Who Are UD Almeria? History, Stats & More
Unión Deportiva Almería SAD, commonly referred to as UD Almeria, is a Spanish professional football club located in Almería, Andalusia. The club was established on July 26, 1989. It was originally named Almeria Club de Fútbol until it underwent a name change in 2001 to Unión Deportiva Almeria.
As we are on a spree of covering all the major clubs in La Liga, UD Almeria 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 UD Almeria!
Who Are UD Almeria In La Liga?
UD Almeria, formally known as Unión Deportiva Almeria S.A.D., is a professional football club situated in Almería. The club was initially named Almeria Club de Fútbol and adopted its current name in 2001. They currently compete in the Spanish Primera División, having secured their place by winning the Segunda División title in 2022. The team plays its home matches at the Power Horse Stadium, boasting a seating capacity of 15,274.
Almeria’s football history dates back to 1909. Over the years, several football clubs in Almeria emerged and faded away. AD Almeria, which existed between 1979 and 1981 in La Liga, is considered a precursor to UD Almeria.
History Of UD Almeria
Early years
Almeria’s football journey began in 1909 with the establishment of the Almeria Football Club. Over the years, several football clubs in the region came and went. One noteworthy predecessor was AD Almeria, which competed in La Liga from 1979 to 1981 but ceased to exist in 1982.
In 1989, a new club, Almeria Club de Fútbol, emerged. However, in 2001, it underwent a significant transformation, becoming Unión Deportiva Almeria. The announcement of this new club, UD Almeria, was made on January 19, 2001, after the merger of two city teams, Polideportivo Almería and Almería CF. However, UD Almeria didn’t receive official recognition until June 28, 2001, following approval at the General Meeting of Shareholders.
After one season in the second division, the club faced relegation to the third and fourth divisions.
From Early 1990s
In the early 1990s, UD Almeria began its ascent through the Spanish football ranks. After spending several seasons in the second division, they achieved promotion to La Liga for the first time in the 2006–07 season. Under the guidance of coach Unai Emery and the striking prowess of Alvaro Negredo, the team made a significant impact.
Notably, they secured a memorable away victory against Deportivo de La Coruna with a score of 3–0 in their debut La Liga match and finished a commendable 8th in the league during the 2007–08 season.
Emery eventually departed for Valencia CF, and the club underwent managerial changes. In the 2010–11 season, UD Almeria reached the Copa del Rey semifinals, a historic achievement. However, their league form saw them relegated after four seasons in La Liga.
After two seasons in the second division, UD Almeria earned promotion back to the top flight in 2013, defeating Girona FC in the play-offs. Over the years, they navigated the challenges of La Liga, and in the 2018–19 season, they secured safety in the second division, finishing 10th.
Ownership changes brought new dynamics to the club. In August 2019, Turki Al-Sheikh took over as owner, making significant appointments in the management structure. The club’s fortunes continued to evolve, and in June 2022, after seven years in the second tier, UD Almeria clinched promotion to La Liga by securing the top position in the league on the final match day.
How Was The Club Founded?
UD Almeria has a rich history that traces back to the early 20th century when the first football club in Almería, known as el Almería Foot-Ball Club, was established in 1909. Over the years, various football clubs in the city came and went. Notably, AD Almeria played in La Liga from 1979 to 1981 before disappearing in 1982.
The foundation of UD Almería as it is known today took shape in 1989 when a club named Almería Club de Fútbol was born. However, it wasn’t until 2001 that it was officially renamed Unión Deportiva Almería. The merger of two city teams, Polideportivo Almería and Almería CF, played a significant role in this transformation.
The official birth of UD Almería, recognized by Almeria CF, occurred on June 28, 2001, following approval at the General Meeting of Shareholders. Since then, the club has had a dynamic journey in Spanish football, evolving and achieving various milestones over the years.
Fans and Culture
UD Almeria boasts a passionate and loyal fan base known as “unionistas” or “rojiblancos”. These fans are deeply connected to the club, often showcasing unwavering support at home and away matches.
Their identity is closely tied to Almería’s local pride, and they contribute to the electric atmosphere at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos. The fan culture is inclusive, welcoming fans of all ages and backgrounds, making it a family-friendly environment.
UD Almeria fans heavily value fan merchandise, including iconic jerseys, scarves, hats, flags, stickers, replica kits, and limited edition items. Matchday experiences are enriched by chants and songs, with the official club anthem, “Himno de la UD Almeria”, reflecting the club’s history and pride.
Fans also create player-specific chants, incorporate club slogans, and engage in spontaneous celebrations. These elements contribute to a rich football culture and a strong sense of identity among UD Almería supporters.
Achievements of UD Almeria
UD Almeria has achieved several notable accomplishments and won trophies during its history. Some of the key achievements include promotions and notable runs in various competitions. The club had experienced promotions from lower divisions to reach La Liga, the top tier of Spanish football, on multiple occasions. These promotions signified the club’s progress and ambition to compete at the highest level.
Additionally, UD Almeria had made significant appearances in domestic cup competitions like the Copa del Rey, where it reached the quarterfinals and semifinals in different seasons, showcasing its ability to compete with some of Spain’s top clubs.
While the club may have won titles in lower divisions or regional competitions, its achievements in reaching La Liga and making deep runs in the Copa del Rey were significant milestones that demonstrated its potential and ambition within Spanish football.
Notable Players and Record Breakers
All-Time goal scorers for UD Almeria
Though Leonard Ulloa who has been the top goal for UD Almeria of all time has retired. Among the top 5 players on the list, only Fernando Soriano and Kalu Uche have made more than 250 appearances for the club.
| Player | Goals Scored | Appearances |
|---|---|---|
| Leonardo Ulloa | 48 | 102 |
| Umar Sadiq | 43 | 83 |
| Fernando Soriano | 38 | 278 |
| Kalu Uche | 36 | 258 |
| Quique Gonzalez | 33 | 83 |
Top Assists Provider for UD Almeria
Out of all the players mentioned in the list below, three have retired, whereas Vidal is currently without a club and Sadiq now represents Real Sociedad.
| Player | Assists | Appearances |
|---|---|---|
| Miguel Angel Corona | 23 | 301 |
| Albert Crusat | 23 | 150 |
| Aleix Vidal | 20 | 130 |
| Umar Sadiq | 19 | 84 |
| Fernando Soriano | 19 | 278 |
Most Appearances made for UD Almeria
These players have made significant contributions to the club’s history through their consistent presence on the field.
| Player | Appearances |
|---|---|
| Miguel Angel Corona | 301 |
| Fernando Soriano | 278 |
| Verza | 183 |
| Cesar de la Hoz | 171 |
| Kalu Uche | 163 |
Stadium of UD Almeria: Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos
UD Almería plays its home matches at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos in Almeria, Spain. With a seating capacity of around 15,000, it is a mid-sized venue in Spanish football known for its modern facilities.
The stadium offers a comfortable and enjoyable matchday experience with good sightlines of the pitch and an electric atmosphere.
The stadium’s location in Almeria allows easy access for local fans and those traveling from other areas. Although not one of the largest stadiums in Spain, the Estadio holds a special place in the hearts of UD Almeria supporters and serves as the focal point for the club’s home matches.
Rivalries of UD Almeria
UD Almeria’s primary football rivals include Granada CF and Real Betis, with matches against these teams carrying a distinct regional significance. The Andalusian Derby against Granada CF, in particular, is a highly anticipated fixture that ignites intense emotions among both sets of fans.
The clashes with Real Betis, another renowned Andalusian club, often result in fiercely competitive contests that capture the essence of regional football pride.
Additionally, UD Almeria has had competitive encounters with CD Tenerife and FC Cartagena, despite not being in the same region.
These matches, while not as historically significant as the Andalusian Derbies, add to the club’s list of rivalries and contribute to the excitement and competitiveness of Spanish football. These rivalries highlight the passionate fan base and the spirited nature of football in Spain.
Conclusion: What next for the club?
In summary, UD Almeria is a club deeply rooted in the cultural and footballing landscape of Andalusia, Spain. With a passionate and loyal fan base, a modern stadium, and a rich history of promotions and competitive encounters, the club has carved its niche in Spanish football.
While its trophy cabinet may not rival that of some of Spain’s biggest clubs, UD Almeria’s journey and achievements symbolize determination, regional pride, and a commitment to continuous growth in the beautiful game.
As the club continues to evolve and compete in the ever-competitive Spanish football scene, its supporters and players alike can look forward to more memorable moments and exciting chapters in its history.
