Jeni Watson
Antonio Valencia, commonly known as Luis Antonio Valencia Mosquera, is an Ecuadorian football player who has played for and led the renowned football club Manchester United for ten years. Similarly, Antonio last competed for his native Ecuador’s LDU Quito club.
About Luis Antonio Valencia | Family and Education
Luis Antonio Valencia and Teresa Mosquera gave birth to Valencia on August 4, 1985, in Lago Agrio, an area in Ecuador close to the city of Nueva Loja.
He is currently 35 years old. He is 1.80 m tall and 5’11 (80 kg). Valencia, who was raised in a low-income family, began helping his parents at a young age.
Also, He used to go with his mother while she sold drinks outside the football stadium, and he later gathered empty bottles for his father to sell in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, at the bottle deposit.
Here, Five siblings made up Antonio’s large family. When he was younger, he played football in front of his house without shoes.
View this post on Instagram
Similarly, When Valencia was 11 years old, Pedro Peralza, a local talent scout, saw him playing on a dusty street and immediately signed him up for the Sucumbios sports program.
When Antonio reached 16, he moved to the nation’s capital of Quito to play football for the military-backed club El Nacional.
In addition, For a meager $50 per month, he was paid to play as a central midfielder. Only his mother and older brother—who paid for his bus fare—were informed.
Although his primary position is right back, he has also played right winger for a considerable portion of his career and right back near the end of his tenure with Manchester United.
Furthermore, Under manager Jose Mourhino, Antonio successfully made the switch from a right-winger to a right-back.
Professional Life and Career
At the age of 16, Antonio began working for El Nacional. At the Ecuadorian Club El Nacional, he made good progress through the junior system.
Also, Antonio started to play on the first team frequently. For the same club, he participated in more than 80 games.
With El Nacional, he won the Ecuadorian Serie A. He then signed a contract with La Liga with Villarreal in 2005.
Between loan stints at Recreativo for the 2005–06 season, Valencia only appeared twice in the Spanish league.
Similarly, He contributed to the team’s success in finishing first, or as champions, and to its widespread exposure and advancement.
View this post on Instagram
He was recruited by English Premier League team Wigan Athletic in 2006 on a one-year loan agreement.
Later, in January 2008, Valencia joined Wigan Athletic on a three-year contract for an unknown sum.
In a 2006 game against Manchester City, which his team won 4-0, he scored his first goal for Wigan Athletic.
Due to the two-footed challenge against Wilfred Bouma of Aston Villa, he was shown his first red card at Wigan Athletic.
On December 13, 2008, he scored his farewell goal for Wigan Athletic, helping the team to a 3-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers.
Lastly, He reportedly declined a Real Madrid deal in 2009. In June 2009, he subsequently joined Manchester United.
(2009–2019) Manchester United
His outstanding Wigan Athletic performances were successful in drawing the interest of other illustrious clubs. Valencia began with Villareal before being given a position at Manchester United.
Here, Antonio joined Manchester United in June 2009, and since then, he has played brilliantly and had several impressive outings for both the team and himself, solidifying his place among the club’s top players.
Valencia was the first player that Manchester United signed for less than four years in the summer of 2009.
Similarly, The payment is still secret, although it’s thought to be in the staggering 16 million-pound area.
Throughout his playing career, Antonio has teamed up with top-notch athletes.
View this post on Instagram
Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie, David De Gea, Paul Pogba, Nani, Patrick Eura, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Matic, Paul Scholes, Nemanja Vidic, Micheal Carrick, and more well-known players have all shared a dressing room with him.
Thus, His debut game with Manchester United saw him score his first goal. In a matchup between United and Boca Juniors in the Audi Cup, he scored United’s second goal.
When Valencia scored against Bolton Wanderers, it was his first goal in a match for Manchester United.
Moreover, Four days after the goal against CSKA Moscow with Bolton Wanderers, he scored his first UFEA championship league goal.
The coveted Jersey #7, which had previously been worn by outstanding Manchester United players like Christiano Ronaldo, Johnny Berry, Steve Coppell, Bryan Robson, David Beckham, etc., was also awarded to him after Micheal Owen left the team.
Thus, After a slew of setbacks and a decline in form throughout the season, he switched back to his old jersey number, 25, though.
You might also be interested in learning more about Carli Lloyd
Manchester United’s second half
Antonio worked for Manchester United for the majority of his career.
Also, As a member of one of the largest clubs in the world, he trained and practiced a lot, which helped him grow and develop greatly.
His accomplishments at Manchester United are praised and regarded as extraordinary.
Also, He is regarded as one of Manchester United’s all-time best players. Antonio had the opportunity to display his leadership abilities by serving as Manchester United’s captain.
He was treasured by football fans and adored all across the world for his on-field accomplishments.
In his first year with the team, Antonio was selected for the PFA Team of the Year.
Similarly, He later went on to win the UEFA Europa League, the FA Cup, two League Cups, three FA Community Shields, and two more Premier League championships.
So, Valencia frequently extended his agreement with Manchester United.
Quito LDU
In addition, Valencia made his way back to Ecuador in July 2019 after signing with LDU Quito, where he won the first-ever Copa Ecuador in his maiden campaign.
Achievements on a global scale
Alongside the late Christian Benitez, another footballer of extraordinary talent, Antonio Valencia played for the under-20 national team.
In 2004, Valencia made his senior Ecuador debut. At the 2006 FIFA World Cup, 2007 Copa América, 2011 Copa América, 2014 FIFA World Cup, Copa América Centenario, and 2019 Copa América, he has played for his nation.
Furthermore, Valencia has more than 90 caps under his belt and 11 goals to his name since making his international debut for Ecuador. For someone his age, this is a remarkable record.
Highlights, Honors, and Recognition
For himself, the teams he played for, and his native Ecuador, Antonio Valencia has received various honors. For all the teams he has played for, he has a vast list of championships to his name.
View this post on Instagram
Here are a few of his honorable mentions for victories:
- Award: 2010 Alan Hardaker
- Team of the Year for the PFA Premier League in 2009–2010
- Player of the Year for Sir Matt Busby in 2011–12
- Player of the Year for Manchester United in 2011–12 and 2016–17
- The goal of the Year for Manchester United in 2011–12
- UEFA Europa League Team for the 2016–17 Season
Relationship Status
Antonio Valencia gives off the impression of being quiet, reserved, and shy. His personal life is not widely known on the internet. But we do know that he is wed to Zoila Valencia, his current wife.
Moreover, They also have a daughter named Domenica who was born in 2006, making her nearly 15 in 2021. In Ecuador, Eder Valencia Mosquera, who is his older brother, plays football as well.
Similarly, Valencia attended training sessions with his Wigan Athletic teammates at least once a week to hone his English language skills.
Also, When he joined Manchester United in 2009, these language training sessions were altered practically daily.
Valencia was regarded by Sir Alex Furgeson as a quiet and reserved boy.
He was remembered as a sentimental person by those who knew him well and by his fans.
As he stated in an interview before one of his most recent games, he had been a member of the Manchester United team.
View this post on Instagram
I want to savor every second with you, united man
Similarly, He is well-known and respected for having a gracious and modest demeanor.
Everyone he works with has praised him for his football playing abilities and skills as well as for his extreme generosity, compassion, and humility as well as the love he has for his daughter, his family, and his native country.
In addition, His demeanor comes across as a humble and down-to-earth sportsperson as he responds to his followers’ questions in this YouTube video where he is seen discussing his ideas.
Net Worth, Salary, Earnings | Luis Antonio Valencia
This football player’s starting pay was $50, but it increased as his career progressed. For an undisclosed sum, he relocated to Villareal.
Although the price of Valencia’s transfer to Manchester United is unknown, it was reportedly around 16 million pounds. Quite a rise from his starting pay, and also very impressive.
View this post on Instagram
As of 2022, it is rumored that he will be worth more than 40 million euros.
Social Media
Antonio Valencia’s fans can get a glimpse into his personal life via social media.
Moreover, Valencia has more than 2 million followers on Instagram, despite not having a Facebook account.
Furthermore, If you liked what you read and decided to follow him, do so. Twitter users can follow Valencia. Please feel free to follow him there as well.
Frequently Asked Question:
Who is Antonio Valencia’s spouse?
Zoila Valencia is Antonio’s wife.
Antonio Valencia’s speed is what?
Antonio Valencia travels at a speed of 35,10 km/h.
What number does Antonio Valencia wear on his jersey?
Lastly, Antonio has jersey number 14.
Quick Facts | Luis Antonio Valencia
| Full Name | Luis Antonio Valencia Mosquera |
| Birth Date | August 4, 1985 |
| Birth Place | Lago Agrio, Ecuador |
| Known as | Antonio Valencia |
| Religion | Unknown |
| Nationality | Ecuadorian |
| Ethnicity | Unknown |
| Education | Unknown |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Father’s Name | Luis Antonio Valencia |
| Mother’s Name | Teresa Mosquera |
| Siblings | 5 |
| Age | 36 Years Old |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (1.80m) |
| Weight | 80 kgs |
| Build | Unknown |
| Body Measurements | Unknown |
| Hair color | Black |
| Eye color | Dark Brown |
| Profession | Footballer |
| Active Years | 2000-present |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Zoila Valencia |
| Children | 1; Domenica Valencia |
| Net Worth | 40 million Euros |
| Social Media | Instagram, Twitter |
| Merch | Jersey, Action Figure |
| Last Update | June 2022 |
