The Valencia CF, through the Heritage Department of the VCF Foundation, and the Diputació de València have inaugurated on Tuesday, April 1st ‘Our idols: Puchades’, an exhibition adapted for children and young people to introduce them to the person and figure of Antonio Puchades, one of the greatest legends of Valencia CF, in the Puchades Year, as the centenary of his birth is commemorated in 2025 (06-04-1925 / 05-24-2013).
The exhibition, with the collaboration of the Ajuntament de Sueca, Puchades’ hometown, can be visited until April 21st at the Diputació de València (Plaça Manises, 4; València), in the Saló de Reines, Palau dels Scala: from Monday to Sunday from 10h to 14h and from 16h to 20h.
The event was attended by the President of the Diputació de València, Vicent Mompó, the First Vice President, Natàlia Enguix, the Mayor of Sueca, Julián Sáez, the President of the FFCV, Salva Gomar, the Ambassador of Valencia CF Ricardo Arias, and the Director of the VCF Foundation, Inma Ibáñez. Also present were representatives from the Associació Futbolistes VCF, the Agrupació de Penyes VCF, and the Asociación del Pequeño Accionista VCF; and, of course, family members of Puchades.
In the words of Inma Ibáñez, «Antonio Puchades, ‘Tonico’, gave us everything; he was a universal Valencian and Valencianista who carried love for his land and his team wherever he went, leaving an indelible mark.»
«Valencia CF, through the VCF Foundation and its Heritage Department – the director continued – could not miss this event, because Valencia CF is its immense history, its celebrated victories, its heartfelt defeats, Algirós, Mestalla, the new stadium, its people, and, of course, its coaches and players. Among the latter, and written in capital letters, PUCHADES.»
«This exhibition – in the words of Inma Ibáñez – correctly puts ‘Our idols’ before the surname Puchades, because ‘Tonico’ was the Valencianista who could have been in the stands cheering, the one who could have been working at the Club in any role, the one who could have been the journalist reporting on Valencia CF, but fortunately for all, he was the Valencianista player.»
THE PUCHADES ERA
Antonio Puchades defended the Club of his life for 12 seasons (1946-47/1957-58) in which he won the League in 1946-47, the Cup in 1949, the Copa Eva Duarte in 1949, and the Cup in 1954. He stood out for his leadership and strength on the field alongside ‘Pasieguito’.
This tremendous level led him to be the first player awarded the ‘Monchín Triana’ trophy – an award given by Marca and Arriba to the player in LALIGA who stood out throughout his career for his sportsmanship and loyalty to his colors.
On the international stage, Puchades played 23 matches for the Spanish National Team, including the 1950 World Cup. His outstanding performance led him to be the only Spanish player included in the FIFA ideal eleven after the end of the World Cup.
