OjedaVillarreal CFLa LigaReal ValladolidCD Lugo

Ojeda's Professional Football Journey: From Buenos Aires to La Liga

Ojeda's Professional Football Journey: From Buenos Aires to La Liga

The path to professional football is often a journey of persistence and strategic moves. For Ojeda, a talented player born in Buenos Aires, this journey began in the youth ranks of Vélez Sarsfield, a renowned academy in Argentina, before taking him to the competitive leagues of Spain.

Early Career and Move to Spain

After developing his skills in Argentina, Ojeda made a pivotal move to Europe. On July 6, 2022, following the expiration of his previous contract, he signed with the Spanish club Villarreal CF. Upon his arrival, he was initially integrated into the club's youth setup to adapt to the European style of play.

His professional breakthrough occurred on September 3, 2022, while playing for the reserve team. Entering the match as a second-half substitute for Diego Collado, Ojeda made an immediate impact by scoring the third goal in a 3–0 home victory against CD Mirandés in the Segunda División (the second tier of Spanish football).

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Developing Through the Spanish Tiers

During his initial period at Villarreal, Ojeda gained versatile experience by alternating between the club's B and C teams. To further his development through consistent playing time, he was loaned to CD Lugo, a side competing in the Primera Federación (the third tier of the Spanish football league system), on July 7, 2023.

Returning to the "Yellow Submarine" (Villarreal's nickname) in July 2024, Ojeda reached a major career milestone. On December 18, he made his first-team debut in La Liga, the top flight of Spanish football, coming on as a substitute for Ayoze Pérez during a 1–1 home draw against Rayo Vallecano.

Recent Transitions and Real Valladolid

Following his top-flight debut, Ojeda continued to seek competitive minutes. On July 7, 2025, he joined Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa on a season-long loan in the second division. However, this tenure ended in relegation for the club.

Seeking a fresh start after the relegation, Ojeda signed a four-year contract with Real Valladolid on July 10, 2026, continuing his career in the second division.

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Key Facts

  • Youth Origin: Graduate of Vélez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires.
  • Professional Debut: September 3, 2022, scoring for Villarreal reserves against CD Mirandés.
  • La Liga Debut: December 18, 2024, against Rayo Vallecano.
  • Current Club: Real Valladolid (signed July 10, 2026).
  • Contract Duration: Four-year deal with Real Valladolid.

Career Summary Table

Ojeda's Club History and Milestones
Date/Period Club Status/Event
Pre-2022 Vélez Sarsfield Youth Graduate
July 2022 Villarreal CF Signed (Youth/Reserves)
July 2023 CD Lugo Loan (Primera Federación)
Dec 18, 2024 Villarreal CF La Liga Debut
July 2025 Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa Loan (Second Division)
July 10, 2026 Real Valladolid Permanent Transfer (4-year contract)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did Ojeda start his football training?

Ojeda began his development as a youth player at Vélez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

When did Ojeda make his professional debut?

He made his professional debut on September 3, 2022, playing for Villarreal's reserves, where he scored a goal in a 3–0 win over CD Mirandés.

Which team did Ojeda debut for in La Liga?

Ojeda made his La Liga debut for Villarreal CF on December 18, 2024, in a match against Rayo Vallecano.

What is Ojeda's current club status?

As of July 10, 2026, Ojeda is under a four-year contract with Real Valladolid in the Spanish second division.

Which clubs did Ojeda play for on loan?

Ojeda spent loan spells at CD Lugo in the Primera Federación and Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa in the second division.

References

  1. "El Villarreal incorpora al argentino Thiago Ojeda a su cantera" [Villarreal sign Argentine Thiago Ojeda to their youth setup] (in Spanish). Plaza Deportiva. 6 July 2022. Retrieved 5 September 2022.
  2. "Villarreal sign Thiago Ojeda". Villarreal CF. 6 July 2022. Retrieved 5 September 2022.
  3. "El Villarreal B golea a un Mirandés en inferioridad desde el minuto 12" [Villarreal B thrash Mirandés with a man down since the minute 12] (in Spanish). Marca. 3 September 2022. Retrieved 5 September 2022.
  4. "Thiago Ojeda, cedido al CD Lugo" [Thiago Ojeda, loaned to CD Lugo] (in Spanish). Villarreal CF. 7 July 2023. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
  5. "Thiago Ojeda, cedido a la Cultural Leonesa" [Thiago Ojeda, loaned to Cultural Leonesa] (in Spanish). Villarreal CF. 7 July 2025. Retrieved 7 July 2025.