Daniel Parejo
Spanish central midfielder who won the 2021 Europa League with Villarreal and the 2019 Copa del Rey with Valencia.
Daniel Parejo Muñoz (Spanish pronunciation: [daˈnjel ˈdani paˈɾexo]; born 16 April 1989) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder. After starting out at Real Madrid, who loaned him to Queens Park Rangers in England for four months, he first made a name in La Liga with Getafe. Transferring to Valencia in 2011, he went on to appear in 383 official matches for the latter club and win the 2019 Copa del Rey. He signed with Villarreal in August 2020, making 270 appearances and claiming the 2021 Europa League. Across all youth levels, Parejo won 43 caps for Spain and scored nine goals. He made his full debut in 2018, at the age of 28.
- Role
- Central Midfielder
- Affiliation
- Villarreal CF
- Key Attribute
- Game management and penalty shootout composure
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Born in Coslada, Community of Madrid, Parejo was a product of Real Madrid's youth academy, joining at the age of 14. He was called on several occasions by first-team coach Bernd Schuster to train with the seniors and, during the 2006–07 season, played four games for Real Madrid Castilla in Segunda División. On 4 August 2008, Parejo signed a one-year loan deal with Championship club Queens Park Rangers, and made his debut five days later, coming off the bench in a 2–1 win against Barnsley at Loftus Road, going on to total 18 official appearances. On 17 December, Real Madrid officially recalled the player from his loan effective 1 January 2009, after first-team midfielders Rubén de la Red and Mahamadou Diarra were both out for the campaign with various physical problems. Parejo was given the squad number 17, which had previously been assigned to Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was also out for several months due to a serious injury. He appeared little during the season, his first match being the 4–0 La Liga away victory over Sporting de Gijón on 15 February as he replaced Sergio Ramos for the final ten minutes. In late July 2009, as Esteban Granero was re-bought from Getafe, Parejo went in the opposite direction with Real, as in Granero's case, having a similar option. On 25 March 2010, he scored against his former club after stealing the ball from goalkeeper Iker Casillas, but the hosts lost 4–2. Having to compete for a starting berth in central midfield with coach Míchel's son, Adrián – a former teammate in Real Madrid B – he nevertheless contributed solidly during the campaign as they qualified for the second time in their history for the UEFA Europa League. Parejo appeared more in 2010–11 (36 matches), but the Madrid outskirts side only narrowly avoided relegation. On 14 June 2011, Valencia signed Parejo for a reported €6 million, with out-of-favour goalkeeper Miguel Ángel Moyá going to Getafe on a year-long loan as part of the deal. He made his league debut on 15 August, playing 80 minutes in a 1–1 away draw with Mallorca. Parejo was quickly deemed surplus to requirements at his new club, his situation not improving even after the serious injury suffered by Sergio Canales, who played in his same position. He bounced back, however, for 2012–13, scoring twice in 36 official games in an eventual fifth-place finish. In the following years, Parejo was an undisputed s
In Their Own Story
The defining moment of Parejo's time at Villarreal arrived on a night of high drama in the 2021 Europa League final. Facing Manchester United, the match ended 1–1 after extra time, forcing a penalty shootout. With pressure mounting, Parejo stepped up to take one of the decisive kicks, converting his attempt as Villarreal emerged victorious with an 11–10 scoreline. Earlier in that same final, he demonstrated his technical precision by delivering the free kick that found Gerard Moreno for the club's equalizing goal. His leadership was undeniable; he had previously captained Valencia through turbulent times, including a historic 5–1 victory over RC Celta de Vigo on 7 November 2015 where he scored twice. Although stripped of the captaincy briefly in January following a poor run of form under Gary Neville, he was reinstated by Marcelino García Toral ahead of the 2017–18 campaign. After six years and 270 official matches for Villarreal, Parejo announced on 21 May 2026 that he would leave at the end of the season.
Reader's Guide
Daniel Parejo is a central midfielder known for his passing, free kicks, and leadership. He has played for Real Madrid, Queens Park Rangers (loan), Getafe, Valencia, and Villarreal. At Valencia, he served as captain and won the 2019 Copa del Rey. At Villarreal, he won the 2020–21 UEFA Europa League, scoring in the penalty shootout in the final. He has represented Spain at youth levels (winning the 2007 U19 European Championship and 2011 U21 European Championship) and made his senior debut in 2018.
Did You Know?
- Parejo scored the winner in the 2007 UEFA European Under-19 Championship final against Greece.
- He was stripped of the Valencia captaincy by Gary Neville in January 2016 but reinstated by Marcelino García Toral ahead of the 2017–18 season.
- Parejo took the free kick that Gerard Moreno finished for Villarreal's goal in the 2021 Europa League final against Manchester United.
- He announced his departure from Villarreal on 21 May 2026, after six years with the club.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Daniel Parejo?
Daniel Parejo is a Spanish central midfielder born on 16 April 1989 who spent six seasons as a cornerstone of Villarreal CF's midfield. He is widely recognized for his calm game management and his dependable presence in penalty shootouts.
What role did Daniel Parejo play for Villarreal?
He operated as a deep-lying central midfielder, acting as the tactical metronome who controlled tempo and distributed the ball for the Yellow Submarine. His ability to read phases of play and shield the back line made him the engine of the team's structure.
How did Daniel Parejo end up at Villarreal?
After growing up in Real Madrid's academy and proving himself in La Liga with Getafe, he enjoyed a strong spell at Valencia before signing for Villarreal in August 2020. The transfer worked out almost instantly, as he slotted into the squad without any real adjustment period.
What major trophy did Daniel Parejo win with Villarreal?
In his very first campaign at the club, he was part of the side that claimed the UEFA Europa League. His composure in high-stakes moments, especially in shootouts, made him a defining figure in that European success.
When did Daniel Parejo leave Villarreal and why?
He announced his departure on 21 May 2026 at the age of 37, bringing a six-year, 270-appearance era to a close. His exit signalled the end of a period in which he had been the undisputed heart of the yellow midfield.
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