Valencia have long punched above their weight in Spain and Europe, reaching two Champions League finals and producing a stream of stars. These are the ten greatest of Los Che.

1. 1

   Mario Kempes

   Valencia · Argentina

   A 1978 World Cup hero and a prolific, thrilling striker at his peak in Spain.

2. 2

   David Villa

   Valencia · Spain

   A clinical, complete forward and one of the club’s greatest goalscorers.

3. 3

   David Silva

   Valencia · Spain

   A homegrown playmaker of sublime touch who emerged as a world-class talent.

4. 4

   Gaizka Mendieta

   Valencia · Spain

   The captain and driving force of the back-to-back Champions League finalists.

5. 5

   Santiago Cañizares

   Valencia · Spain

   A superb goalkeeper at the heart of the club’s finest modern era.

6. 6

   Fernando Gómez

   Valencia · Spain

   A one-club legend and the club’s record appearance-maker and long-time top scorer.

7. 7

   Pablo Aimar

   Valencia · Argentina

   A beloved playmaker of grace and imagination in the title-winning sides.

8. 8

   Roberto Ayala

   Valencia · Argentina

   A commanding, world-class central defender and captain.

9. 9

   Claudio López

   Valencia · Argentina

   El Piojo, a rapid and prolific forward of the late 1990s.

10. 10

    David Albelda

    Valencia · Spain

    A one-club holding midfielder and captain across the club’s trophy-winning years.

A LeaguePaper editorial ranking — opinion, offered for argument.