To mark Villarreal’s centennial, Juan Román Riquelme and Martín Palermo will lace up in the famed yellow jersey for a special legends match. The announcement signals a celebratory moment for the club and its supporters, bringing together historic figures who have helped shape Villarreal’s proud 100-year story.
Riquelme, reflecting on his return to Argentine football’s lower tiers after a stint in the First Division, once said, “Now I want to rest, have a barbecue, have fun.” That moment, back on December 7, 2014, followed a 1-1 draw against Douglas Haig and would later be remembered as the night Torero’s professional playing career paused to pivot toward new chapters. Eight years on, a fresh date has emerged for him to once again feel the ball under his sole on the pitch, this time in a setting that honors Villarreal’s legacy.
Villarreal CF confirmed through its official channels that Román will be among the veterans in the Legends party, a gathering of former club players who will take the field alongside peers from Spain’s football world. A short time after that initial confirmation, the club also announced Palermo’s participation in the same event, heightening anticipation among fans and commentators alike.
– What other star could be brought into this celebration? – a playful exchange on social media teased the playful possibility of additional guest appearances, highlighting the lighthearted and communal spirit of the centennial celebration. The club’s social feed captured the moment with humor and a nod to a cherished football culture, sparking conversations among supporters and media alike about potential lineup surprises.
Next up, GOAL and other outlets have been quick to relay the details of what promises to be a memorable weekend for Villarreal and the football community.
WHAT’S THE LEGENDS PARTY ABOUT? It is a friendly clash featuring emblematic former Villarreal players against a group of notable Spanish professionals who will compete under the name “Legends of Spain.” This match stands as one of the centerpiece events of the #CentenariGroguet, a broader celebration honoring the club’s 100th anniversary and its enduring impact on fans, players, and the local community.
In addition to the match itself, a tribute segment will recognize participants during a pre-match ceremony. Players from the past will take the field for a family photo, symbolizing the strong ties between generations of Villarreal supporters. Throughout the week, a fan vote will determine the XI Centenary lineup of Villarreal and identify the greatest goal in the Yellow Submarine’s storied history, inviting the audience to relive iconic moments and decide which memory deserves a place in the club’s mythical canon.
WHEN AND WHERE IS IT? The Legends match is scheduled for Saturday, March 25, at 5:30 p.m. local Spanish time, taking place at the Ceramic Stadium, the home venue that has witnessed countless memorable nights for Villarreal and its followers.
GUEST PLAYERS: Beyond Román, a slate of esteemed guests has been confirmed, including Martín Palermo, Robert Pires, Marcos Senna, Gonzalo Rodríguez, Bruno Soriano, Juan Pablo Sorín, Andrés Palop, Xisco Nadal, and Héctor Font. Additional names are expected to be revealed as the event draws closer, adding to the anticipation around the lineup and the spectacle of the centennial celebration.
Through these carefully curated moments, the celebration aims to honor Villarreal’s past while looking toward the club’s future, reinforcing the sense of belonging among supporters and the broader football community who have watched the Yellow Submarine grow from its early days into a respected name in Spanish and European football.
Note: The event underscores the club’s emphasis on community, heritage, and the enduring connection between players, fans, and the city that has stood with Villarreal through a century of football.