Dani Parejo is a Spanish professional footballer known for his role as a central midfielder.
Parejo had a successful stint at Valencia CF from 2011 to 2020, winning the Copa del Rey in 2019.
In 2020, he joined Villarreal CF, continuing his career in La Liga.
Biography
Early Life
Daniel Parejo Muñoz, known as Dani Parejo, was born in Coslada, Community of Madrid, Spain. He joined Real Madrid's youth academy at the age of 14, where he honed his skills as a central midfielder. His early promise was recognized when he was called up to train with the senior team under coach Bernd Schuster during the 2006-07 season, where he made a handful of appearances for Real Madrid Castilla in the Segunda División.
Career
Dani's professional career began with a loan to Queens Park Rangers in 2008, where he made 18 appearances. He returned to Real Madrid in January 2009 but found limited opportunities in the first team. In July 2009, he transferred to Getafe CF, where he began to establish himself as a key player. Over the years, he played for several clubs, including Real Murcia, Valencia CF, and Villarreal CF, showcasing his talent and consistency. At Valencia, he enjoyed significant success, winning the Copa del Rey in the 2018-19 season. In 2020, he joined Villarreal CF, continuing to make an impact in La Liga.
International Career
On the international stage, Parejo represented Spain at various youth levels, including the under-19 team, where he scored the winning goal in the 2007 UEFA European Championship. He later played for the under-21 team and made his senior debut for Spain in 2018, further solidifying his status as a prominent midfielder in Spanish football.
Legacy
Throughout his career, Dani Parejo has been recognized for his contributions on the field, earning spots in the UEFA La Liga Team of the Season for two consecutive years and being part of the UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season in 2021. His journey from a young talent in Madrid to a seasoned professional reflects his dedication and skill in football.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Real Madrid
Born in Coslada, Community of Madrid, Parejo was a product of Real Madrid's youth academy, joining at the age of 14. He was called on several occasions by first-team coach Bernd Schuster to train with the seniors and, during the 2006–07 season, played four games for Real Madrid Castilla in Segunda División. On 4 August 2008, Parejo signed a one-year loan deal with Championship club Queens Park Rangers, and made his debut five days later, coming off the bench in a 2–1 win against Barnsley at Loftus Road, going on to total 18 official appearances. On 17 December, Real Madrid officially recalled the player from his loan effective 1 January 2009, after first-team midfielders Rubén de la Red and Mahamadou Diarra were both out for the campaign with various physical problems. Parejo was given the squad number 17, which had previously been assigned to Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was also out for several months due to a serious injury. He appeared little during the season, his first match being the 4–0 La Liga away victory over Sporting de Gijón on 15 February as he replaced Sergio Ramos for the final ten minutes.
Getafe
In late July 2009, as Esteban Granero was re-bought from Getafe, Parejo went in the opposite direction with Real, as in Granero's case, having a similar option. On 25 March 2010, he scored against his former club after stealing the ball from goalkeeper Iker Casillas, but the hosts lost 4–2. Having to compete for a starting berth in central…
Parejo was named in the Spain under-19 team for the 2007 UEFA European Championship. In the tournament held in Austria, he scored the final winner against Greece (1–0). Parejo was promoted to the under-21 team the following year, appearing in several qualification matches for the 2009 European Championship. He won his first cap for the senior team on 27 March 2018, replacing Thiago Alcântara late into the 6–1 friendly defeat of Argentina.
- Club
- Queens Park Rangers F.C. (2008–2008)
- Club
- Getafe CF (2009–2011)
- Club
- Real Murcia (2008–2009)
- Club
- Valencia CF (2011–2020)
- Club
- Real Madrid Castilla (2006–2008)
- Club
- Spain national under-19 football team (2007–2008)
- Club
- Spain national under-20 football team (2009–2009)
- Club
- Spain national under-21 association football team (2008–2011)
- Club
- Real Madrid Club de Fútbol (2009–2009)
- Club
- Villarreal CF (2020–2026)
- National team
- Spain
Legacy
Valencia
Copa del Rey: 2018–19 Villarreal
UEFA Europa League: 2020–21 Spain U19
UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2007 Spain U20
Mediterranean Games: 2009 Spain U21
UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2011 Individual
UEFA La Liga Team of The Season: 2017–18, 2018–19 UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season: 2020–21
Clubs
- Real Madrid Castilla2006–2008
- Spain national under-19 football team2007–2008
- Queens Park Rangers F.C.2008–2008
- Real Murcia2008–2009
- Spain national under-21 association football team2008–2011
- Getafe CF2009–2011
- Real Madrid Club de Fútbol2009–2009
- Spain national under-20 football team2009–2009
- Valencia CF2011–2020
- Villarreal CF2020–2026
Played together with
Aaron HughesQueens Park Rangers F.C. · 2014–2014
Aarón MartínSpain national under-21 association football team
Aarón ÑíguezSpain national under-19 football team · 2006–2008- Aarón ÑíguezSpain national under-20 football team · 2009–2009
- Aarón ÑíguezSpain national under-21 association football team · 2008–2009
- Aarón ÑíguezValencia CF · 2007–2011
Abdelaziz BarradaGetafe CF · 2011–2013
Abdoulay DiabyGetafe CF · 2020–2021
Abelardo FernándezSpain national under-20 football team · 1990–1990- Abelardo FernándezSpain national under-21 association football team · 1990–1991
- Abner Felipe Souza de AlmeidaReal Madrid Castilla · 2014
Achraf HakimiReal Madrid Castilla · 2016–2017
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Daniel Parejo Muñoz is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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