UD Almería celebrate 25 years since the Club’s birth
The unification of Almería Football between Almería CF and CP Almería took shape on 10 January, 2001
25 years have passed since the birth of UD Almería, a milestone that dates back to 10 January 2001, when the unification of football in the city was publicly announced. On that historic day, the Mayor of Almería, Santiago Martínez Cabrejas, revealed the agreement between Almería CF and CP Almería, presenting a new era for the city’s football during a packed press conference at the City Hall’s Plenary Hall.
Although the Club was initially unveiled unofficially under its new acronym, the foundations of UD Almería were firmly laid. The announcement was made alongside Guillermo Blanes and José Meca, founders of Almería CF and Polideportivo Almería respectively, following months of intense negotiations, meetings and attempts to bring unity to local football. The process was formally completed on 28 June 2001, when the shareholders of Almería CF approved the official name change.
Mayor Martínez Cabrejas, himself a former footballer, used the occasion to call on supporters of both clubs to put rivalries aside and rally behind a single institution, fulfilling a long-held ambition shared with figures such as Juan Rojas. He also personally proposed the name UD Almería, which would go on to become synonymous with the city.
Just 3 days later, on Saturday, 13 January, more than 8,000 fans filled the stands of the Juan Rojas Stadium to back the newly formed UD Almería in a crucial Segunda División 'B' Group IV fixture against Cádiz CF. Securing survival in the division was vital for the club’s future, a goal that was successfully achieved and laid the foundations for the steady growth that continues to this day.
That historic squad featured several local players who remain closely linked to the club, including Esteban Navarro, now a scout for UD Almería and Antoñito, a current UDA Radio commentator. Alongside them were Moreno, Raúl Sánchez, Barbero, Pía, Álex Hita and José Ortiz, all under the guidance of a young head coach, José María Salmerón, who would later lead the team to promotion to Segunda B.