José Luis Gayà has marked an important milestone in the history of Valencia CF by reaching his 350th LaLiga game for the club. The black and white captain achieved the number of games to start the season with a victory over Athletic Club at the Mestalla, leaving him just one game away from equaling David Albelda, who holds third place on the list of players with the most games in the club's top category.
Born in Pedreguer, Alicante, Gayà made his debut in the First Division on April 27, 2014, when Valencia faced Atlético de Madrid in their own stadium. His first official match with the first team was two years earlier, on October 30, 2012, in a Copa del Rey against UE Llagostera. Since then, the left back has established himself as one of the pillars of the team, showing leadership and consistency both in defense and in play creation.
With 415 official matches under his name, Gayà occupies seventh position in the historical table of most featured players in the club. In the League, his figure of 350 games places him behind only three legends: Fernando Gómez Colomer with 420, Ricardo Arias with 377 and, finally, David Albelda with 351. The captain's next goal is to surpass Albelda, which could happen on the next day if he starts again or if he receives minutes on the field.
Gayà's achievement not only reflects his longevity and commitment, but also the continuity of a generation of players who have marked Valencia's identity in the last decade. His presence in the locker room and on the field continues to be a reference for the youngest players and a symbol of stability in a club that has undergone significant changes in its squad.
With the season still underway, Valencia CF and its fans hope that the captain continues his streak of games, getting closer to Albelda's historic number. The next match will be crucial to determine if Gayà manages to equal or even surpass the record, establishing himself as one of the most emblematic players in the club's history.