Borja Valero

Borja Valero closed out a distinguished playing career in 2021, first announcing his retirement from professional football on 30 June, then confirming an unexpected return weeks later with Florence-based, fan-owned amateur club Centro Storico Lebowski. That affectionate final chapter, arriving at age 35, underscored the bond he built with Italian football across nine years in Serie A. Before that, he had rejoined Fiorentina on 16 September 2020, returning to the club where he enjoyed some of his finest seasons. His place in the game’s record books was sealed with a Serie A Team of the Year selection, alongside names like Pirlo, Cavani, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Born on 12 January 1985, the Spanish midfielder came through Real Madrid but never broke into the first team, a setback that shaped a career built on persistence. Spells at Mallorca and in England with West Bromwich Albion followed before Villarreal signed him in 2010. Across five La Liga seasons he compiled 139 appearances and 16 goals, establishing himself as a composed, intelligent presence at the base of midfield.

International recognition arrived early and late. Valero starred for Spain’s under-19 side at the 2004 UEFA European Championship, entering the final against Turkey as an 85th-minute substitute and scoring the only goal two minutes into stoppage time. His senior debut came on 4 June 2011 against the United States in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where he replaced David Silva and assisted Fernando Torres on the final goal. In Italy, he featured in the 2014 Coppa Italia final for Fiorentina, starting despite a knee injury, and later wore the colors of Inter Milan. Today, his experience and football insight make him a compelling voice for broadcast, appearances, and commentary engagements.