Tribute to Ernesto Domínguez, the first international in the history of Levante UD

Levante UD will pay tribute this Sunday, on the occasion of the match against Villarreal CF, to Ernesto Domínguez, one of the most influential footballers in the club's history. The club will dedicate the exhibition in the VIP Box of the Ciutat de València to his career, showcasing original documents and unique pieces from his time with the club during the 1960s.

On December 1, 1963, Ernesto Domínguez forever etched his name in Levante's history by becoming the club's first international footballer. He was called up by the Spanish national team for a friendly match against Belgium held at Mestalla. That call-up held special significance: Domínguez was the only player selected from the city's First Division teams —Levante and Valencia— at that time.

A signing influenced by Vallejo's pitch

Domínguez joined Levante in the summer of 1962. His decision was influenced by a unique factor: the excellent quality of the Vallejo pitch. A player with refined technique and a special touch, he sought a field that would allow him to showcase his full repertoire. At Vallejo, he found the perfect stage to display his elegant and creative football.

Protagonist of the promotion and a reference in the First Division

His impact was immediate. In the 1962-63 season, Domínguez became a key player for the team that achieved the historic promotion to the First Division. During the following two seasons, already in the elite, he maintained an outstanding level and established himself as one of the football leaders of the granota team. His talent, vision of the game, and ability to make a difference gave him a pivotal role in an unforgettable era of Levante's history.

A legacy that transcends generations

After concluding the 1965-66 season, Domínguez embarked on a new professional stage at RCD Mallorca. However, his mark on Levante was firmly etched: he was a symbol of ambition, elegance, and commitment, and one of the great references of Levante football of his time.

Original documents in the VIP Box of the Ciutat

The exhibition opening this Sunday will allow visitors to view historical pieces from the club's archive. Among them are contracts signed by the player and the club, official records, period photographs, and documents that illustrate various aspects of his time at Levante. A unique heritage collection that helps to reconstruct, in detail, the dimension of an irreplaceable player.