Valence CF: the Puma shirts of the Che

The Valencia CF, from 1919 to the titles of 2002 and 2004

Founded in March 1919 and officially registered on March 18, Valencia Club de Fútbol moved to Mestalla in 1923, where it still plays today. Its trophy cabinet includes six titles of champion of Spain: three in the 1940s, one in 1971, and then two in the early 2000s, in 2002 and 2004. In that last year, the club achieved a historic double with the UEFA Cup. On the European stage, it had already lifted the Cup Winners' Cup in 1980 and then played in two consecutive Champions League finals, in 2000 and 2001.

Other great Liga clubs

To compare with other Spanish clubs, the page Real Madrid showcases the kits of the most decorated club in the country, the page for FC Barcelona features the blaugrana outfits, and the page Atlético Madrid displays those of the Colchoneros. The entire Spanish league is gathered on the page Liga.

The bat and white, emblems of the Valencia club

The club's badge features a bat, the rat penat, borrowed from the city's coat of arms of Valencia. The most common legend links it to the siege of the city by King James I of Aragon, who supposedly placed it on his helmet and then on the royal shield. The design of the badge adopted in the early 1920s already combines the bat and the Valencian senyera, and the club modernised it for its centenary. In terms of kit, the white shirt paired with black shorts is the club's signature, the one that supporters recognise at the first glance in the stands of Mestalla.

Puma, supplier for Valencia since 2019

Puma took over from another supplier in the summer of 2019 to outfit the club as part of a long-term partnership, which also makes it the official technical sponsor. The home shirt remains white, while the away and third shirts change in colour and pattern every year: that’s why supporters often look for a model by its shade, be it black, orange, or pink. The supporter version of Puma, cut straight in a breathable fabric that wicks away sweat, is suitable for both the stands and a five with friends on Thursday nights.

When to splurge on a Valencia CF shirt

For a Che shirt, Black Friday is the first major event to keep an eye on in the club promos, followed by the end-of-year holidays, perfect for gifting the white of Mestalla. The winter sales accompany the return phase of La Liga, then the French Days in spring and the summer sales prepare for the change of kit. When training resumes, the clearance sale allows fans to find a third shirt or an away shirt from a past year.

Frequently asked questions

Why are the supporters of Valencia called Che?

Che is a typical interjection in Valencian speech, the equivalent of a "hey" thrown to a friend. It has become the nickname for the club's supporters and players, commonly referred to as los Che in Spain.

Valencia CF or Valencia CF, what is the club's real name?

The official name is Valencia Club de Fútbol, and the badge features the initials VCF. In French, people commonly refer to it as Valencia CF, after the name of the city, but the shirts keep the Spanish name.

Does the Puma shirt from Valencia run small?

The supporter version follows a regular cut: your usual size will be fine. If you prefer a looser fit or plan to wear it over warm layers in winter, opt for the next size up.

What’s the difference between the home shirt and the third shirt of Valencia?

The home shirt is white, the club's historic colour, and is worn at Mestalla. The third is an alternative shirt that the supplier redesigns every year, and the club uses it when its two other kits clash with the opponent's.

How can I prevent the white shirt of Valencia from yellowing?

Wash it inside out with whites only, at 30 degrees, without bleach that damages polyester and the flocking. Let it dry in the shade: direct sunlight will eventually yellow synthetic fibres.