are back and this time they're ready to take on the world Archived 14 June 2024 at the Wayback Machine; The Guardian, 17 October 2011
- ^ Levante pulls off the impossible Archived 28 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine; Sports Illustrated, 26 October 2011
- ^ Underdog turns heads at the top in Spain Archived 23 December 2016 at the Wayback Machine; The New York Times, 28 October 2011
- ^ "Ghezzal helps Levante secure European place". ESPN Soccernet. 13 May 2012. Archived from the original on 23 December 2013. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
- ^ "Rubin edge out Levante in extra time". UEFA. 14 March 2013. Archived from the original on 16 June 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
- ^ "LaLiga – Levante 5–4 Barcelona: Emmanuel Boateng scores the first hat-trick of his career against Barcelona". MARCA in English. Archived from the original on 2 July 2018. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
- ^ Grounds, Ben (14 May 2018). "Levante 5-4 Barcelona: Catalans' unbeaten run comes to an end in nine-goal thriller". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 23 August 2018. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
- ^ "Plantilla" (in Spanish). Levante UD Web Oficial. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
- ^ "Pedro López y Juan Miguel Bernat dejan el Levante" ["Pedro López and Juan Miguel Bernat leaves Levante"] (in Spanish). as.com. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ Trofeo Costa de Valencia Archived 4 April 2023 at the Wayback Machine;at RSSSF
- ^ "Trofeo Comunidad Valenciana". 15 December 2017. Archived from the original on 14 December 2019. Retrieved 15 December 2017.
- ^ "El At.Madrid jugará mañana contra el Levante UD en La Nucía" [At.Madrid will play tomorrow against Levante UD in La Nucía]. El Peridic (in Spanish). 22 June 2020. Archived from the original on 26 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
- ^ "Valencian Derby: 8 Surprising Anecdotes About The Most Exciting Football Encounter". ISC Spain. 25 November 2015.[permanent dead link]
External links
[edit]- Official website (in Spanish and English)
- LaLiga Levante Unión Deportiva 1909 Forever
- Levante UD at UEFA (in Spanish)
Levante UD
View on GrokipediaHistory
Foundation and early years (1909–1935)
Levante Football Club was established in September 1909 in Valencia's Poblados Marítimos district, specifically the Cabañal area, with José Ballester serving as its inaugural president; the club's formation was publicly announced in the local newspaper El Pueblo on September 7, 1909.[5][6] The name "Levante" referenced the eastern maritime neighborhoods and beaches like La Malvarrosa, reflecting its roots among working-class communities near the port. Concurrently, Gimnástico Fútbol Club was founded on January 15, 1909, under the auspices of the Patronato de la Juventud Obrera, a Catholic workers' youth organization, with Amador Sanchís as a key early leader; Gimnástico emphasized physical education and drew support from middle-class and institutional backers in central Valencia.[7][8] The emergence of both clubs coincided with the 1909 Exposición Regional Valenciana, an industrial exhibition that catalyzed organized football in the city by hosting demonstration matches and tournaments, attracting British expatriates and local enthusiasts who had encountered the sport through trade and travel.[6] Early games occurred on rudimentary pitches such as La Placheta (at the Patronato Obrero facilities in Campanar), the Exposición field, and Campo de la Soledad, often drawing crowds of several hundred spectators. Levante FC and Gimnástico quickly became fixtures in informal friendlies and nascent regional fixtures against teams like Valencia FC (formed in 1919) and other local outfits, fostering rivalries that highlighted class and neighborhood divides—Levante representing the seafaring periphery, Gimnástico the urban core. By the 1910s, both participated in the Campeonato Regional de Valencia, though infrastructure limitations and the sport's amateur status restricted consistent competition.[8] Through the 1920s, Levante FC and Gimnástico solidified their roles in Valencian football's expansion, competing in federated regional leagues under the Real Federación Española de Fútbol, established in 1909 but gaining traction post-World War I. Levante achieved its first documented regional success in 1928 by clinching the Campeonato de Valencia, a milestone that underscored the club's growing organizational stability despite financial precarity and player turnover from manual labor demands. Gimnástico, meanwhile, secured multiple regional honors in the early 1920s, including appearances in promotion playoffs to Spain's Segunda División. By 1935, Levante won the Campeonato Levante-Sur, a tournament encompassing teams from Valencia, Murcia, and Andalusia, earning a berth in national cup semifinals—the closest either precursor came to elite contention before wartime disruptions. These accomplishments reflected incremental professionalization, with both clubs adopting striped kits (Levante in blue-and-red, Gimnástico in white-and-blue) and building modest fanbases amid Spain's economic instability and the Second Republic's social upheavals.[9]Spanish Civil War and club merger (1936–1939)
The Spanish Civil War, erupting on July 17, 1936, profoundly disrupted football in Valencia, affecting Levante FC and Gimnástico FC, the two clubs that would later merge to form Levante UD. Levante FC, aligned with Republican forces, maintained its squad largely intact despite the destruction of its ground, while Gimnástico FC, perceived as more conservative, retained its Estadio de Vallejo facility but suffered significant player losses.[10][11] Both clubs continued competing in wartime competitions, participating in the Mediterranean League organized in Republican-held territories, where Levante FC finished fifth and Gimnástico FC sixth in the standings.[10] Levante FC achieved notable success during the conflict by winning the Copa de España Libre (Free Spain Cup) on July 18, 1937, defeating Valencia FC 1-0 in the final at Barcelona's Sarrià Stadium, an event commemorating the war's first anniversary and showcasing Republican solidarity through football.[12] This tournament, contested among teams from Republican zones including Levante FC, Gimnástico FC, and Valencia CF, provided a brief respite amid the devastation, though its official recognition was suppressed under the subsequent Franco regime until recent decades.[13] With the war's conclusion in March 1939 and the establishment of Francisco Franco's dictatorship, the regime imposed structural changes on Spanish football to consolidate control, leading to the forced merger of Levante FC and Gimnástico FC. Announced in August 1939, the union created Unión Deportiva Levante-Gimnástico (UDLG), combining Levante's playing personnel with Gimnástico's infrastructure, under the presidency of Rafael Valls; this move was interpreted by some as an effort to dilute Levante FC's leftist supporter base through amalgamation with the more right-leaning Gimnástico FC.[14][2][13] The merged entity adopted Levante's name but incorporated elements from both clubs, including Gimnástico's blue-and-red stripes in its kit, and began operations in the 1939–40 season under wartime recovery constraints, setting the foundation for Levante UD's post-war identity; the name was formalized as Levante Unión Deportiva in 1941.[5][15] This merger ensured the clubs' survival amid punitive postwar policies but marked the end of their independent existences, reflecting broader Francoist interventions in regional sports institutions.[14]Post-war reconstruction and regional dominance (1940–1962)
Following the Spanish Civil War, Levante UD underwent reconstruction through the 1939 merger of Levante FC and Gimnástico FC into Unión Deportiva Levante-Gimnástico (UDLG), which provided administrative and financial stability amid postwar economic constraints and regime-mandated reorganizations of Spanish football.[14] The club resumed competitive play in the 1939–40 Segunda División season, placed in Group III, where it demonstrated early dominance by clinching the group title with consistent victories, though a promotion playoff loss prevented ascent to the Primera División.[14] In the 1939–40 Copa del Generalísimo, UDLG advanced to the quarterfinals, requiring a third match after two draws against Espanyol before elimination.[14] The 1940–41 season saw continued competitiveness in Segunda División Group II, finishing third and showcasing attacking prowess, but promotion eluded the side once more.[16] In June 1941, the entity formalized as Levante Unión Deportiva (Levante UD), adopting the blue-and-red stripes of Gimnástico while retaining Levante FC's spirit, a change that solidified its identity during infrastructural rebuilding at fields like Campo de Vallejo.[2] However, the 1941–42 campaign ended in relegation from Segunda División after a bottom-group finish, exacerbated by postwar resource shortages and player transitions.[16] Dropped to the Tercera División and regional competitions, Levante UD rebuilt through youth integration and local recruitment. The 1943–44 season yielded the Regional First-Class Championship title, affirming regional supremacy in Valencian play against rivals like Valencia CF reserves and reinforcing fan support amid national recovery efforts. Steady performances culminated in the 1945–46 promotion back to Segunda División under president Francisco Belenguer, who addressed mounting debts through sponsorships and cost controls.[5] This ascent marked a turning point, with Belenguer's leadership emphasizing disciplined finances and competitive squads. From 1946 to 1962, Levante UD established regional dominance in Segunda División, frequently contending for promotion while outperforming local counterparts in derbies and cup ties. Seasons like 1955–56 and 1957–58 saw upper-table finishes (e.g., 6th and 4th in their groups), driven by tactical evolutions under managers such as José Íñiguez and key contributors including forwards like Hidalgo and defenders like Rodri, who embodied the club's resilient, counterattacking style.[16] [17] Financial strains persisted, including a 1952 debt crisis resolved via asset sales, yet the club avoided further relegation, amassing points totals rivaling promotion contenders and securing consistent mid-tier stability.[5] By 1961–62, Levante UD's 3rd-place group finish set the stage for the decisive 1962–63 championship, reflecting two decades of incremental dominance rooted in Valencian talent pipelines and postwar adaptation.[16]Entry into La Liga and initial fluctuations (1963–1989)
Levante UD secured promotion to the Primera División for the first time in June 1963, finishing as runners-up in Group II of the Segunda División before defeating Deportivo de La Coruña in a decisive playoff match at the Vallejo stadium.[18][19] Under president Eduardo Clérigues, this achievement marked the club's entry into Spain's top flight after decades in lower divisions.[5] In their inaugural Primera División season of 1963–64, Levante finished 10th out of 16 teams, accumulating 27 points from 10 wins, 7 draws, and 13 losses, with 43 goals scored and 56 conceded.[20] The campaign included the first top-flight Valencia derby on 28 September 1963, a 5–3 loss to Valencia CF at Mestalla Stadium.[21] The following 1964–65 season proved challenging, as Levante managed only 21 points from 8 wins, 5 draws, and 17 losses, finishing 14th and suffering relegation after two years in the elite division.[20][22] Following relegation, Levante competed in the Segunda División, where they posted a strong 4th-place finish in 1966–67 with 37 points but failed to secure promotion.[20] The club experienced prolonged instability in the second tier through the 1970s, finishing mid-table in seasons like 1979–80 (10th, 38 points) and 1980–81 (8th, 38 points).[20] Financial difficulties culminated in relegation to the third tier after a dismal 1981–82 campaign, ending 19th with just 20 points from 7 wins, 6 draws, and 25 losses.[20] By 1985–86, in Segunda División B Group II, Levante stabilized somewhat with a 10th-place finish, earning 38 points from 16 wins, 6 draws, and 16 losses, reflecting ongoing fluctuations between divisions without returning to Primera División until decades later.[20][23]Modern promotions, relegations, and financial challenges (1990–present)
Following a 19th-place finish in the 1990–91 Segunda División season, Levante UD were relegated to Segunda División B, where they competed for much of the decade amid inconsistent results.[16] The club achieved promotion back to the Segunda División in the 1996–97 season after finishing second in their Segunda B group and prevailing in the promotion playoffs.[10] Stability proved elusive, as Levante hovered in mid-table or lower positions through the late 1990s and early 2000s, hampered by limited resources and frequent managerial changes. Levante's breakthrough came in the 2003–04 season, when they clinched the Segunda División championship with 75 points, earning promotion to La Liga for 2004–05.[4] However, they were relegated after finishing 18th in their return to the top flight. Undeterred, Levante secured another promotion in 2005–06 by placing third in Segunda División and winning the playoff final against Almería 2–0 on aggregate. This initiated a more sustained presence in La Liga, with the club posting respectable mid-table finishes, including a club-record sixth place in 2011–12 that qualified them for the UEFA Europa League.[16] Relegation struck again in 2015–16 after a dismal 20th-place finish with just 32 points.[16] Levante responded by dominating Segunda División in 2016–17, winning the title with 84 points and returning to La Liga. They maintained top-flight status for five seasons, avoiding relegation until 2021–22, when 19th place and 35 points sent them down.[16] Subsequent Segunda campaigns yielded a third-place finish in 2022–23, eighth in 2023–24, and a triumphant first-place finish in 2024–25 with 79 points, securing direct promotion back to La Liga for the 2025–26 season.[16] [24] Parallel to these on-pitch fluctuations, Levante endured chronic financial pressures, exacerbated by Spain's broader football debt crisis in the late 2000s and 2010s, where clubs accumulated over €623 million in collective liabilities. The club faced acute challenges post-relegation, including ownership instability under figures like Cherubino, who assumed control amid severe shortcomings, prompting the creation of shareholder-funded mechanisms to avert insolvency.[5] Player sales, such as those of key assets during downturns, became routine to service debts and comply with league financial controls introduced in 2015, though Levante avoided bankruptcy through restructurings and avoided administrative penalties.[25] These issues underscored the causal link between relegation-induced revenue drops and fiscal strain in Spanish football's lower-revenue clubs.Club identity and facilities
Badge, colors, and kit evolution
The badge of Levante UD originated with simple designs in 1909 for predecessor club Levante FC, evolving through various iterations reflecting the 1939 merger with Gimnástico FC.[26] The current crest, introduced in 2000, features a bat—a heraldic symbol of vigilance from Valencian tradition, shared with regional clubs like Valencia CF—within a shield divided into blue and red sections, incorporating the initials "LUD" and a football.[27] [28] Earlier post-merger badges from the 1940s emphasized textual elements and basic geometric shapes honoring both founding entities, with gradual additions of regional motifs over decades.[26] Levante UD's traditional colors are blaugrana—blue and garnet (or claret red)—adopted from Gimnástico FC following the 1939 merger, supplanting Levante FC's original black and white palette.[2] These hues returned definitively to home kits in June 1941, symbolizing the club's regional identity and heritage.[2] Away kits have historically drawn from black and white roots, though variations occur, while specific codes include maroon (#b4053f), navy blue (#005ca5), and gold accents (#dca43e).[29] Kit evolution began with Levante FC's black-and-white striped jerseys in the early 1900s, shifting post-merger to vertical blaugrana stripes for home matches as the dominant style from 1941 onward.[2] Away and third kits have experimented with patterns, such as red-and-white designs commemorating early merged colors in 2024–25, or green tributes to Valencian farmland in recent thirds.[30]| Period | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
| 1991–1998 | Rasan |
| 1998–2000 | Joma |
| 2000–2003 | Umbro |
| 2003–2004 | Xara |
| 2004–2012 | Luanvi |
| 2012–2014 | Kelme |
| 2014–2016 | Nike |
| 2016–present | Macron |
Ciutat de València Stadium
The Estadi Ciutat de València, situated in Valencia's San Vicente de Paúl district at San Vicente de Paúl 44, functions as the primary home venue for Levante UD.[33] [34] Inaugurated on 9 September 1969, the stadium replaced Levante's previous ground and was initially named Estadio Antonio Román in honor of the club's president at the time.[35] [36] Constructed in the late 1960s with an approximate initial capacity of 25,000 seats, it featured a basic enclosed design suitable for Segunda División matches.[37] The venue underwent a name change to Nou Estadi del Llevant in 1972, reflecting the club's identity, before being renamed Estadi Ciutat de València in 1999 through an agreement with local authorities that included facade enhancements in club colors.[36] [38] Over the decades, incremental upgrades addressed wear from heavy use, but significant modernization occurred in the late 2010s amid Levante's La Liga promotions, focusing on structural integrity without altering the original seating bowl.[39] [40] A major renovation phase, completed around 2020, introduced a tensile fabric roof membrane for full coverage, improved lighting, acoustics, and perimeter cabling, elevating comfort and multifunctionality.[41] [37] [42] These enhancements increased the all-seated capacity to 26,354, including 344 box seats across 16 boxes, while maintaining a pitch dimension of 107 by 68 meters.[43] [44] Beyond football, the stadium supports corporate events, conferences, and concerts, contributing to its ranking as Spain's third-most active venue by event volume in recent assessments.[45] [44] It lacks undersoil heating but features covered stands on all sides, aiding year-round usability in Valencia's Mediterranean climate.[36]Training facilities and academy
The Ciutat Esportiva de Bunyol serves as the primary training ground for Levante UD's first team and youth squads, located in Buñol approximately 40 kilometers west of Valencia.[46] Inaugurated in phases starting around 2003, the complex includes multiple football pitches, with Campo 1 featuring a 107 by 70 meter field and seating for 3,000 spectators used for reserve and youth matches.[47] Facilities encompass player residences accommodating up to 120 athletes, equipped with private bathrooms, leisure areas, and support services like laundry and dining.[48] In 2023, the club announced plans for a new complex in Valencia's Nazaret district, incorporating seven pitches and a mini-stadium for the B team to expand infrastructure amid growing academy demands.[49] Levante UD's youth academy, known as the Cantera Granota, operates from a base in Valencia at Calle San Vicente de Paul 44, focusing on talent development across age groups from pre-benjamín to juvenil levels.[50] The structure emphasizes technical training aligned with the senior team's methodology, integrating sessions for parents and family involvement to foster holistic growth.[51] Atlético Levante UD functions as the primary reserve side, competing in lower divisions to bridge academy players to the first team.[52] The academy has produced several first-team contributors, including Sergio Ballesteros with 387 appearances and Juanfran with 382, alongside goalkeepers like Dani Cárdenas who progressed through the ranks.[53] Recent achievements include the Juvenil A team's second league title in club history, secured in April 2024 with a 3-0 victory over Patacona CF.[54] While not among Spain's elite producers of international stars, the system prioritizes sustainable integration over high-volume exports, supporting Levante's model of financial prudence and on-pitch competitiveness.[55]Rivalries
Local derbies in Valencia
The primary local derby for Levante UD in Valencia is the Derbi Valenciano against Valencia CF, a rivalry rooted in the city's footballing landscape and intensified by both clubs' presence in La Liga during recent decades. Levante UD, established in 1909 in the El Cabanyal district, predates Valencia CF, which was founded in 1919 near the city center, making Levante the senior club in Valencia.[21] The first official encounter occurred in 1920 during the Valencian Regional Championship, marking the start of over a century of competition that has evolved from regional leagues to top-flight clashes.[21] Levante UD's merger with Gimnàstic FC in 1939 consolidated its identity, while Valencia CF achieved early national success, winning La Liga titles in 1941–42, 1943–44, and 1946–47; Levante entered La Liga for the first time in 1963.[21] The inaugural La Liga derby on 28 September 1963 ended 5–3 to Valencia CF at Mestalla, the highest-scoring top-flight meeting between the sides.[21] Levante secured its first La Liga victory over Valencia in January 1964 with a 1–0 home win, though the club has never triumphed at Mestalla in La Liga history.[21] Notable results include Levante's largest margin, a 4–2 home victory in the 2006–07 season, and Valencia's 5–1 away win in 2007–08, featuring a hat-trick by David Villa.[21] Controversies, such as a disputed 'ghost goal' by Valencia's Mista in 2005 and an offside decision against Juan Mata in 2011, have added to the fixture's tension.[21] In head-to-head records across all competitions, Valencia CF dominates with 19 wins from 38 matches, against Levante UD's 9 victories and 10 draws, with goals tallied at 71–42 in Valencia's favor.[56] These encounters span La Liga and Copa del Rey, including quarter-final ties in 2011–12 and round-of-16 clashes in 1998–99 and 1934–35.[56] Nearly 100 players have represented both clubs, including Faas Wilkes, Predrag Mijatović, and Rubén Vezo, reflecting player mobility amid the rivalry.[21] Levante's sustained top-flight status since 2004–05—spanning 14 of the last 18 seasons—has elevated the derby's prominence, transforming it into one of Spain's keenest urban rivalries despite Valencia's historical edge.[21] The fixture's competitiveness persists, with both teams competing in La Liga for the 2025–26 season.[57]Levante UD vs Villarreal CF
Levante UD shares a regional rivalry with Villarreal CF, another club from the Valencian Community. The most recent head-to-head match between Levante UD and Villarreal CF was a club friendly on August 3, 2022, with Villarreal winning 3-1. The previous competitive match was in La Liga on April 2, 2022, where Levante won 2-0 at home. Other recent results include Villarreal's 5-0 win on January 3, 2022, and Levante's 1-0 win on February 3, 2021. No matches occurred between 2023 and early 2026 due to Levante's absence from La Liga. Villarreal holds the overall historical edge with 13 wins to Levante's 8 in 22 meetings (1 draw). A La Liga match between them is scheduled for February 18, 2026.[58][59]National rivalries
Levante UD maintains no major national rivalries comparable in intensity or historical animosity to the local Derbi del Turia with Valencia CF. Instead, competitive tensions with clubs from other regions have arisen primarily through prolonged encounters in Segunda División and La Liga promotion/relegation battles, often marked by closely contested results rather than deep-seated cultural or fan-driven enmity.[60] A notable example is the longstanding competition with Real Zaragoza, dating back to the 1960s, where matches have frequently influenced mid-table survival or playoff positioning. The clubs have met in 42 official fixtures as of 2024, with Zaragoza securing 18 victories, Levante 13, and 11 draws, reflecting a balanced dynamic that has fueled on-field rivalry without widespread off-field hostility.[61][62] Key historical clashes include Zaragoza's 5-1 win over Levante in the 1964-65 season and Levante's 5-2 triumph on April 19, 2025, in LaLiga Hypermotion, underscoring the stakes in direct confrontations.[60][63] Other national fixtures, such as those against Rayo Vallecano or Granada, occasionally intensify due to relegation dogfights—Levante's 0-3 loss to Rayo on October 19, 2025, exemplified such high-pressure encounters—but lack the recurring narrative of a dedicated derby.[64][65] These matchups prioritize tactical and performance-based competition over traditional rivalry, aligning with Levante's history as a resilient underdog club focused on survival amid fluctuating divisions.[66]Honours and competitive record
Domestic competitions
Levante UD has secured three titles in the Segunda División, Spain's second-tier league, with victories in the 2003–04, 2016–17, and 2024–25 seasons. These promotions enabled spells in La Liga, though the club has never won the top-flight competition.[4] In cup competitions, Levante won the Copa de la España Libre in 1937, a tournament organized in the Republican zone during the Spanish Civil War and featuring clubs from that area. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) officially recognized this achievement in 2023, presenting the trophy to the club and incorporating it into its palmarés as the 1937 cup title. This remains the club's sole major domestic cup honour, distinct from the standard Copa del Rey, which has not been won by Levante; the team's best performances in the latter include reaching the quarter-finals on multiple occasions, such as in the 2010–11 and 2013–14 seasons.[67][4] Levante has not claimed the Supercopa de España or any other national super cup. The club's domestic record reflects consistent competition in the lower tiers historically, with recent successes tied to financial recoveries and managerial stability rather than sustained elite-level dominance.[4]Regional and friendly tournaments
Levante UD's predecessor clubs achieved success in early regional competitions organized by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, which preceded the national league structure. Gimnástico FC, one of the merging entities, won the Campeonato Regional de Levante in the 1918–19 season by defeating CD Castellón 1–0 in the final.[68] Levante FC secured the Campeonato de Valencia y Castellón in 1927–28, finishing with a record of 4 wins, 6 draws, and 1 loss, ahead of competitors including Valencia CF.[68] [9] Levante FC also claimed the Campeonato Supraregional Levante-Sur in 1934–35.[68] Post-merger in 1939, regional participation diminished with the expansion of national divisions, though UD Levante Gimnástico (immediate predecessor) finished second in the Campeonato de Valencia y Castellón in 1939–40.[68] In friendly tournaments, Levante UD has won the Trofeo Costa de Valencia three times: in 1972 as part of a triangular format, 1974 similarly, and 1977.[69] The club lifted the Trofeo Comunidad Valenciana in 1986.[70] Additionally, Levante UD claimed the Trofeo Ciutat de València in 1995, defeating Valencia CF 3–1 in the final edition of the tournament.[71] [72] These pre-season or invitational events, often hosted locally, served as preparation fixtures rather than competitive league honors.European campaigns
Levante UD's only participation in European competitions occurred in the 2012–13 UEFA Europa League, marking the club's debut on the continental stage after securing sixth place in the 2011–12 La Liga season.[73] Entering at the playoff round, the team demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline under coach Juan Ignacio Martínez, ultimately reaching the round of 16 with an overall record of 7 wins, 4 draws, and 1 loss across 12 matches.[73] In the playoff round, Levante eliminated Scottish side Motherwell with a 3–0 aggregate victory. The first leg on 23 August 2012 ended 2–0 away at Fir Park, followed by a 1–0 home win at Ciutat de València on 30 August, where Theofanis Gekas scored the decisive goal in the 72nd minute.[74][75] Levante were drawn into Group L alongside FC Twente, Hannover 96, and Helsingborgs IF. They finished second with 11 points from 5 wins and 1 draw, advancing to the knockout phase. Notable results included home victories of 3–0 against Twente on 25 October 2012 and Helsingborg on 6 December 2012, as well as a 3–1 away win over Helsingborg on 22 November 2012.[73] The group stage also featured a 2–2 home draw with Hannover on 8 November 2012.[76]| Date | Opponent | Home/Away | Result | Scorers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 September 2012 | Twente | Away | 2–2 | - |
| 25 October 2012 | Twente | Home | 3–0 | - |
| 8 November 2012 | Hannover 96 | Home | 2–2 | - |
| 22 November 2012 | Helsingborg | Away | 3–1 | - |
| 6 December 2012 | Helsingborg | Home | 3–0 | - |
Season-by-season summary
Levante UD's performance across Spanish domestic leagues reflects periods of stability in the second tier interspersed with stints in the top flight, marked by promotions in 1939–40, 2003–04, 2009–10 (via playoffs), 2016–17, and 2024–25, alongside relegations in 1940s, 2004–05, 2007–08, 2015–16, and 2021–22.[16] The club achieved its highest La Liga finish of 6th place in 2011–12.[80]| Season | League | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1934–35 | Segunda División | 3rd |
| 1935–36 | Segunda División | 3rd |
| 1939–40 | Segunda División | 1st (Promoted) |
| 1940–41 | Segunda División | 3rd |
| 1941–42 | Segunda División | 8th |
| 1946–47 | Segunda División | 6th |
| 1947–48 | Segunda División | 5th |
| 1948–49 | Segunda División | 9th |
| 1949–50 | Segunda División | 13th |
| 1951–52 | Segunda División | 14th |
| 1954–55 | Segunda División | 15th |
| 1956–57 | Segunda División | 11th |
| 1957–58 | Segunda División | 4th |
| 1958–59 | Segunda División | 2nd |
| 1959–60 | Segunda División | 6th |
| 1960–61 | Segunda División | 6th |
| 1961–62 | Segunda División | 6th |
| 1962–63 | Segunda División | 2nd |
| 1963–64 | La Liga | 10th |
| 1964–65 | La Liga | 14th |
| 1966–67 | Segunda División | 4th |
| 1979–80 | Segunda División | 10th |
| 1980–81 | Segunda División | 8th |
| 1981–82 | Segunda División | 19th |
| 1985–86 | Segunda División B | 10th |
| 1989–90 | Segunda División | 15th |
| 1990–91 | Segunda División | 19th |
| 1996–97 | Segunda División | 9th |
| 1997–98 | Segunda División | 22nd |
| 1999–00 | Segunda División | 7th |
| 2000–01 | Segunda División | 8th |
| 2001–02 | Segunda División | 19th |
| 2002–03 | Segunda División | 4th |
| 2003–04 | Segunda División | 1st (Promoted) |
| 2004–05 | La Liga | 18th (Relegated) |
| 2005–06 | Segunda División | 3rd (Promoted via playoffs) |
| 2006–07 | La Liga | 15th |
| 2007–08 | La Liga | 20th (Relegated) |
| 2008–09 | Segunda División | 8th |
| 2009–10 | Segunda División | 3rd (Promoted via playoffs) |
| 2010–11 | La Liga | 14th |
| 2011–12 | La Liga | 6th |
| 2012–13 | La Liga | 11th |
| 2013–14 | La Liga | 10th |
| 2014–15 | La Liga | 14th |
| 2015–16 | La Liga | 20th (Relegated) |
| 2016–17 | Segunda División | 1st (Promoted) |
| 2017–18 | La Liga | 15th |
| 2018–19 | La Liga | 15th |
| 2019–20 | La Liga | 12th |
| 2020–21 | La Liga | 14th |
| 2021–22 | La Liga | 19th (Relegated) |
| 2022–23 | Segunda División | 3rd |
| 2023–24 | Segunda División | 8th |
| 2024–25 | Segunda División | 1st (Promoted)[81] |
| 2025–26 | La Liga | 16th* |
Players and squad development
Current first-team squad
As of October 2025, Levante UD's first-team squad for the 2025–26 season comprises 24 players, blending experienced internationals with emerging talents, under manager Julián Calero.[82] The squad is structured as follows:Goalkeepers
Defenders
| No. | Player | Position | Age | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Matías Moreno | Centre-Back | 22 | Argentina |
| 3 | Alan Matturro | Centre-Back | 21 | Uruguay/Italy |
| 4 | Adrián Dela | Centre-Back | 26 | Spain |
| 5 | Unai Elgezabal | Centre-Back | 32 | Spain |
| 6 | Diego Pampín | Left-Back | 25 | Spain |
| 14 | Jorge Cabello | Centre-Back | 21 | Spain |
| 17 | Víctor García | Right-Back | 28 | Spain |
| 22 | Jeremy Toljan | Right-Back | 31 | Germany/USA |
| 23 | Manu Sánchez | Left-Back | 25 | Spain |
Midfielders
| No. | Player | Position | Age | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Jon Ander Olasagasti | Central Midfield | 25 | Spain |
| 10 | Pablo Martínez | Central Midfield | 27 | Spain |
| 12 | Unai Vencedor | Central Midfield | 24 | Spain |
| 16 | Kervin Arriaga | Defensive Midfield | 27 | Honduras |
| 20 | Oriol Rey | Defensive Midfield | 27 | Spain |
Forwards
| No. | Player | Position | Age | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Roger Brugué | Left Winger | 28 | Spain |
| 9 | Iván Romero | Centre-Forward | 24 | Spain |
| 11 | José Luis Morales | Centre-Forward | 38 | Spain |
| 15 | Goduine Koyalipou | Centre-Forward | 25 | Central African Rep./France |
| 18 | Iker Losada | Second Striker | 24 | Spain |
| 19 | Carlos Espí | Centre-Forward | 20 | Spain |
| 21 | Karl Etta Eyong | Centre-Forward | 22 | Cameroon |
| 24 | Carlos Álvarez | Right Winger | 22 | Spain |
Reserve team and academy prospects
Atlético Levante UD, established in 1962, functions as the primary reserve team for Levante UD, providing a platform for youth development and first-team integration. The team competes in the Tercera Federación, Spain's fourth-tier league, specifically Group 6 during the 2025–26 season, where it has maintained a competitive presence amid regional rivals.[83] Historically, Atlético Levante has oscillated between the third and fourth divisions, with periods in Segunda B but recent relegations reflecting challenges in sustaining higher-tier status, including a drop to Tercera Federación following the 2022–23 campaign. Levante UD's youth academy emphasizes grassroots talent cultivation, drawing from local Valencian pools and international scouting, though it has faced scrutiny for inconsistent promotion rates to the senior squad compared to elite Spanish academies. Notable alumni include defender Juanfran, who amassed 382 appearances for the club after rising through the ranks in the 1990s, and Sergio Ballesteros, a central defender with 387 outings, both exemplifying pathways from academy to long-term first-team contributions.[53] Other products like midfielder Vicente Iborra and winger Vicente transitioned successfully, with Iborra later captaining the side before moves abroad.[53] Recent academy highlights include the Juvenil A team's Liga championship win in April 2024, propelling prospects such as Buba Sangare and Carlos Espí to senior debuts alongside established youth integrations like Edgar Alcañiz and Xavi Grande.[54] As of 2025, the academy continues scouting globally, with initiatives in the United States and Caribbean yielding trial spots, though verifiable breakthroughs remain tied to domestic performers amid broader club promotion to La Liga.[84] Current reserve squad members, including those from U-19 levels, show potential in metrics like market value and minutes logged, but sustained first-team progression depends on performance in Tercera Federación fixtures.[85]Players on loan
As of October 2025, Levante UD has loaned out four young players to lower-division or international clubs to facilitate their development and gain competitive experience. These arrangements typically last until the end of the 2025–26 season, aligning with the club's strategy for squad management in La Liga.| Player | Position | Age | Loaned to | Loan Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dani Martín | Goalkeeper | 20 | SD Huesca (Segunda División) | Until 30 June 2026[86][87] |
| Xavi Grande | Right-back | 20 | CS Marítimo (Primeira Liga) | Until 30 June 2026[88] |
| Edgar Alcañiz | Central midfielder | 20 | FC Cartagena (Primera Federación) | Until 30 June 2026[87][89] |
| Paco Cortés | Left winger | 18 | Cultural Leonesa (Primera Federación) | Until 30 June 2026[87][90] |
Players whose contracts expire on 30 June 2026
The following Levante UD players have contracts set to expire on 30 June 2026. Some are on loan with buy options or club extensions possible.| Player | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manu Sánchez | Left-Back | Option to buy |
| Alan Matturro | Centre-Back | Option to buy |
| Matías Moreno | Centre-Back | Buy-option with buy-back option |
| Ugo Raghouber | Defensive Midfield | - |
| Mathew Ryan | Goalkeeper | Option for a further year |
| Adrián Dela | Centre-Back | Club option 1 year |
| Pablo Martínez | Central Midfield | - |
| Unai Vencedor | Central Midfield | - |
| Iker Losada | Second Striker | - |
| Diego Pampín | Left-Back | - |
| Kareem Tunde | Right Winger | Club option 3 years |
| José Luis Morales | Centre-Forward | - |
Notable former players and their impacts
Keylor Navas, the Costa Rican goalkeeper, joined Levante UD in 2011 and became the first-choice keeper by the 2013–14 La Liga season, appearing in 41 matches that year while leading the league with 95 saves and earning a nomination for the league's best goalkeeper award. His exceptional reflexes and shot-stopping ability contributed to 15 clean sheets across 104 total La Liga outings for the club, bolstering a defense that helped Levante avoid relegation despite limited resources, and his performances directly facilitated his high-profile transfer to Real Madrid in 2014 for €10 million.[92] Gustavo Reggi, an Argentine forward, netted 58 goals in 134 appearances from 2002 to 2006, including decisive strikes that propelled Levante's promotion to La Liga in the 2003–04 season after a 39-year top-flight absence. His prolific scoring, often in critical promotion playoffs and league matches, marked him as a cornerstone of the club's resurgence from Segunda División B to the elite level, with his clinical finishing providing the offensive firepower absent in prior campaigns.[93] Sergio Ballesteros, a Valencia-born center-back, logged over 300 appearances across two spells at Levante (1998–2002 and 2009–2015), captaining the side during their maiden Europa League group stage qualification in 2012–13, where they advanced to the round of 16 before elimination by Rubin Kazan. As a defensive anchor and leader, he featured in the 2009–10 Segunda División promotion push and amassed 387 total La Liga games lifetime, his tenacity and aerial dominance stabilizing the backline amid frequent top-flight battles for survival.[94][95] Vicente Iborra, a homegrown midfielder, racked up 228 matches for Levante between 2004 and 2014, offering robust tackling and passing in midfield that supported the club's transition from promotion contenders to established La Liga participants, including survival in the 2010–11 season. His physical presence and organizational skills, honed from academy roots, laid groundwork for later successes like the 2017 promotion, before his move to Sevilla yielded three Europa League titles elsewhere.[96] Johan Cruyff, the Dutch icon, appeared in 10 Segunda División matches for Levante during the 1980–81 season, debuting on March 1, 1981, in a 1–0 victory over Palencia CF and scoring twice overall, though injuries and disputes curtailed his involvement after a brief half-season stint. While his on-pitch influence was modest amid the club's struggles in the second tier, Cruyff's signing elevated Levante's visibility and attracted media attention during a lean period, symbolizing an ambitious yet fleeting high-profile acquisition.[97]Management and staff
Current coaching and technical staff
As of October 2025, Julián Calero serves as head coach of Levante UD, having been appointed on 1 July 2024 with a contract extending to 30 June 2026.[98] [99] The coaching staff includes:- Assistant head coach: Carlos García (Spain).[100]
- Fitness coach: Vicente Benítez (Spain), appointed 19 February 2024.[98]
- Goalkeeping coach: Borja Montero (Spain), appointed 6 December 2024 following the departure of Dani Ayora to the sporting department.[98] [101]
- Chief analyst: Ignacio Aizpurúa (Spain), in role since 1 July 2019.[98]
| Position | Name | Nationality | Appointment Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head coach | Julián Calero | Spain | 1 July 2024 |
| Assistant head coach | Carlos García | Spain | N/A |
| Fitness coach | Vicente Benítez | Spain | 19 February 2024 |
| Goalkeeping coach | Borja Montero | Spain | 6 December 2024 |
| Chief analyst | Ignacio Aizpurúa | Spain | 1 July 2019 |
Historical managers and their tenures
Levante UD's managerial record features frequent short-term appointments, particularly during spells in the lower divisions, reflecting the club's financial and performance challenges. Over 50 coaches have led the team since the 1930s, with tenures averaging under two years for many in the mid-20th century.[102][103] Notable early figures include Antonin Fivebr, the club's first professional manager from July 1931 to June 1933, and José Redó from 1942 to 1944, who navigated regional leagues post-Civil War.[104][102] In the Primera División era of the 1960s, Enrique Orizaola managed from 1964 to 1965 amid relegation battles.[103][105] The 1970s–1990s were marked by instability, exemplified by Pachín's three stints (1979–1981, 1984–1985, 1987–1988), during which the club oscillated between Segunda División and Segunda B.[103][102]| Manager | Nationality | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| Manolo Preciado | Spain | July 2003 – June 2004 |
| Bernd Schuster | Germany | July 2004 – May 2005 |
| José Luis Oltra | Spain | May–June 2005 |
| Mané | Spain | July 2005 – June 2006 |
| López Caro | Spain | July 2006 – January 2007 |
| Abel Resino | Spain | January–October 2007 |
| Gianni De Biasi | Italy | October 2007 – April 2008 |
| José Moreno | Spain | April–June 2008 |
| Luis García | Spain | July 2008 – June 2011 |
| Juan Ignacio Martínez | Spain | July 2011 – June 2013 |
| Joaquín Caparrós | Spain | July 2013 – June 2014 |
| José Luis Mendilibar | Spain | July–October 2014 |
| Lucas Alcaraz | Spain | October 2014 – October 2015 |
| Rubi | Spain | October 2015 – June 2016 |
| Juan Muñiz | Spain | July 2016 – March 2018 |
| Paco López | Spain | March 2018 – October 2021 |
| Javier Pereira | Spain | October–November 2021 |
| Alessio Lisci | Italy | November 2021 – June 2022 |
| Mehdi Nafti | Tunisia | July–October 2022 |
| Felipe (interim) | Spain | October 2022 |
| Javier Calleja | Spain | October 2022 – February 2024 |
| Felipe | Spain | February–June 2024 |
