VILLARREAL – Villarreal supporters will finally learn which classic kit the team will don for their LaLiga “retro day” match against Athletic Club at San Mamés, with the unveiling scheduled for Thursday at Madrid Fashion Week (MBFWMadrid). The initiative, part of a league-wide effort to celebrate football history, has sparked considerable anticipation among the Yellow Submarine faithful.
The reveal answers a question many Villarreal fans have been asking, and one closely followed by local collector Josep Cabrera, who possesses an extensive archive of the club’s historic jerseys. Cabrera, whose collection is deeply rooted in a family connection to Villarreal’s former kit man, Pasqualet, emphasized the sentimental value of his pieces, stating they are “not for sale,” even for offers as high as €3,000. He believes their value will only increase with time and intends to pass them down to his children.
When asked which shirt he’d select for the April 11-12 weekend fixture, Cabrera immediately pointed to the “Jugui” kit from the 1993/94 season. He highlighted its distinctive blue color, the fabric, and the oversized, seemingly hand-embroidered crest as particularly appealing features. “It could look exceptionally good for the retro day,” he said, suggesting it would be a fitting tribute to the club’s past.
Cabrera’s passion for Villarreal’s history extends beyond simply owning the shirts. He recounted the significance of a jersey from the 1991/92 season, marking the club’s second promotion to the Segunda División, a moment sealed in La Línea de la Concepción. He noted a historical quirk of the era: players typically received both short-sleeved and long-sleeved versions of the same kit, leading to greater reuse of the latter, which are now rarely seen.
Among the rarer gems in Cabrera’s collection is an Adidas kit from the 1982/83 season, its crest and manufacturer’s logo faded with the passage of time. From more recent seasons, he particularly admires the blue second kit from 2000, a design associated with then-player Diego Cagna. Looking ahead to the retro day, Cabrera expressed a desire to see the team sporting blue shorts alongside the chosen jersey.
Cabrera also holds a special shirt linked to Gerard Moreno from the 2021 Europa League final against Manchester United, held in Gdansk. Even as acknowledging the disappointment of losing that final, he remains optimistic about Villarreal’s current form in LaLiga. He publicly supports retaining manager Marcelino, with whom he maintains a good relationship, and recently launched an Instagram account, Museugroc, to showcase his collection.
The collector’s family history is intertwined with the club’s. His grandfather was a founding member of Club Atlético Foghetecaz, and Cabrera still possesses membership cards and a reproduced letter from the club’s centennial celebrations. Stories of the past, passed down through generations, fuel his dedication to preserving Villarreal’s footballing heritage.
Villarreal’s decision on the retro kit is expected to resonate with fans eager to relive cherished memories. The unveiling at MBFWMadrid promises to be a highlight for the club and a celebration of its rich history. The match against Athletic Club on April 11th or 12th will then provide a tangible link to that past on the pitch.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Villarreal is their LaLiga match against [Opponent and Date to be confirmed]. Fans can follow official updates and further details about the retro kit reveal on the club’s official website and social media channels.
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