Alberto Pla, the forward who won promotion to the First Division and lifted the 1954 Copa

In 1950, a young Pla joined the Valencia CF reserve team from Rayo Vallecano. The forward, born on 7 May 1932 in Elda, won promotion to the First Division and lifted the 1954 Copa after defeating FC Barcelona by three goals to nil.

With the first team, he made his debut in a friendly against Torino FC in June 1953, although his involvement with Valencia CF increased from the following season: 1953-1954. Alberto was a teammate of legends such as Puchades, Mañó and Sócrates. Pla accumulated 54 appearances (from the 1953-1954 to the 1956-1957 season) with the first team, scoring 24 goals and providing 5 assists. After his time with the Valencia-based side, he played for Real Sporting de Gijón, CD Castellón and CF Gandía.

At the age of 93, on 10 January 2026, the former Valencia CF player passed away.