Rubén el pipo Baraja was tied down by Valencia CF after paying off his release clause which was set at 12 million Euros from a relegated Atletico Madrid side in the 2000 summer transfer window; no one imagined the super fan favorite he was about to become.
Rubén Baraja stood out for his vision, technical ability, eye for goal and personality which turned him into Valencia CF’s midfield mainstay during Valencia CF’s golden period where he had to go through knee problems to lead Valencia CF to their second Champions League final.
El pipo was primed during Rafa Benitez’s double winning era where he made his mark and graced the Mestalla faithful to enter the club’s history books. He played his final game at CD Tenerife in 2010 amidst a memorable fitting end to his illustrious footballing career.
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