Daniel Parejo

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Parejo's journey to becoming a Villarreal icon began far from the club, starting in Coslada as a Real Madrid youth product. After loan spells at Queens Park Rangers in England and a solid period at Getafe, he arrived at Valencia in June 2011 for €6 million. There, he evolved from a squad member to captain, leading them to the 2019 Copa del Rey title after defeating FC Barcelona 2–1 in the final. In August 2020, seeking a fresh challenge, Parejo moved to local rivals Villarreal on a free transfer alongside Francis Coquelin, who also joined on a free transfer. This move sparked fury among Valencia fans, but it marked the beginning of a new chapter. At the Estadio de la Cerámica, he immediately delivered his most significant European trophy, winning the 2020–21 UEFA Europa League. In the final against Manchester United, Gerard Moreno's goal was set up by a cross from Juan Foyth, and Parejo confidently scored his penalty in the 11–10 shootout victory.

In Their Own Story

The defining moment of Parejo's time at Villarreal arrived on a night of high drama in the 2021 Europa League final. Facing Manchester United, the match ended 1–1 after extra time, forcing a penalty shootout. With pressure mounting, Parejo stepped up to take one of the decisive kicks, converting his attempt as Villarreal emerged victorious with an 11–10 scoreline. Earlier in that same final, he demonstrated his technical precision by delivering the free kick that found Gerard Moreno for the club's equalizing goal. His leadership was undeniable; he had previously captained Valencia through turbulent times, including a historic 5–1 victory over RC Celta de Vigo on 7 November 2015 where he scored twice. Although stripped of the captaincy briefly in January following a poor run of form under Gary Neville, he was reinstated by Marcelino García Toral ahead of the 2017–18 campaign. After six years and 270 official matches for Villarreal, Parejo announced on 21 May 2026 that he would leave at the end of the season.

Reader's Guide

To understand Daniel Parejo's impact at Villarreal CF, one must look at his immediate contribution to European glory. Signed in August 2020, he became a key component of the squad that won the UEFA Europa League in his first season. His role was not merely functional; he was the engine room, orchestrating play and taking responsibility in high-stakes moments like the penalty shootout against Manchester United. His career statistics reflect this consistency: 270 appearances across all competitions for the club. Parejo also brought valuable experience from his time at Valencia, where he won the Copa del Rey in May 2019 and became one of the few midfielders to score ten or more goals in a single La Liga season (12 in 2014–15). His international career adds another layer to his profile; after earning 43 caps across youth levels, he made his senior debut for Spain on 27 March 2018, replacing Thiago Alcântara late in a friendly against Argentina. Fans looking at his legacy see a player who mastered the art of game management and delivered when it mattered most.

Did You Know?

• Parejo made his senior debut for Spain at age 28 on 27 March 2018, replacing Thiago Alcântara in a 6–1 friendly win over Argentina.
• During the 2021 Europa League final against Manchester United, Parejo scored his penalty in the 11–10 shootout victory.
• He won his first senior trophy with Valencia by lifting the Copa del Rey on 25 May 2019 after a 2–1 defeat of FC Barcelona.
• Before joining Villarreal, Parejo was loaned to English club Queens Park Rangers in August 2008, making 18 official appearances before being recalled in January 2009.