David Villa, a former Spain international and founder of DV7 Group, announced that his ownership team had acquired CF Benidorm, a club competing in regional football. The aim is to help the club grow steadily across educational, competitive and social fronts, with patience and long-term planning guiding every step.
Joining Villa for the presentation were his partner and CEO, Víctor Oñate, and Jordi Bruixola, the former general manager of Castellón, who will oversee daily operations. Local authorities, the media, and notable figures from the football world, including Guillermo Amor and Claudio ‘Piojo’, attended as the project was unveiled amid high expectations. Former players such as López were also present to show support.
Villa expressed pride in the moment, noting that retirement had brought him closer to his life’s dream for football. The Benidorm project now represents a tangible way to pursue that dream in practice.
From the outset, the plan emphasizes grassroots football. The group intends to leave a lasting legacy not only for young players but also for coaches, focusing on building from the foundations up with dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work. Villa, who wore shirts for Valencia, Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid, Real Zaragoza and Sporting de Gijón among others, clarified that while the simple thrill of the game remains his driving force, there is still a need to earn results with time and proper steps. He stressed that patience is essential and that growth should come without forcing a rapid ascent.
He insisted that lasting progress comes from connecting with the community. Benidorm’s people must feel involved in the journey, not merely watch it unfold. Villa recalled his own childhood summers in the town, which deepened his emotional tie to the community and reinforced his belief in the project’s local relevance.
Bruixola described the challenge ahead as a significant responsibility, hoping that Benidorm, a city with a proud football tradition, could take pride in a team built with integrity and ambition. The objective is to develop base football, train with purpose, and eventually offer a clear path for the first team to climb the ranks. The aim is to keep the club open and inclusive, welcoming supporters from all backgrounds.
As part of the initiative, a new shield will be unveiled next year. The emblem will blend the island’s initial B with its silhouette and waves, symbolizing both the team’s roots and its forward-looking ethos.
Oñate called the project an exciting milestone and noted that the group began this journey with a shared dream that emerged during a stay in New York. The team is described as a group of people who want to help Villa extend his football knowledge and experience as the company expands its roots into the United States, South America, and Japan. The goal remains clear: ensure every child in the academy system can discover Benidorm and participate in a project that residents can be proud of.
The event featured video messages from several of the city’s prominent professional football figures, including Guillermo Amor, Antonio López, and Vicente Blanco, known as Tito. They offered thanks to DV7 Group for its commitment to the hometown and expressed hope that the team could soon compete at the semi-professional level.
Salvador Gomar, president of the Valencian Community Football Federation, welcomed the new venture and reassured the leadership that Benidorm could become a reference in football, enriching the city’s sports culture. José Santiago López, the current president of Benidorm, recalled the club’s origin in 2017 and highlighted the arrival of the Villa-led group as the best development since the project began.
Benidorm’s mayor, Toni López, closed the event by thanking the city for its footballing dedication. He praised the new leadership for its practical approach and emphasized that building a solid foundation is crucial when growing a club in limited spaces; the emphasis was on a strong quarry and sustainable development.