"From Paterna to Mestalla": A Mural That Keeps Growing on the Anniversary of the Ciutat Esportiva

"From Paterna to Mestalla" is a living mural, constantly evolving and expanding its records each season. On February 19, the Ciutat Esportiva of Valencia CF celebrates 33 years since its official inauguration in 1992. During this period, a total of 122 players have made their official debut with the first team after previously playing for VCF Mestalla.

The latest six players to achieve this milestone in the 2024/25 season are Martín Tejón, Rodrigo Abajas, Iker Córdoba, Isma Santana, Warren Madrigal, and Pablo López. They have now earned their place on the mural, joining legendary names in the club's history such as their coach Miguel Ángel Angulo, as well as Mendieta, Albelda, Isco Alarcón, Jordi Alba, and David Silva, among many others.

“For me, it’s a great honor to be on this list alongside such amazing players,” says Martín Tejón, the attacking midfielder from Vilamarxant, who was the first to make his debut this 2024/25 season. He recalls how he got goosebumps when stepping onto Mestalla after spending more than a decade at the VCF Academy.

"Making my debut with the first team is something huge for any player, and here on this mural, there are incredible players we’ve watched on TV who are spectacular. I hope to be like them one day," says Pablo López, the most recent debutant to join the "De Paterna a Mestalla" mural this season.

In the minds of these six VCF Mestalla players—and in those of all the VCF Academy players who see the mural every day on their way to training—is the dream of following in the footsteps of the current first-team players who also emerged from VCF Mestalla and the Ciutat Esportiva of Valencia CF. These include José Luis Gayà, Jaume Domènech, Hugo Guillamón, Jesús Vázquez, César Tárrega, Cristhian Mosquera, Javi Guerra, Yarek Gasiorowski, Diego López, Rafa Mir, and Fran Pérez.