BIOGRAPHY: Rubén Baraja

New Valencia CF coach Rubén Baraja is a club legend from his playing days. In his long career at Mestalla, he won two LaLiga titles (2001/02 and 2003/04), the UEFA Cup, the European Supercup and the Copa del Rey. He is one of the players with the most silverware won in their time at Valencia CF.

Born in Valladolid on July 11th, 1975, Baraja came up through the youth system at Real Valladolid, with whom he debuted in LaLiga. He went on to play for Atletico Madrid, before joining Valencia CF in the summer of 1999.
In addition to his trophies won with the club, he was also capped by Spain on 43 occasions, playing in the 2002 World Cup and 2004 European Championship.

Following his retirement, Baraja was assistant to Gregorio Manzano at Atletico Madrid, returning to Valencia CF to coach the Juvenil A side. He led them to the División de Honor Juvenil title, and would coach VCF Mestalla in a interim role for a single game.

In professional football, he began his managerial career at Elche CF and has also coached Rayo Vallecano, Sporting Gijón, CD Tenerife and Real Zaragoza.