The Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero is far more than a football ground. It is a cultural landmark of Elche, a witness to historic football moments, and a symbol of regional pride in the Valencian Community of Spain. Over the years, the stadium’s name has also generated confusion online, with people searching for biographical details—such as age, net worth, marriage, children, or business relations—as if the stadium itself were a person.
This long-form article clears up those misunderstandings while offering a deep, structured exploration of the stadium, the man it is named after, and its place in Spanish football history.
What Is Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero?
Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero is a large football stadium located in Elche, Alicante, Spain. It is the official home ground of Elche CF, a club with a long-standing presence in Spanish professional football.
Opened in 1976, the stadium was built to replace Elche’s older ground and to reflect the club’s growing ambitions. With a seating capacity of over 31,000 spectators, it is one of the largest stadiums in the Valencian Community and ranks among Spain’s notable football venues outside the major metropolitan giants like Madrid and Barcelona.
The stadium is known for:
- Its expansive bowl-style architecture
- Excellent sightlines from most seats
- A strong home atmosphere generated by Elche CF supporters
- Hosting domestic, international, and historic football matches
Who Is Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero? (Clarifying the Question)
A very common search phrase—“who is estadio manuel martínez valero”—is technically incorrect. A stadium is not a person. However, the venue is named after Manuel Martínez Valero, an influential former president of Elche CF.
The stadium’s name is an honorific, recognizing Manuel Martínez Valero’s leadership and contributions to the club during a crucial period of its development. Originally, the ground was known simply as Nuevo Estadio del Elche C.F., but in 1988 it was officially renamed to commemorate his role in the club’s history.
Manuel Martínez Valero: The Man Behind the Name
Manuel Martínez Valero was not a celebrity in the modern sense, nor a globally known businessman. He was a football administrator whose influence was primarily local and sporting rather than public-facing or commercial.
Key Points About Manuel Martínez Valero
- Former president of Elche CF
- Instrumental in the club’s institutional growth
- Honored by naming the stadium after him
- Not a public figure with extensive biographical documentation
Because of this, details such as net worth, marital status, children, or personal business ventures are not publicly recorded in reliable sources. This absence of data has often led to speculation or misinformation online.
Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero Age
When people ask for the age of Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, they are referring to the stadium’s operational age.
- Opened: 8 September 1976
- Current Age: 49 years old (as of 2025)
Despite its age, the stadium remains structurally relevant due to maintenance, upgrades, and periodic renovations that ensure compliance with modern football standards.
Architecture and Design
The stadium was designed with scale in mind. At the time of its construction, its size was ambitious for a city like Elche. The architect prioritized:
- A continuous seating bowl for improved acoustics
- Large pitch dimensions
- Clear spectator views with minimal obstructions
The result is a ground that feels imposing yet functional, capable of hosting not only league matches but also major international fixtures.
Historic Matches and Global Recognition
One of the reasons Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero is recognized beyond Spain is its role in the 1982 FIFA World Cup.
1982 World Cup Legacy
The stadium hosted several World Cup matches, including one of the most famous results in tournament history:
- Hungary 10–1 El Salvador
This remains the largest margin of victory ever recorded in a FIFA World Cup finals match, forever cementing the stadium’s place in global football history.
Domestic Finals and International Fixtures
In addition to the World Cup, the stadium has hosted:
- Copa del Rey finals
- Spain national team matches
- Promotion and relegation deciders in La Liga and Segunda División
Its capacity and infrastructure make it a frequent choice when a neutral, large-scale venue is required.
Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero Net Worth (Explained Properly)
A stadium does not have a “net worth” in the way an individual or corporation does. However, people often search for this term due to SEO trends or confusion.
How Stadium Value Is Typically Measured
- Asset valuation on a club’s balance sheet
- Replacement or construction cost
- Revenue-generating potential (tickets, events, sponsorships)
Elche CF does not publicly disclose a standalone market valuation for the stadium. Therefore, any numeric “net worth” figures found online should be treated with skepticism unless sourced from official financial disclosures.
Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero Relations
Another frequently searched phrase—“estadio manuel martínez valero relations”—usually refers to perceived personal or business connections. In reality:
- The stadium is owned and operated by Elche CF
- Its naming is purely honorary
- There are no documented family or corporate “relations” associated with the stadium itself
Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero and David Martínez Businessman (The Confusion)
Some online searches link Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero with “David Martinez businessman.” This connection is not factual.
There are several businessmen named David Martínez across different countries, particularly in finance, real estate, and private equity. However:
- There is no verified business relationship between any well-known businessman named David Martínez and Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero
- There is no ownership, sponsorship, or naming-rights connection documented
- The similarity in names is coincidental
This is a classic case of keyword overlap causing misinformation.
Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero Married To & Kids (Addressing the Myth)
These searches stem from treating the stadium as a human subject. To be absolutely clear:
- A stadium cannot be married
- A stadium cannot have children
As for Manuel Martínez Valero (the person):
- There is no public record of his spouse or children
- He lived a largely private life outside football administration
- Modern celebrity-style biographical data does not exist for him
Role in Elche’s Cultural Identity
Beyond football, the stadium is part of Elche’s cultural fabric. On matchdays, it becomes a focal point for the city, bringing together families, long-time supporters, and new generations of fans.
For locals, “going to the Martínez Valero” is not just about sport—it is a social ritual tied to identity, memory, and pride.
Modern Relevance in Spanish Football
Even in an era of ultra-modern stadiums, Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero remains relevant due to:
- Its capacity
- Its historical prestige
- Its adaptability to modern broadcasting and safety standards
It continues to play a central role whenever Elche CF competes in Spain’s top tiers.
Why the Name Still Matters
Naming the stadium after Manuel Martínez Valero ensures that his contribution to Elche CF is not forgotten. While his personal life remains largely undocumented, his professional legacy is permanently embedded in Spanish football infrastructure.
This is a reminder that not all influential figures are global celebrities—some are remembered through institutions they helped build.
Final Thoughts
Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero is a living monument: to football, to community, and to leadership behind the scenes. Misconceptions about age, net worth, business ties, marriage, or children arise from misunderstanding the nature of a stadium’s name. Once those myths are cleared away, what remains is a powerful story of sporting heritage and regional pride.
As football continues to evolve, the Martínez Valero stands as proof that history and relevance can coexist—especially when a stadium carries not just a name, but a legacy.
This in-depth guide is proudly prepared for readers of moviesmod, where sports history and cultural context meet clarity and accuracy.