Copete: Leadership and Experience for the Valencia CF defence

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José Manuel Arias Copete (Écija, Spain – 10 October 1999) is now a Valencia CF player. The new defender joins the team to contribute with his leadership, strength and experience at the back.

“Ilusionado es la palabra que mejor describe este momento. Estoy deseando de empezar con los compañeros, cuerpo técnico y con mucha ilusión de este nuevo proyecto. Ha habido dos cosas importantes: cuando te llama el Valencia CF, lo priorizo por encima de todo. Desde el primer momento que me enteré del interés, no lo dudé. Solo quería venir aquí. Te muestran esa confianza y esas ganas de estar contigo desde el primer momento y eso suma mucho. A los jugadores nos gusta sentir esa importancia y ese sentimiento de pertenencia”, indicó en VCF Media.

Trained in Spain

The Andalusian centre-back has played over 100 official matches in the top national competitions (72 in LALIGA EA SPORTS, 28 in LALIGA HYPERMOTION, 14 in the Copa del Rey and 1 in the Spanish Super Cup). Since joining RCD Mallorca in the 2022/23 season, he has been one of the key players for the Balearic side, standing out in the 2022/23 Copa del Rey final and the 2024/25 Spanish Super Cup semi-final.

Before his time at the Mallorca club, Copete developed at Écija Balompié, the youth ranks of Córdoba CF (Córdoba CF 'B'), Villarreal CF (Villarreal CF 'B' and 'C'), SCR Penya Deportiva and SD Ponferradina.

Last Season

In the 2024/25 season, the defender from Seville played 25 matches in LALIGA EA SPORTS, one Copa del Rey match, and the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Real Madrid CF.

A Dream to Play at Mestalla

Since childhood, Copete had dreamed of one day playing at the home of Valencia CF — and now, he will do so wearing the club’s jersey. “I was talking about it once with my father. We were driving and passed by Mestalla, and we said: can you imagine one day playing in LaLiga and in a stadium like Mestalla? Now, I’ll get to enjoy it as a home player.”

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