Villarreal

Villarreal CF: History, Honours and the Yellow Submarine

Villarreal Club de Fútbol, commonly known as Villarreal CF, is a Spanish professional football club based in Vila-real, in the province of Castellón, Valencian Community. Founded in 1923, the club is recognised for its bright yellow home kit and its nickname, El Submarino Amarillo — “The Yellow Submarine.”

Villarreal established itself among Spain’s top clubs after reaching La Liga for the first time in 1998. Although the club has never won the Spanish league or the Copa del Rey, it has built a strong record in European competition. Its greatest achievement came in 2021, when Villarreal won the UEFA Europa League, defeating Manchester United in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in the final. The club also reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2006 and 2022.

The team plays at the Estadio de la Cerámica in Vila-real. Formerly known as El Madrigal, the stadium was inaugurated in 1923 and renamed in 2017 to reflect the region’s long-standing ceramics industry. With a capacity of 23,173, it remains a distinctive home for the Yellow Submarine and its supporters.

Villarreal finished third in the 2025–26 La Liga season with 72 points, scoring 72 goals and securing qualification for the UEFA Champions League. The club’s continued presence among Spain’s leading teams reflects its sustained sporting development and ambition to compete at the highest level.

Explore Villarreal CF’s squad, player profiles, match statistics, La Liga campaign and European history on CornerFlick.