Ayoze Pérez

Ayoze Pérez Gutiérrez is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder, left winger, or centre-forward for La Liga club Villarreal CF and the Spain national team. Known for his creativity, tireless work rate, and sharp finishing, he has built a career spanning over a decade across Spain and England. As of 2026, he remains a key figure at Villarreal, where he won the Trofeo Zarra in the 2024–25 season as La Liga's top Spanish scorer. At international level, he was part of the Spain squad that triumphed at UEFA Euro 2024, earning a winner's medal. With more than 300 league appearances and 60 goals to his name, Pérez is respected for his versatility and his knack for scoring decisive goals. Standing at 1.78 metres and weighing around 66 kilograms, he is a right-footed forward who has consistently delivered at the highest level of club and international football. [edit]

Born on 29 July 1993 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Pérez grew up in a football-loving family. He joined the youth academy of his hometown club CD Tenerife, where his natural talent quickly stood out. He made his senior debut for the club in the Segunda División, Spain's second tier, and enjoyed a breakthrough 2013–14 season. His performances that year, which included several individual awards, drew attention from clubs across Europe. In 2014, at age 21, he made the leap to English football, signing for Newcastle United for around €3 million. That transfer marked the end of his time in the Canary Islands and the start of a new chapter in the Premier League. [edit]

Pérez's move to Newcastle United in 2014 began a five-season spell in England. He helped the club win the EFL Championship in 2016–17, securing promotion back to the Premier League. A memorable moment came in February 2019 when he scored in a stunning 3-2 comeback win over Everton. In 2019, he joined Leicester City, where he played a significant role in the club's most successful modern era. He won the FA Cup and the Community Shield in 2021, his first major club trophies. After a loan to Real Betis in early 2023, he signed permanently on a free transfer. In 2024, he moved to Villarreal, where he won the Trofeo Zarra in 2024–25. He also made his Spain debut in June 2024 and was part of the Euro 2024-winning squad. In the 2025–26 season, he continued as a key player, scoring a penalty against Mallorca in May 2026 and featuring in the Como Cup 2026 final against RC Lens on 1 August 2026. [edit]

Pérez is seen as a hard-working, versatile forward who never stops running. His style blends technical skill with a physical edge, making him a manager's favourite. Fans appreciate his commitment and his ability to deliver in big moments. On social media, he comes across as humble and grateful, often sharing moments from his career. He describes himself on Instagram as a player for Villarreal and a SEFUTBOL athlete. His public image is that of a dedicated professional who lets his performances speak for themselves. [edit]

Ayoze Pérez commands a steady, loyal following rather than a frenzied global cult. His support base is composed primarily of the general fanbases for his clubs: Newcastle United, Leicester City, and currently Villarreal CF. Unlike athletes who generate specific nicknames or organized movements dedicated solely to their personal brand, Pérez is known as a respected professional whose reputation rests on consistent performance rather than myth-making. There are no documented instances of fan-funded projects, birthday billboards, or organized chart campaigns driven by a distinct "Ayoze Pérez" identity. His interaction with supporters remains standard for a La Liga and Premier League player, characterized by social media updates where he shares career milestones without the elaborate ritualistic culture seen around pop stars. While recent narratives highlight his instrumental role in Villarreal's historic 5-1 victory over Atlético Madrid during the 2025-26 season and a stunning turnaround against Everton in February 2026, these are celebrated as sporting achievements rather than folklore that has entered cultural mythology. The audience appreciates his versatility and work rate, viewing him as a dedicated professional who delivers in big moments, yet no formal fandom name exists to describe this collective admiration. As of August 2026, the iFANN Global Fame Engine has evaluated Ayoze Pérez, but he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings. Consequently, there is no numeric rank or score assigned to his global standing at this time.[edit]

His full name, Ayoze Pérez Gutiérrez, distinguishes him from an earlier footballer of the same name who played for Real Madrid in the 1990s. He has made over 300 league appearances and scored more than 60 goals across his club career. Known for scoring important goals, he was involved in the dramatic 2019 comeback against Everton. His transfer to Newcastle in 2014 for around €3 million was a notable move from Spain's second division directly to the Premier League. He won the Trofeo Zarra as La Liga's top Spanish scorer, a prestigious individual honour. He is represented by the agency BOIM FOOTBALL and wears the number 22 shirt for Villarreal. Recent accounts from the 2025-26 season highlight his pivotal role in a major victory where Villarreal thrashed Atlético Madrid 5-1, helping secure a third-place finish in La Liga. In February 2026, he completed a stunning turnaround against Everton, a performance highlighted as a standout feature by the Premier League. His consistency in front of goal continued through May 2026 with a penalty against Mallorca and contributions in the Como Cup final against RC Lens.[edit]

Pérez keeps his family life largely out of the public eye. He was born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and his family roots are in the Canary Islands. No details about his parents or siblings have been shared publicly. As of 2026, he is not known to be married and has no publicly reported children. He maintains a private personal life, focusing on his football career. [edit]

Pérez has played for several clubs across Europe, including CD Tenerife, Newcastle United, Leicester City, Real Betis, and Villarreal CF. He has been part of the Spain national team setup, featuring for the under-21 side before his senior debut. His agent is BOIM FOOTBALL. [edit]

Public information about Ayoze Pérez's romantic life is almost nonexistent. He has never confirmed any long-term relationship, engagement, or marriage. As of 2026, he is reportedly single, though he may simply keep his personal life private. No credible media reports have linked him to any partner, and he has no publicly known children. [edit]

As of 2026, iFANN currently estimates Ayoze Pérez's net worth at $50 Million. This valuation reflects his substantial earnings from football salaries throughout his tenure in the Premier League and La Liga. During his time at Newcastle United, he earned a reported weekly wage of around £50,000, and his subsequent move to Leicester City in 2019 brought a significant pay rise. His later transfers to Real Betis and finally Villarreal also involved competitive contracts. In addition to his club income, Pérez earns from international match fees and endorsement deals as a Spain international. Over the years, his net worth has grown steadily, reflecting his longevity at the top level.[edit]

Ayoze Pérez has won several major honours in his career. He was part of the Spain squad that won UEFA Euro 2024, and he lifted the FA Cup and Community Shield with Leicester City in 2021. He also won the EFL Championship with Newcastle United in 2016–17. Individually, he claimed the Trofeo Zarra in 2024–25 as the top Spanish goalscorer in La Liga. [edit]