Villarreal CF, affectionately known as "El Submarino Amarillo" or "The Yellow Submarine," has long been a club that punches above its weight in Spanish and European football. Despite not having the same financial resources as La Liga giants, Villarreal has consistently built competitive squads filled with technically gifted, tactically intelligent, and exceptionally effective goal-scorers. Throughout its history, the club has produced or nurtured some of the most prolific and dynamic attackers in Spanish football. In this article, Win Tips explores the top 7 Villarreal best players with incredible goal-scoring skills, celebrating their contributions, unique qualities, and the lasting impact they had on the club.
Top 7 Villarreal best players with incredible goal-scoring skills
The list below will be the top 7 Villarreal best players of all time who have made significant contributions:
7. Nilmar
The Brazilian forward Nilmar brought flair, speed, and creativity to Villarreal’s frontline between 2009 and 2012. Known for his silky dribbling, explosive acceleration, and instinctive finishing, Nilmar was a constant threat to opposition defenses. He scored 34 goals in 116 appearances for Villarreal, often producing moments of pure individual brilliance.
Nilmar’s incredible goal-scoring skills were characterized by his composure under pressure and ability to create goals out of seemingly impossible situations. Whether it was a delicate chip over the goalkeeper or a slaloming run through defenders, Nilmar had a knack for the spectacular. His partnership with Giuseppe Rossi created one of the most dynamic and entertaining attacking duos Villarreal fans had ever witnessed.
6. Juan Román Riquelme
While not a traditional striker, Juan Román Riquelme’s contribution to Villarreal’s goal-scoring prowess cannot be overstated. The Argentine playmaker was the heartbeat of Villarreal’s attack during his time at the club from 2003 to 2007. Riquelme’s vision, passing range, and ability to orchestrate attacks made him the architect behind many of Villarreal’s most iconic goals.
Moreover, Riquelme was a master at scoring himself. His set-piece proficiency, calmness under pressure, and ability to produce moments of magic made him an essential source of goals. During Villarreal’s incredible run to the 2005–06 UEFA Champions League semi-finals, Riquelme’s performances were instrumental. His incredible goal-scoring skills may have been more subtle than those of traditional strikers, but they were equally vital. Riquelme turned Villarreal into a team that played with style, sophistication, and an eye for the spectacular.
5. Luciano Vietto
Luciano Vietto's time at Villarreal was brief but electrifying. Joining Racing Club in Argentina, Vietto had a phenomenal 2014–15 season, scoring 20 goals across all competitions. His youthful exuberance, quick feet, and deadly finishing made him a nightmare for defenders. Vietto’s partnership with experienced players like Bruno Soriano and Denis Suárez allowed him to flourish in a system that maximized his movement and opportunistic goal-scoring instincts.
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Vietto’s highlight at Villarreal was perhaps his stunning performance against Atlético Madrid, where he scored a memorable winning goal at the Vicente Calderón Stadium. His incredible goal-scoring skills, marked by composure, creativity, and sharp anticipation, briefly placed him among the most sought-after young forwards in Europe. Although he moved to Atlético Madrid after just one season, his impact at Villarreal was significant and unforgettable.
4. Joséba Llorente
Though his stay at Villarreal was relatively short, Joséba Llorente’s impact was undeniable. Signed from Real Valladolid in 2008, Llorente brought a different dimension to Villarreal’s attack with his physicality, aerial prowess, and instinctive goal-scoring abilities. In his debut season, he netted 12 goals in La Liga and played a key role in Villarreal’s strong European campaigns.
Llorente was renowned for his directness and ability to score critical goals in tight matches. His hat-trick against Aalborg BK in the UEFA Champions League remains one of Villarreal's most iconic European performances. While not as technically flashy as some of his peers, Llorente’s sheer determination, powerful headers, and clinical finishing made him one of Villarreal’s most effective forwards during his tenure.
3. Gerard Moreno
Gerard Moreno symbolizes the modern Villarreal spirit: hardworking, technically polished, and relentless in front of the goal. Returning to Villarreal from Espanyol in 2018, Gerard rapidly became the focal point of the team’s attack. His movement off the ball, sharp finishing, and intelligent link-up play allowed him to excel not just as a poacher but as an all-around forward.
In the 2020–21 season, Moreno reached the peak of his powers, scoring 30 goals across all competitions, leading Villarreal to their first major trophy — the UEFA Europa League. His crucial goals in the Europa League, including a goal in the final against Manchester United, showcased his ability to perform under immense pressure. Gerard Moreno’s incredible goal-scoring skills stem not only from his clinical nature inside the box but also from his keen tactical understanding, enabling him to exploit even the smallest defensive lapses.
2. Giuseppe Rossi
Giuseppe Rossi is often considered one of Villarreal’s most naturally talented forwards. The American-born Italian international joined Villarreal from Manchester United in 2007 and immediately began demonstrating his incredible flair for goal-scoring. In total, Rossi netted 82 goals in 192 appearances, making him one of Villarreal’s all-time leading scorers.
What made Rossi particularly special was his technical brilliance, agility, and left-footed precision. He was equally adept at scoring from tight angles, curling in spectacular free kicks, and finishing intricate team moves. At his peak, Rossi was not just prolific but mesmerizing to watch. His 2010–11 season, in which he scored 32 goals in all competitions, remains one of the best individual campaigns in Villarreal's history. Unfortunately, a series of devastating injuries curtailed what could have been an even more legendary career at Villarreal. Nevertheless, his incredible goal-scoring skills left an indelible mark on the club’s history.
1. Diego Forlán
When Villarreal signed Diego Forlán in 2004, few could have predicted the immense impact he would have. Arriving from a difficult spell at Manchester United, Forlán found a new lease of life at Villarreal, where his natural finishing ability, keen positioning, and powerful shots came to the forefront. During his time at the club, he scored an impressive 58 goals in 128 appearances. His 2004–05 season was particularly remarkable, as he won the Pichichi Trophy, awarded to La Liga's top scorer, with 25 goals. Forlán's blend of poacher instincts, technical finesse, and sheer determination made him a standout player and a crucial part of Villarreal’s rise on both domestic and European stages.
Forlán's ability to strike from outside the box, his clinical penalty-taking skills, and his composure in one-on-one situations set a high standard for future Villarreal forwards. His incredible goal-scoring skills did not just elevate Villarreal's league status but also changed perceptions about the club’s capabilities in attracting and nurturing world-class talent.
In summary
The history of Villarreal is deeply intertwined with the brilliance of its finest goal-scorers, whose passion, skill, and determination have left an everlasting legacy. By looking at the Top 7 Villarreal best players, we see how each of them played a vital role in shaping the club’s identity, elevating it from a small-town team to a respected force in European football. Their incredible goal-scoring abilities and unforgettable moments continue to inspire a new generation of players and fans, ensuring that Villarreal’s story of excellence is far from over.
Refer to: Ranking 7 Athletic Bilbao best players of all time.
