Five things you might not know about Elche CF, the newest LaLiga EA Sports team

The Franjiverde side have sealed their return to the top flight of Spanish football after a strong season in LaLiga Hypermotion. They join Levante UD in claiming the two automatic promotion spots.

Elche CF secured their long-awaited promotion on the final matchday, convincingly defeating RC Deportivo. The Ilicitano team returns to a division where they’ve spent a large part of their history: the 2025/26 season will be their 25th in LaLiga EA Sports.

To better understand the newest member of the elite, here are five things you might not know about the Franjiverde club.

THE CAVE AND THE SASH

Elche CF was born from the union of several clubs in the city. According to tradition, this agreement was reached in a meeting held in a cave used by a pyrotechnics company to store gunpowder. Thus, a new club was formed—one that originally wore all-white kits.

But in 1926, Czech coach Anton Fivebr introduced a green horizontal sash across the chest to distinguish Elche CF from other teams. This decision gave rise to one of the most iconic kits in LaLiga.

A CENTENARY CLUB

Founded in 1923, Elche CF is one of Spanish football’s most historic clubs. Next season will mark their 25th campaign in LaLiga EA Sports. Their golden era came in the 1960s, notably finishing fifth in the 1963/64 season—their highest placement to date.

MARTÍNEZ VALERO STADIUM, A FOOTBALLING TEMPLE AND WORLD CUP VENUE

Opened in 1976, the Manuel Martínez Valero Stadium is one of Spain’s most iconic grounds. The opening match featured Elche CF and the Mexican national team, ending in an entertaining 3-3 draw that thrilled the entire city.

With a capacity of over 31 000, it has hosted major events, including matches from the 1982 Fifa World Cup. Notably, it was the venue for the biggest win in World Cup history: Hungary’s 10-1 victory over El Salvador.

THE 2013 PROMOTION, A SEASON TO REMEMBER

Elche CF delivered one of the most dominant campaigns in recent LaLiga Hypermotion history during the 2012/13 season. Under coach Fran Escribá, the team secured promotion with several games to spare, having led the standings from Matchday 1. That squad is still fondly remembered by Franjiverde fans.

LEGENDARY PLAYERS WHO WORE THE SHIRT

Throughout their history, Elche CF has boasted standout talents like Marcelo Trobbiani, Nino—still the club’s all-time top scorer—and more recently, Edgar Badía and Fidel Chaves, key figures in recent seasons. The club’s legacy is defined by players who left their mark both on and off the pitch.

Interestingly, two of Elche’s most famous fans—Saúl Ñíguez and David de Gea—never played for the club but have shown their loyalty over the years.