David Cani

Attacking midfielder who played for Villarreal during their rise in La Liga and Europe.

Rubén Gracia Calmache, known as 'Cani', is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder or winger. He played for Villarreal CF from 2006 to 2011, after the club had already achieved European success.

Quick Facts

Role: Defensive Midfielder
Status: Retired Legend
Key era: 1990s to mid-2000s
Signature trait: Aggressive Tackling and Leadership
Affiliation: Villarreal CF (Player)

Lore & Background

Cani joined Villarreal in 2006, a period when the club had already debuted in the UEFA Champions League (2005) and reached the semi-finals in 2006. He was part of the squad that finished 5th in La Liga in 2006–07 and 2nd in 2007–08, the club's best-ever league finish. He also played in the 2008–09 UEFA Champions League, where Villarreal reached the quarter-finals.

Reader's Guide

Cani was an attacking midfielder or winger, not a defensive midfielder. He contributed to Villarreal's continued presence in La Liga and European competitions during his tenure.