Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero: History, Identity, Legacy, and the Myths Around the Name.

The Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero is one of Spain’s most iconic football stadiums, deeply rooted in the sporting, cultural, and social identity of the city of Elche. Over the decades, it has hosted historic matches, international tournaments, and unforgettable moments for fans of Elche CF and Spanish football at large.

However, the stadium’s name has also generated confusion online. Search queries such as “who is estadio manuel martínez valero,” “estadio manuel martínez valero age,” “net worth,” “married to,” “kids,” or even links to businessmen like David Martinez often blur the line between a sports venue and a human biography.

This long-form article clarifies facts, corrects misconceptions, and presents a complete, authoritative profile of Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, while also explaining who Manuel Martínez Valero was and what is (and is not) publicly known about him.

What Is Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero?

The Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero is a professional football stadium located in Elche, in Spain’s Valencian Community. It is the official home ground of Elche CF, a club with a proud history in Spanish football.

Opened in 1976, the stadium is known for its large capacity, distinctive bowl-style architecture, and intense matchday atmosphere. It remains one of the biggest stadiums in the region and among the most historically significant outside Spain’s major metropolitan centers.

Location, Architecture, and Capacity

Situated on the outskirts of Elche, the stadium was designed to accommodate a growing fan base during a period when Elche CF was competing at high levels in Spanish football.

• Location: Elche, Alicante Province, Spain
• Opened: 8 September 1976
• Architect: Juan Boix Matarredona
• Seating capacity: Approximately 31,000–33,000 (depending on configuration)

Its design emphasizes visibility and atmosphere, with steep stands that keep fans close to the pitch. Over the years, the stadium has undergone several renovations to improve safety, seating, media facilities, and player amenities while retaining its classic identity.

Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero Age

A common question online is: “What is the age of Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero?”

As of 2025, the stadium is 49 years old. Despite its age, it continues to meet professional football standards and regularly hosts top-tier league matches, international fixtures, and large-scale events. Its longevity is a testament to solid engineering and consistent maintenance.

Who Was Manuel Martínez Valero?

The stadium is named after Manuel Martínez Valero, a former president of Elche CF.

Manuel Martínez Valero was not a footballer or public celebrity but a key club administrator and leader. The decision to name the stadium after him was an honor recognizing his contribution to Elche CF’s growth and stability during a crucial era.

Important Clarification

Manuel Martínez Valero:

• Was not a modern businessman celebrity
• Was not a media personality
• Has no widely published personal biography

Most available records focus strictly on his role in football administration.

Why the Stadium Was Renamed

Originally called Nuevo Estadio del Elche C.F., the venue was renamed Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero in 1988. This symbolic move reflected respect and gratitude from the club and the local community for Martínez Valero’s service.

Such naming traditions are common in football culture, where stadiums honor presidents, founders, or individuals who played pivotal roles behind the scenes.

Net Worth: Stadium vs. Person

One of the most misunderstood search phrases is “estadio manuel martínez valero net worth.”

Stadium Net Worth

Football stadiums generally do not have publicly disclosed “net worth” figures like individuals. Their value depends on:

• Land and infrastructure
• Club ownership structure
• Accounting disclosures (not public in most cases)

No official market valuation of the stadium is publicly available.

Manuel Martínez Valero Net Worth

There is no public data on the personal net worth of Manuel Martínez Valero. Unlike modern football executives or billionaires, he lived in an era when financial transparency and media profiling were minimal.

Relations, Marriage, and Kids: Setting the Record Straight

Searches such as:

• “estadio manuel martínez valero relations”
• “married to”
• “kids”

are based on a category mistake.

Key Fact

👉 Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero is a stadium, not a person.

As for Manuel Martínez Valero himself:

• There are no reliable public records confirming details about his marriage or children
• Spanish sports history sources focus exclusively on his professional role, not his private life

Any claims online about his spouse or children are unverified speculation.

Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero and David Martinez Businessman

Another modern misconception links the stadium to a businessman named David Martinez. This is incorrect.

There is:

• No ownership link
• No sponsorship naming deal
• No historical business partnership

between Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero and any globally known businessman named David Martinez. This confusion likely arises from SEO-driven keyword overlap rather than factual connection.

Historic Matches and Global Recognition

The stadium gained worldwide fame during the 1982 FIFA World Cup, hosting several matches—including one of the most famous games in World Cup history:

Hungary 10–1 El Salvador, the largest margin of victory ever recorded in the tournament.

Beyond the World Cup, the stadium has hosted:

• Copa del Rey fixtures and finals
• Spain national team matches
• Promotion and relegation deciders
• High-attendance league matches

Role in Elche CF’s Identity

For Elche CF supporters, the stadium is more than concrete and seats—it is an emotional landmark. Generations of fans associate major life moments with matches played here, from first childhood games to historic promotions.

The stadium’s atmosphere is known for:

• Passionate local support
• Intimidating acoustics for visiting teams
• A strong sense of community identity

Cultural and Social Importance

Beyond football, Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero has served as:

• A large-scale event venue
• A symbol of civic pride
• A landmark visible from key city routes

It reflects Elche’s growth from a regional town into a city with national sporting recognition.

Why the Name Still Matters Today

In an era when stadium names are often sold to corporations, Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero stands out as a reminder of heritage-based naming. The name preserves local football history and honors service rather than sponsorship money.

This tradition strengthens emotional ties between the club, the city, and its supporters.

Final Thoughts

The Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero is not a celebrity, businessman, or influencer—it is a historic football stadium named after a respected club president. While modern search trends attempt to turn it into a biographical subject, the true story lies in football heritage, community pride, and nearly five decades of sporting memories.

Understanding the difference between a place and a person allows fans and readers to appreciate the stadium for what it truly represents: one of Spain’s enduring football landmarks.

This article is proudly written for readers of fanzineblog, celebrating football culture with clarity, accuracy, and respect for history.