Who Are Girona FC? History, Stats & More
Girona Futbol Club is located in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. It was established on July 23, 1930. It is also renowned for competing in the Spanish league, La Liga. The passionate football club is not only known for its football but also for its association with Catalan nationalism. Additionally, the club also actively participates in youth and amateur women’s competitions.
As we are on a spree of covering all the major clubs in La Liga, Girona FC is our next stop. If you haven’t checked out our coverage of other clubs, you can always head over to our soccer section and read about your favorite club.
As for today, let’s focus on Girona FC!
Who Are Girona FC In La Liga?
The history of Girona FC in Spanish football gained momentum in the early 20th century when football captured the city’s imagination. Established in 1930, the club’s recent history has been remarkable, particularly since joining the City Football Group. Their promotion to La Liga in 2017 marked a high point. Girona’s La Liga debut saw them secure a respectable tenth position.
However, the following season brought relegation to Segunda. Although with ten games remaining, the club maneuvered a near escape. Over the next two seasons, promotion narrowly eluded them, but they didn’t lose hope. In 2022, Girona FC once again achieved their dream of returning to the top flight.
History Of Girona FC
Early years
At the turn of the 20th century, football began to captivate Girona. The city’s initial major club was Strong Esport, originally named FC Gerundense when it was founded in 1902. In the 1920s, Girona witnessed the emergence of two more clubs, CE Gironí and UD Girona. Following UD Girona’s disappearance, a decision was made to establish a new football team.
Luckily, on July 23, 1930, in Girona’s La Rambla café Norat, the Girona Futbol Club was born, succeeding Unió Esportiva Girona due to economic reasons. The city council granted the club permission to use the city’s emblem on its badges on August 1, 1930.
This achievement resulted from the dedication of early enthusiasts, led by the club’s first president, Albert de Quintana de Leon. Girona FC entered the second division of the Catalan Championships, playing their first official match against Colònia Artigas.
In the 1935–36 season, Girona made their Segunda División debut, finishing atop their group. However, they couldn’t clinch promotion to La Liga after the playoffs.
Post-Spanish Civil War, the club moved between the second tier and the Tercera División, eventually dropping to the latter in 1959. Further relegation came in 1980. Construction of Estadi Montilivi began in 1968, and it became their permanent home in 1970, ending nearly five decades at the Vista Alegre stadium.
After 1970
Following 1970, Girona FC found itself in constant flux between the third and fourth divisions, with occasional dips into regional championships during the 1982–83 and 1997–99 seasons. However, a significant breakthrough occurred on June 16, 2008, under the guidance of manager Raül Agné. The team secured a second consecutive promotion by defeating Ceuta 1–0 in the play-offs, ending a 49-year absence from the second tier.
In July 2010, local businessmen, including Ramon Vilaró, Joaquim Boadas, and Josep Slim, acquired 72% of the club’s shares, marking a change in ownership. Vilaró assumed the presidency, while Agné returned as manager. Despite Agné’s initial return, he was sacked in January 2012 after a 0–3 loss at Recreativo.
In 2011, Girona established a reserve team and increased its capital by €300,000 in 2013. The 2014–15 season brought a dramatic playoff quest for promotion to La Liga. However, Girona’s dream was dashed by a last-minute goal from Lugo on the final matchday. Promotion finally materialized in the 2016–17 season as Girona finished as runners-up to Levante, marking their first-ever entry into La Liga.
City Football Group (CFG), a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi United Group, acquired 44.3% ownership in Girona in August 2017. Girona’s journey included memorable moments like defeating Real Madrid 2–1 on October 29, 2017. The club also ventured into international pre-season tournaments in places like India.
Although they experienced relegation to the Segunda Division at the end of the 2018–19 La Liga season, Girona demonstrated resilience. In the 2021–22 season, they secured a return to La Liga after a play-off victory over Tenerife with a 3–1 aggregate score.
How Was The Club Founded?
Football gained prominence in Girona at the dawn of the 20th century. Initially, Strong Esport, originally named FC Gerundense, emerged as the city’s first major club in 1902. The 1920s witnessed the establishment of two more clubs, CE Gironí and UD Girona. However, when UD Girona disappeared, the decision was made to create a new football team for the city.
On July 23, 1930, the Girona Futbol Club came into existence at Café Norat in La Rambla, replacing Unió Esportiva Girona for economic reasons. The city council granted permission on August 1, 1930, allowing the club to incorporate the city’s emblem into its badges. This achievement was a result of the dedication of enthusiasts, led by the club’s first president, Albert de Quintana de León.
Fans & Culture Of Girona FC:
Girona FC, hailing from the city of Girona in Catalonia, Spain, boasts a unique culture and a passionate fan base. While it may not enjoy the global recognition of Barcelona FC, Girona FC has a rich history and a dedicated following.
The team’s official colors, red, white, and blue, adorn their home and away jerseys, reflecting their identity. Additionally, the yellow in their crest pays homage to Catalonia, occasionally finding its way into their football kits.
Ownership of the club rests with three local businessmen who acquired a significant 72% stake in 2010. These owners are not mere figures but dedicated custodians of the club, consistently investing and intervening when necessary to ensure its well-being.
For those looking to become part of the official Girona FC Fan Club, there are perks aplenty. Membership grants access to annual game tickets at discounted rates, making it an attractive proposition for avid supporters. Moreover, members receive newsletters and journals, keeping them informed about the latest developments and news within the Girona FC community. This commitment to fan engagement underscores the vibrant culture surrounding the club.
Major Achievements In The History Of The Club:
Girona FC has carved out its place in football history with notable achievements. In the national leagues, they clinched the Segunda Division B title in 2007–08. At the regional level, they’ve triumphed in the Tercera Division an impressive five times: 1933–34, 1947–48, 1954–55, 1988–89, and 2005–06.
Additionally, they claimed the Supercopa de Catalunya in 2019, further solidifying their legacy.
Notable Players In The History Of Girona FC
Throughout its history, Girona FC has seen several remarkable talents grace its ranks. Players like Cristhian Stuani, Portu, Felipe Sanchón, Álex Granell, Valentín Castellanos, Bernardo Espinosa, David Timor, Viktor Tsyhankov, and Ranko Despotović have left a lasting impact on the club and its fans with their skills and dedication.
Top Goal Scorers for Girona FC
Cristhian Stuani stands out as the all-time leading goal scorer with an impressive tally of 118 goals in 216 appearances, showcasing his prolific scoring ability.
On the other hand, Jandro Gonzalez and Felipe Sanchón follow with 37 and 36 goals, respectively, highlighting their importance in the club’s attacking endeavors
| Player | Goals Scored | Appearances |
|---|---|---|
| Cristhian Stuani | 118 | 216 |
| Jandro Gonzalez | 37 | 175 |
| Felipe Sanchon | 36 | 153 |
| Portu | 30 | 116 |
| Fran Sandaza | 25 | 73 |
Top Assists Providers for Girona FC
Alex Granell leads the pack with 34 assists in 232 appearances, followed closely by Borja Garcia with 30 assists in 233 appearances. Jandro, Felipe Sanchon, and Benitez have also played important roles, collectively contributing 70 assists in their appearances for the club.
| Player | Assists | Appearances |
|---|---|---|
| Alex Granell | 34 | 232 |
| Borja Garcia | 30 | 233 |
| Jandro | 27 | 175 |
| Felipe Sanchon | 22 | 153 |
| Aday Benitez | 21 | 199 |
Most Appearances for Girona FC
The below-mentioned list of players with the most appearances for Girona FC reflects their commitment and longevity at the club
| Player | Appearances |
|---|---|
| Borja Garcia | 233 |
| Alex Granell | 232 |
| Migue | 230 |
| Juanpe | 226 |
| Cristhian Stuani | 216 |
Home Of Girona FC: Estadi Montilivi
Estadi Montilivi, located in Girona, Catalonia, Spain, serves as the primary home ground for Girona FC. This multi-use stadium, which opened its doors in 1970, boasts a seating capacity of 14,624 spectators.
The stadium’s side stand, completed in June 2010, was finished ahead of schedule. However, it wasn’t open to the public during the 2009-10 season due to unfinished entrances. On March 2, 2011, it hosted its first match with the side stands, attracting 9,285 spectators.
In a significant development, the Girona City Council granted Girona FC the rights to the field for 30 years, with the option to extend to a total of 50 years, starting from March 12, 2012.
After their historic promotion to La Liga, Girona expanded the stadium to accommodate 13,450 spectators, later reducing its capacity to 11,810.
Notably, Montilivi Stadium was briefly considered for the Iberian candidacy for the 2018 World Cup but was later withdrawn by Girona FC, acknowledging its limited chances of selection.
Rivalries Of Girona FC And Other Clubs
Girona FC’s key rivalries stem from its Catalonia connections with Espanyol and Barcelona. Beyond these two teams, Girona hasn’t cultivated significant rivalries due to its limited time in La Liga. Much of its football history has been in Segunda Division B.
Conclusion; What Lies Ahead For The Club?
Girona FC is poised for a bright future with the entry of Marcelo Claure, an American-Bolivian businessman, into the fold. His involvement, which has received approval from the Higher Sports Council, marks a significant step in the club’s growth. With a wealth of experience in managing successful football teams like Club Bolívar and Inter Miami CF, Claure brings a unique perspective and passion for the sport.
This development includes a restructuring of the Board of Directors, with Pere Guardiola as the chairman, Ignasi Mas-Bagà as CEO, and Delfí Geli as the institutional President. City Football Group now holds the majority share at 47%, with Claure at 35%, and Girona Football Group at 16%.
Pere Guardiola expressed his pride in bringing Marcelo on board and his commitment to making Girona FC a club to be proud of. Ferran Soriano emphasized the club’s growth trajectory, and Marcelo Claure, fulfilling a lifelong dream, eagerly looks forward to contributing to this exciting project. Girona FC is on the path to consolidation as a prominent football club.
Once again, make sure you explore the soccer section, crazy things are going on there for the fans of the beautiful game. Adios!
