End of November brought a milestone moment for Elche CF as the Centennial Gala unfolded at the Ciutat d’Elx Convention Center. The official anthem celebrating a century of the club, titled “The Centennial Feeling,” blended indie pop-rock tones that echoed the club’s journey. The evening closed with a performance by Binary Diagnosis, leaving a positive impression on fans who attended the gala.
Diagnóstico Binario premieres the Elche Centennial anthem
JA Galvanized
Apart from the centerpiece song curated and directed by the Franjiverde organization, a second anthem emerged from within the club’s roots. Former Elche player Ángel Carlos Cerda Navarro, known as “Gali,” composed another tribute piece honoring the club’s hundred-year history. The release appeared across his social channels, extending the celebration beyond the gala itself.
Gali’s ties to Elche run deep. He joined the academy at a young age and rose through the ranks to the first team, contributing six years of dedicated service. He began with the club at 12, progressing through youth squads steered by coaches such as Sabuco and Paco Tari. Under Tari and Juande Ramos, he helped guide younger players toward opportunities in higher divisions. At 15, Lico promoted him to the Third Division, and in the 1992-1993 season, coached by Gustavo Silva, he made his Second Division debut with Elche at just 16. Gali remains among the club’s youngest-ever performers, a distinction later matched by Antonio Puche. After relegation to Segunda B, his career led him to the Sporting de Gijón subsidiary.
Today, Gali is connected with Elche’s veterans team, and his passion for music continues to shine. He has already written a song to mark the club’s 25th anniversary and performs on weekends at various events, from weddings to baptisms. His creative drive goes beyond football, weaving melody into celebrations that bring people together.
Gali’s excitement to compose a Centennial hymn came from a desire to contribute to Elche’s enduring legacy. The song and its video were shared across social networks, capturing moments from Elche’s history, including the 1969 Cup Final and notable goals that shaped the club’s fortunes. The visuals also highlighted the city’s heritage, from Imperial Palm Tree to Nit de L’Albà, the patron saint celebrations, and local traditions like Raval’s Bonfires.
“Dreams can come true if the club embraces the moment,” Gali explained. He envisioned a future where his song would be performed at Martínez Valero, turning the arena into a living memory for fans. Although that ideal stalled for the moment, he anticipated a macro-concert at the stadium as part of the centennial commemoration, with a chance for the public to hear the anthem in a grand setting.
With support from his friends, Gali funded the recording and video production. He shared the project publicly via social media to gauge reception. Early metrics showed robust engagement, with thousands of views and potential plans for a broader release. While timing and decisions remain fluid, the project stands as a testament to the fusion of Elche’s football culture and its musical expressions.