CD Leganes: The Underdog’s Journey to La Liga
Club Deportivo Leganés, S.A.D., commonly known as CD Leganés, is a professional football club based in Leganés, a city in the Community of Madrid. From humble beginnings in the lower tiers of Spanish football, Leganés has become a symbol of perseverance and ambition, earning a place among Spain’s elite clubs.
CD Leganes History
CD Leganés was officially founded on June 23, 1928, by Félix Pérez de la Serna, continuing the project of C.D. Once Leones. The club’s first president was Ramón del Hierro. In its early years, Leganés played in regional leagues and wore blue and scarlet shirts with white shorts. After suspending operations during the Spanish Civil War, the club reformed in 1946 and spent decades in the lower divisions, alternating between the third and fourth tiers.
A significant milestone came in 1966 with the inauguration of the Luis Rodríguez de Miguel Stadium, which served as the club’s home for over three decades. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Leganés began to climb the Spanish football pyramid, achieving promotion to Segunda División B in 1987 and to Segunda División in 1993. The club maintained its second-tier status for 11 seasons before facing relegation and financial difficulties in the mid-2000s.
The 21st century saw a resurgence under the leadership of Victoria Pavón and Felipe Moreno, who acquired a majority stake in 2008. After a decade in Segunda B, Leganés returned to Segunda División in 2014 and, in a historic achievement, earned promotion to La Liga for the first time in 2016. In 2024, Leganés won their first Segunda title and secured automatic promotion back to La Liga.
Most Famous Players
While Leganés has not historically boasted global superstars, several players have left a lasting impact:
- Nabil El Zhar: A key figure during the club’s La Liga campaigns, known for his creativity and leadership.
- Guido Carrillo: The Argentine striker played a vital role in the club’s attacking line during their top-flight seasons.
- Rubén Pérez: The Spanish midfielder was a mainstay in the squad, providing stability and experience.
- Szymanowski brothers (Alexander and Marianao): Both contributed significantly during Leganés’ rise to La Liga.
Additionally, Manuel Guijarro (“Pirolo”) was the first Leganés player to reach Spain’s First Division, later playing for Atlético de Madrid and Valencia CF in the 1930s.
Achievements
- Promotion to La Liga: First-ever promotion in 2016, marking a historic milestone for the club.
- Segunda División Title: Champions in 2024, securing automatic promotion to La Liga.
- Sustained Top-Flight Presence: Multiple seasons in La Liga, including notable victories and competitive performances against Spain’s biggest clubs.
- Regional and Lower Division Success: Multiple promotions and solid performances in Segunda B and Tercera División throughout the club’s history.
Net Worth
While specific financial figures are not publicly available, CD Leganés has experienced significant growth in recent years. The club’s promotion to La Liga, improved commercial partnerships, and increased matchday revenues at the Estadio Municipal Butarque (capacity 12,454) have strengthened its financial position. The leadership of Victoria Pavón and Felipe Moreno has been instrumental in stabilizing the club and enabling sustainable growth.
CD Leganes Summary
CD Leganés’ story is one of resilience, ambition, and community spirit. From its foundation in 1928 and decades in the lower leagues, the club has risen to challenge Spain’s football elite. With a passionate fan base, a modern stadium, and a commitment to hard work and ambition, Leganés continues to inspire as one of Spanish football’s most remarkable underdog stories.
