FC Goa complete foreign contingent with addition of Marc Valiente
Valiente brings the experience of having played in top divisions in Spain, Belgium, Israel and Serbia
Mumbai, July 27, 2022: FC Goa have completed the signing of defender Marc Valiente, the Club can confirm. Having penned a 1-year deal with the Gaurs, the Spaniard will represent them till the summer of 2023.
Speaking to fcgoa.in following completion of formalities, Valiente said, “I’m really excited to start this new chapter in my career. It’s an opportunity for me to live new experiences.
“Carlos (Pena) was the biggest influence in my decision. He told me everything about his plan as a head coach and also about the club. I also had some chats with Alvaro (Vazquez), having shared the dressing room with both in the past. It was comforting to have him in my team as he is an amazing player and person.
“I think we have to be ambitious and our aim is to be at the top. And I believe we have the squad to be so. I have followed the FC Goa style of football and I absolutely love it. To play this kind of attacking football, a defender has to be concentrating all the time, ready for a counterattack. I love to play this style of football.”
Ravi Puskur, FC Goa’s Director of Football also shared his thoughts on the player. “Marc is a high quality player who comes in with significant playing experience at a very high level throughout his career. He is an ideal fit for our style of football. He’s extremely good with the ball and building out from the back and in our style of play, that is a fundamental requirement of the center backs.
“His off-the-ball awareness, anticipation and judgment will make him an excellent leader of the defensive line and his natural leadership skills will definitely come to the fore as the season progresses. We’re very satisfied to have brought Marc on board.”
A leader
Born in Barcelona, Marc Valiente took his baby steps into football at FC Barcelona. He spent over eight years at their famed academy ‘La Masia’, being club captain for most of its youth sides.
During this stint he played alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Thiago Motta, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Victor Valdes, Sergio Busquets, Pedro and FC Goa head coach Carlos Pena among others.
His first team debut happened in November 2006, when Barca took on CF Badalona in the Copa del Rey. During this period, he was also playing regularly in the Segunda Division (second tier of Spanish football) with Barcelona B.
In 2008, the centre-back moved to Sevilla and played for their B team in Segunda B (Spanish third tier) in his first season with them. Soon, the first team came calling for him and he made his LaLiga debut on November 21, 2009 in 2-1 win over CD Tenerife.
Sevilla also gave Valiente his first taste of club silverware, with him winning the Copa del Rey 2009-10 title with them.
The same year, he reunited with Carlos Pena at Real Valladolid. The duo played together at the club for five seasons, also earning a promotion from the Segunda Division to LaLiga in their second year together.
Stints at Maccabi Haifa (Israel), KAS Eupen (Belgium) and Partizan Belgrade (Serbia) followed for Valiente, who also lifted the Israel State Cup (with Maccabi) and the Serbian Cup (with Partizan) in the process. In 2019, he returned to Spain and signed with Sporting Gijon.
Having clocked close to 5000 minutes in LaLiga, Marc Valiente is an experienced defender who has performed consistently well in the Spanish top-flight. He was a part of the Real Valladolid side that famously beat Barcelona and drew against Real Madrid in the 2013-14 season, and has played 438 matches overall in his 16-year-old senior club career.
The 35-year-old is also a former Spain junior international, having won the UEFA U19 EURO in 2006 with his country.
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…