Villarreal CF will part ways with head coach Marcelino Garcia Toral at the end of the season, bringing an impactful spell to a close.

The club confirmed the decision with a message of appreciation, stating
“Thank you from the heart, Marce, for everything you have given to this club and to this fanbase. We wish you all the best in your future sporting endeavors.”

Marcelino’s tenure will be remembered for delivering historic progress. He guided Villarreal to back-to-back qualifications for the UEFA Champions League in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, marking the first time the club has achieved this feat. During the 2025-26 campaign, he also led the team to its strongest first half of a season in La Liga history, collecting a record 44 points from 19 matches.

His return to Villarreal came at a critical moment after previous managerial instability, having earlier built a reputation for discipline, structure, and maximizing squad potential. This was not his first spell with the club, as he previously managed Villarreal between 2013-2016, helping stabilize the team and reestablish them as a competitive force in Spain.

Known for his organized tactical approach and ability to develop cohesive teams, Marcelino’s second stint elevated Villarreal into consistent top level contention domestically and in Europe. His departure signals the end of a significant chapter, with the club now set to begin a new phase following one of the most successful periods in its history.