Diego López: “I hope they enjoy the Valencia CF Academy World Cup”

The IV Valencia CF Academy World Cup begins the countdown with two months to go before U12 players from the VCF Academy Programs in America, Asia, and Europe return to the Valencia CF Training Ground.

“I hope you all really enjoy the Valencia CF Academy World Cup,” says Diego López, ambassador of the tournament’s fourth edition. “I’ve been in great academies, like the VCF Academy, and I’ve had the chance to play in big tournaments. I encourage you to have fun and enjoy it, because these are experiences that don’t come around often,” the Asturian striker adds.

Diego López reached the first team after completing his development with VCF Mestalla, where he played for two seasons before establishing himself in professional football.

“The VCF Academy is extremely well-run from the youth levels, with top coaches and staff who help you every day to reach the top level. Hard work eventually pays off,” says the forward, who in the 2024/25 season has already scored 7 goals in LaLiga and was named LaLiga’s Best U23 Player in March.

Last summer, Diego López won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics with the Spanish national team. This June, he hopes to win the UEFA U21 European Championship.

“I hope to be in Slovakia playing in the Euros, alongside all my teammates from the VCF Academy—there were four of us called up last time, the most from any single club. From there, I’ll be following the Valencia CF Academy World Cup closely, and I send you all my support, a big greeting, and a huge hug.”

Over the course of a week, teams from the VCF Academy Programs in America, Asia, and Europe will enjoy a unique experience in Valencia, named one of the best cities in the world to live in by Forbes magazine. They’ll immerse themselves in football at the VCF Academy, ranked 4th best in Europe for developing players who go on to compete at the elite level, according to the CIES Football Observatory.

The goal of this IV Valencia CF Academy World Cup is to maintain the high level of satisfaction among players, coaches, families, and guests who have taken part in past editions. The tournament is now fully established in the calendar of the VCF Academy Programs and also serves as a multicultural week of bonding and friendship between teams and countries.

The VCF Academy World Cup is part of the broader VCF Academy Programs, which, along with the VCF Academies across America, Asia, and Europe, VCF Camps held worldwide, Training Experiences at the Ciutat Esportiva, and many other activities, help strengthen the global image of the Club.

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