Vicente Rodríguez

Levante

A Valencia CF supporter since childhood, Valencia-born Vicente started his professional career in the community with Segunda División side Levante UD, making his professional debut on 23 November 1997 against CD Leganés aged only 16. He immediately attracted attention of leading teams like Arsenal, Valencia CF and Real Madrid but, eventually, Valencia (and its sporting director Javier Subirats) convinced the youngster to sign for the club.

Valencia

Vicente joined Valencia in the summer of 2000. Initially, his favoured position of left winger was occupied by Argentine Kily González but, despite serious contention for a first-team place, he still managed to net five goals in 33 La Liga matches, adding 13 appearances in that season's UEFA Champions League although he was left on the bench for the final against FC Bayern Munich. The arrival of Rafael Benítez as coach in 2001–02 would mark Vicente's opportunity to prove himself, and his progress coincided with the club's first league title in 31 years. While appearing in fewer games (31) he was already first-choice, and produced similar numbers the following campaign, his only goal coming in a 3–0 home win over Recreativo de Huelva. 2003–04 was Vicente's finest season as his efforts propelled the Che to their second league under Benítez, adding two goals in seven matches in the team's victorious run in the UEFA Cup, including one in the final where he also assisted Mista in the second (the pair combined…

Vicente made his debut for Spain in a friendly against France on 28 March 2001, replacing Pedro Munitis in the 72nd minute of a 2–1 win at Mestalla. He was overlooked for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by South Korea and Japan. Vicente appeared in his only international tournament at UEFA Euro 2004 in Portugal, playing three complete group-stage matches.

Club

International

Scores and results list Spain's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Vicente goal.

Valencia

La Liga: 2001–02, 2003–04 Copa del Rey: 2007–08 UEFA Cup: 2003–04 UEFA Super Cup: 2004 Individual

Don Balón Award: 2003–04