Roberto Soldado

Lore & Background

Soldado's time at Villarreal was defined by both brilliance and adversity. After arriving in August 2015, he quickly demonstrated his class, though he did not score on his debut against Real Betis. He later secured a famous victory over Real Madrid. The atmosphere at El Madrigal was electric when he scored that solitary goal against the Spanish giants on 13 December 2015, silencing the crowd of his former employers. However, his tenure faced a severe turning point in pre-season for the 2016–17 campaign when he contracted an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee. This devastating blow caused him to miss the vast majority of that season, interrupting what could have been another dominant spell. Despite this setback, his contributions during his initial months remain a notable chapter in Villarreal's recent narrative, showcasing his ability to perform on the biggest stages against top-tier opposition.

In Their Own Story

The night of 13 December 2015 stands out vividly in Soldado's Villarreal journey. Standing at the Estadio El Madrigal, he faced a team he had once represented with distinction: Real Madrid. The pressure was immense, but Soldado rose to the occasion, netting the game's only goal to secure a precious victory for the Yellow Submarine. Just weeks earlier, on 14 August, he had made his mark by scoring in his debut match against Real Betis, though the joy was tempered as he retired injured midway through the second half. His resilience was tested again when an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his right knee struck during pre-season, sidelining him for almost the entire 2016–17 season. These moments of triumph and tragedy weave together a story of a striker who arrived with high hopes, delivered instant results against rivals, but faced physical challenges that ultimately defined the remainder of his stint.

Reader's Guide

Roberto Soldado joined Villarreal on 14 August 2015, bringing with him a wealth of experience from Valencia and Tottenham. His arrival was confirmed by a reported £10 million transfer fee for a three-year contract. Fans witnessed his immediate effectiveness when he scored in his first appearance against Real Betis, even as an injury cut short his playing time that day. A highlight of his early period came on 13 December 2015, where he scored the decisive goal in a win over Real Madrid at El Madrigal. However, supporters must also remember the harsh reality of his departure from peak form; in pre-season for 2016–17, he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his right knee that caused him to miss the vast majority of the campaign. This injury significantly altered the trajectory of his second spell with the club, limiting his on-pitch contributions compared to his initial impact.

Did You Know?

• Soldado did not score in his very first appearance for Villarreal; his debut was on 23 August 2015 against Real Betis, and he did not score in that match.
• He scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory over his former club Real Madrid at the Estadio El Madrigal on 13 December 2015.
• Soldado missed the vast majority of the 2016–17 season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee contracted in pre-season.
• He retired from professional football at the age of 38 on 3 August 2023 after a career spanning multiple Spanish and international clubs.