Like father, like son: Albelda Jr. earns Spain call-up before dad ever did
Valencia's David Albelda Jr. has been called up to Spain's U16s at just 16 years old, reaching international football two years earlier than his famous father did.
The son of Valencia legend David Albelda is making waves in his own right, earning his first international call-up at a younger age than his father while securing a new contract with Los Che.
Rising through the ranks
David Albelda Fernández, born in 2010, is following firmly in his father’s footsteps as a positional midfielder. Currently captaining Valencia’s Cadete A team (U16s), the youngster has been part of the club’s academy system since he first kicked a ball, making his media debut at the 2022 Liga Promises tournament in Villarreal.
While the physical resemblance to his father is striking, those in the know suggest Junior might have better ball skills than his old man - and that’s saying something considering Albelda Sr.’s stellar career.
Despite only turning 16 in January, young Albelda has already:
- Made appearances for Valencia’s Juvenil B team (U17s)
- Scored goals at that higher age level
- Captained the Cadete A side currently leading their regional league
- Secured his first Spain call-up
International recognition
Albelda Jr. has been selected for Spain’s U16s squad for the UEFA Development Tournament in Antalya, Turkey (February 16-27), where they’ll face France, England and Denmark.
What makes this achievement particularly notable is the timing - he’s earned his first international call-up a full two and a half years earlier than his father did. David Albelda senior didn’t make his Spain debut until January 31, 1996, when he was 18 and a half, appearing for the U19s in the Atlantic Cup against Denmark.
Valencia tie him down
With seven seasons already under his belt at the Valencia academy, the club wasn’t about to let this apple fall far from the tree. According to Deportes COPE Valencia, the youngster has agreed to a new contract with Los Che that includes clauses tied to his development as a professional footballer.
While Junior is making his way through Valencia’s system, his father continues his own career in the dugout. After starting his managerial journey with modest Atzeneta (2019-21), Albelda Sr. joined Villarreal’s coaching setup in 2023 with their C team before being promoted to Villarreal B last summer.
The boy’s done good, as they say down the Old Kent Road - and Valencia fans will be hoping this particular chip off the old block can eventually match his father’s 15 seasons and nearly 500 appearances for the club.