Deportivo Alaves: The Glorious Basque Club
Deportivo Alavés, based in Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Basque Country, is a club defined by resilience, dramatic highs, and an enduring connection to its community. Known as "El Glorioso" (The Glorious One), Alavés has become a respected name in Spanish football, recognized for its remarkable comebacks and memorable European exploits.
Deportivo Alaves History
Founded on January 23, 1921, as Sport Friend's Club, Deportivo Alavés quickly made its mark by becoming the first team to win promotion from the Segunda División to La Liga in the 1929–30 season. The early years in the top flight were challenging, with brief stints in La Liga during the 1930s and 1950s. The club spent much of the following decades fluctuating between the lower divisions, even facing near-disappearance in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
A turning point came in the late 1990s. After winning the Segunda División in 1997–98, Alavés returned to La Liga after a 42-year absence. The club’s golden era arrived in the early 2000s, highlighted by a sixth-place La Liga finish in 1999–2000 and a legendary run to the 2001 UEFA Cup Final, where they lost 5–4 in extra time to Liverpool in one of the most dramatic European finals ever. Alavés also reached the Copa del Rey final in 2017, falling to Barcelona.
Most Famous Players
Throughout its history, Alavés has been home to several notable players:
- Cosmin Contra: The Romanian right-back was instrumental during the club’s UEFA Cup run.
- Javi Moreno: The prolific striker scored five goals in the 2000–01 UEFA Cup knockout stages, including two in the final.
- Martín Herrera: The Argentine goalkeeper won the Zamora Trophy for fewest goals conceded in La Liga during the 1999–2000 season.
- Antonio Karmona: Club captain during the UEFA Cup final run.
- Ibai Gómez: Key figure in the club’s modern era and promotion campaigns.
Achievements
While Alavés has not won major domestic or European trophies, its achievements are notable for a club of its size:
- UEFA Cup Finalists: 2000–01 (lost 5–4 to Liverpool in extra time).
- Copa del Rey Finalists: 2016–17 (lost 3–1 to Barcelona).
- Segunda División Champions: 4 times (1929–30, 1953–54, 1997–98, 2015–16).
- Multiple promotions to La Liga, most recently in 2023.
- Best La Liga finish: 6th place in 1999–2000.
Net Worth
Deportivo Alavés operates with a modest budget compared to Spain’s giants. The club is owned by the Baskonia-Alavés Group and led by President Alfonso Fernández de Trocóniz. Alavés’s financial stability has improved in recent years due to consistent La Liga participation, prudent management, and stadium revenues from the 19,840-seat Mendizorroza. While exact net worth figures are not publicly available, the club’s value is bolstered by its top-flight status and community support.
Deportivo Alaves Summary
Deportivo Alavés embodies the spirit of perseverance in Spanish football. From its humble beginnings and battles against relegation to the unforgettable night in the 2001 UEFA Cup Final, Alavés has consistently punched above its weight. With a passionate fanbase, a history of dramatic achievements, and a reputation for resilience, "El Glorioso" remains a cherished symbol of Basque football pride.
