Antonio Valencia

Antonio Valencia was born on August 4, 1985, in Nueva Loja, Ecuador. He grew up in a humble family and started playing football at a young age. Overcoming many challenges, he moved to Quito when he was 16 to join the youth team of El Nacional. His passion and dedication to the sport quickly made him one of Ecuador's promising talents.

On May 16, 2006, Antonio Valencia signed with Wigan Athletic, marking his entry into one of the world's most competitive leagues, the English Premier League. Initially, he joined on loan from Villarreal, having impressed during the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup. His performance was solid, leading Wigan to secure a permanent deal, thus beginning his remarkable career in English football.

Antonio Valencia joined Manchester United on June 30, 2009, following his impressive performances at Wigan Athletic. Signed by manager Sir Alex Ferguson, he was seen as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who had left for Real Madrid. Valencia wore the prestigious number 7 shirt and quickly established himself as a key player for the team, playing primarily as a winger.

On May 28, 2011, Antonio Valencia played in the UEFA Champions League Final for Manchester United against FC Barcelona held at Wembley Stadium. Although Manchester United ended up losing 3-1 to Barcelona, Valencia's participation in the final was a testament to his skills and crucial role in the team during that season, showcasing his ability on one of world football's biggest stages.

Antonio Valencia won his first Premier League title with Manchester United on August 20, 2012. This triumph marked a significant milestone in his career as it was also the team’s 20th league title. Valencia played an important role throughout the season, providing both defensive and offensive capabilities, thus cementing his place in the club's history.

On June 15, 2014, Antonio Valencia captained Ecuador in their opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup against Switzerland. Valencia, known for his leadership on and off the pitch, was tasked with leading his national team in the global tournament held in Brazil. His presence was pivotal in the team's strategy and morale as Ecuador competed on the world stage.

On May 21, 2016, Antonio Valencia won the FA Cup with Manchester United after a dramatic victory against Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium. The match finished 2-1 with Manchester United clinching the win in extra time. Valencia, delivering a solid performance, was crucial in both defense and attack, helping secure one of the oldest and most prestigious trophies in English football.

Antonio Valencia captained Manchester United to a UEFA Europa League victory on May 24, 2017, as they defeated Ajax 2-0 in the final held in Stockholm. This victory was significant for Manchester United as it completed the club's European trophy cabinet. Valencia's leadership and experience were instrumental in guiding the team to success in this prestigious European competition.

On May 12, 2019, Antonio Valencia played his final match for Manchester United in a 2-0 victory against Cardiff City at Old Trafford. Ending his decade-long stint at the club, Valencia was celebrated by fans and teammates alike for his contributions to the team. Over his years at Manchester United, he became one of the most reliable and respected players, known for his versatility and work ethic.

On June 28, 2019, after leaving Manchester United, Antonio Valencia returned to his home country to join LDU Quito, one of Ecuador's premier football clubs. This move marked a new chapter in his career, allowing him to play in front of his home fans once again. Despite opportunities to continue in Europe, Valencia chose to give back to Ecuadorian football and bring his experience to the domestic league.