Levante UD: Valencia’s Oldest Club and the Spirit of the Granotas

Established in 1909, Levante Unión Deportiva holds the proud distinction of being the oldest registered football club in the city of Valencia. Affectionately known as Los Granotas (The Frogs) or the Azulgranas due to their iconic blue and scarlet stripes, the club is a symbol of community pride, resilience, and working-class passion based in the Orriols neighborhood, consistently punching above its weight in La Liga.

The Modernized Ciutat de València Stadium

Levante UD hosts its domestic and international fixtures at the Estadio Ciutat de València. Following recent state-of-the-art renovations, including a spectacular futuristic roof and cutting-edge lighting, the stadium offers a premium matchday experience. The intimate layout brings the loyal Granota fanbase close to the action, creating an intense, high-pressure environment for visiting teams.

The Story Behind “The Frogs” and European Lore

The unique nickname Granotas dates back to 1939, following a merger with Gimnástico FC, a club whose stadium was located near the old Turia riverbed, an area famous for its abundance of frogs. On the pitch, Levante’s absolute pinnacle arrived during the 2012-13 season, when they made a historic run to the UEFA Europa League Round of 16. Driven by iconic figures like José Luis Morales and goalkeeper Keylor Navas, Levante UD remains a beloved fixture of Spanish football folklore.