José Luis Gayà is a professional footballer known for his role as a left-back for Valencia CF, where he also serves as captain.
Gayà began his career as a striker in Valencia's youth system before transitioning to left-back, where he found his true calling.
Gayà earned 34 caps for Spain across all youth levels before making his senior debut in 2018 against Croatia.
Biography
Early Life
José Luis Gayà Peña was born in Pedreguer, Alicante, in the Valencian Community of Spain. He began his football journey in Valencia's youth system, where he initially played as a striker, impressively scoring over 60 goals in a single year. However, he later transitioned to the left-back position, showcasing his versatility and skill on the field.
Career
Gayà made his senior debut with Valencia CF Mestalla at just 16 years old, marking the beginning of a promising career. He quickly progressed to the main squad, making his first official appearance in the Copa del Rey on October 30, 2012. His La Liga debut came on April 27, 2014, against Atlético Madrid. Under the guidance of manager Nuno Espírito Santo, Gayà became a regular starter in the 2014-15 season, scoring his first professional goal in a match against Córdoba. Over the years, he has solidified his role as a key player for Valencia, even taking on the captaincy.
On the international stage, Gayà has represented Spain at various youth levels, earning 34 caps before making his senior debut in 2018. He played a significant role in the UEFA Nations League and was part of the squad for Euro 2020, although he missed the 2022 FIFA World Cup due to injury.
Legacy
Throughout his career, Gayà has been recognized for his contributions to both club and country. He helped Valencia win the Copa del Rey in the 2018-19 season and was a runner-up in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2017. His journey reflects not only his talent but also his resilience and dedication to the sport.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
Born in Pedreguer, Alicante, Valencian Community, Gayà was a product of Valencia's youth system, where he started playing as a striker – scoring over 60 goals in one year – before switching to left-back. He made his senior debut with the reserves when he was not even 17, playing 21 minutes in a 1–0 away win against Andorra in the Segunda División B in what would be his only appearance of the season. On 30 October 2012, Gayà appeared in his first official game with the main squad, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–0 away victory over Llagostera in the round of 32 of the Copa del Rey. He made his first appearance in the UEFA Europa League on 12 December of the following year, in a 1–1 group stage home draw with Kuban Krasnodar. Gayà played his first game in La Liga with the Che on 27 April 2014, starting and finishing the 0–1 home loss against eventual champions Atlético Madrid. On 3 August, he scored the first goal of a 3–1 defeat of Benfica in that year's Emirates Cup. Gayà was made a starter by new manager Nuno Espírito Santo in the 2014–15 campaign. He scored his first goal as a professional and in the Spanish top flight on 25 September 2014, grabbing his team's second in the 3–0 home victory against Córdoba. His second came in the domestic cup on 7 January of the following year, helping to a 2–1 win over Espanyol also at the Mestalla Stadium. On 8 May 2015, he renewed his contract with the club, signing until 2020 with a €50 million buyout clause.
In May 2018, Gayà…
Gayà earned 34 caps for Spain across all youth levels. On 26 May 2015, he was called to the full side for a friendly with Costa Rica and a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match against Belarus, but did not make his debut on either occasion. Gayà played his first match on 11 September 2018, featuring the entire 6–0 home rout of Croatia in the UEFA Nations League. On 3 September 2020, in the same competition, he scored the equalising goal in the 97th minute of a 1–1 away draw against Germany. On 24 May 2021, Gayà was included in Luis Enrique's 24-man squad for Euro 2020. His input for the semi-finalists consisted of 77 minutes in the 5–3 extra time victory over Croatia in Copenhagen. Gayà was called up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In the pre-tournament training camp in Jordan, he suffered a right ankle sprain, and was replaced by Alejandro Balde.
Club
As of match played 22 August 2026
International
Spain score listed first, score column indicates score after each Gayà goal.
- Club
- Valencia CF (2012–)
- Club
- Valencia CF Mestalla (2012–2014)
- Club
- Spain national under-17 association football team (2012–2012)
- Club
- Spain national under-18 football team (2013–2013)
- Club
- Spain national under-19 football team (2013–2014)
- Club
- Spain national under-20 football team (2013–2013)
- Club
- Spain national under-21 association football team (2014–2017)
- Club
- Spain men's national football team (2018–)
- National team
- Spain
Legacy
Valencia
Copa del Rey: 2018–19 Spain U21
UEFA European Under-21 Championship runner-up: 2017
Clubs
- Valencia CF2012current
- Spain men's national football team2018current
- Spain national under-17 association football team2012–2012
- Valencia CF Mestalla2012–2014
- Spain national under-18 football team2013–2013
- Spain national under-19 football team2013–2014
- Spain national under-20 football team2013–2013
- Spain national under-21 association football team2014–2017
Played together with
- Aarón EscandellValencia CF · 2008–2012
Aarón MartínSpain national under-21 association football team
Aarón ÑíguezSpain national under-17 association football team · 2005–2006- 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
- Aarón ÑíguezValencia CF Mestalla · 2006–2007
Abel ResinoSpain men's national football team · 1991–1991
Abelardo FernándezSpain men's national football team · 1991–2001- Abelardo FernándezSpain national under-20 football team · 1990–1990
- Abelardo FernándezSpain national under-21 association football team · 1990–1991
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
José Luis Gayà Peña is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a left-back for La Liga club Valencia, which he captains.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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