El Submarino Amarillo Villarreal CF
Spain · Founded: 1923
Villarreal CF is a Spanish football club based in Villarreal, in the province of Castellón, Valencian Community. Founded in 1923, the club spent most of its early history in the lower divisions of Spanish football before gradually rising through the system. It reached the top tier of Spanish football, La Liga, for the first time in 1998. The team is nicknamed “El Submarino Amarillo” (The Yellow Submarine) due to its yellow home kit and steady rise through Spanish football.
After establishing itself in La Liga in the early 2000s, Villarreal became known as a well-run and competitive club despite its relatively small size. The team achieved strong domestic performances, including finishing near the top of the league in different seasons, and regularly qualifying for European competitions. A major breakthrough came in 2021 when Villarreal won the UEFA Europa League, securing its first major European trophy after defeating Manchester United in the final.
In European football, Villarreal has developed a strong reputation for punching above its weight. The club reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2006 and again in 2022, marking its best performances in the competition. These achievements helped establish Villarreal as one of Spain’s most respected modern clubs, known for tactical organization, stability, and success relative to its size. Today, it remains a consistent La Liga side and regular European contender.
| Tournament | Count | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Championship | 1 | 2007-08 |
| 2 | 2004-05 · 2025-26 |