Yeremy Pino Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 27, 2025
As the football world enters 2025, few young talents have captured the imagination of fans and scouts alike quite like Yeremy Pino. At just 22 years old, the Spanish winger has evolved from a promising academy graduate into one of La Liga’s most dynamic and technically gifted players, a key figure for Villarreal CF, and a rising star on the international stage.
With blistering pace, fearless dribbling, and a maturity beyond his years, Yeremy Pino’s journey—from the sun-drenched pitches of Tenerife to the elite arenas of European football—is a story of patience, precision, and explosive potential realized.
Then: The Boy from Tenerife – A Talent Forged in the Canaries (2003–2020)
1. Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Born on October 20, 2003, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in Spain’s Canary Islands, Yeremy Pino Santos grew up in a football-loving family. From an early age, his speed, balance, and left-footed flair stood out on local pitches.
He began his football journey with CD Laguna, a small local club, before catching the eye of scouts from Villarreal CF’s famed youth academy, known as “La Fábrica”—renowned for developing world-class talents like Santi Cazorla, Álvaro González, and Francis Coquelin.
At 14, Pino made the bold move from Tenerife to the mainland to join Villarreal’s youth setup—a decision that would change his life.
2. Rapid Ascent Through the Ranks
Pino quickly rose through Villarreal’s youth teams, showcasing a rare combination of:
- Explosive acceleration
- Tight ball control in confined spaces
- A powerful, accurate left foot
- Intelligent movement off the ball
By 2020, at just 17 years old, he was training with the first team under manager Unai Emery.
Related: Ansu Fati Then and Now
The Rise: Breakthrough and Stardom (2020–2023)
1. First-Team Debut – A Moment of History
On September 13, 2020, Yeremy Pino made his La Liga debut for Villarreal in a 1–1 draw against Levante. At 17 years and 38 days, he became the youngest player in club history to appear in a La Liga match.
His impact was immediate. Just weeks later, he scored his first senior goal in a 2–0 win over Real Valladolid, becoming the second-youngest goalscorer in Villarreal’s history.
2. Key Role in Villarreal’s Historic UEFA Europa League Triumph (2020–2021)
Pino’s breakthrough season coincided with one of the greatest chapters in Villarreal’s history. Though not a starter in the early rounds, he played crucial minutes in the UEFA Europa League campaign.
In the 2021 final against Manchester United, Pino started and played 79 minutes in a 1–1 draw, helping set the stage for the dramatic penalty shootout victory. At just 18, he had won a major European trophy—earning plaudits for his composure and directness.
3. Continued Growth Under Emery and Quique Setién
Under Unai Emery and later Quique Setién, Pino became a regular starter on the right wing, cutting inside onto his lethal left foot. His stats improved dramatically:
- 2021–22: 4 goals, 7 assists
- 2022–23: 7 goals, 9 assists
- Known for creating chances, beating defenders 1v1, and delivering in high-pressure games
His performances attracted interest from Barcelona, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich, but Villarreal held firm, valuing him as a cornerstone of their future.
Related: Karim Adeyemi Then and Now
Now: The 2024–2025 Season – A Star in Full Bloom (In 2025)
1. Leadership and Maturity at Villarreal
By 2025, Yeremy Pino is no longer seen as a “young talent”—he is a first-team leader and Villarreal’s most dangerous attacking weapon. Now a vice-captain under new manager Marcelino García Toral, Pino has taken on greater responsibility both on and off the pitch.
His game has evolved:
- Improved defensive contribution
- Better positional discipline
- More consistent finishing
- Leadership in mentoring younger academy players
He’s become the face of Villarreal’s new era—a club rebuilding after the departure of key veterans, with Pino as its standard-bearer.
2. Record-Breaking 2024–2025 Campaign
In the 2024–2025 La Liga season, Pino has delivered his best performances yet:
- 14 goals and 12 assists in 30 appearances
- Scored decisive goals against Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid
- Named La Liga Player of the Month (November 2024, March 2025)
- Ranked top 3 in La Liga for dribbles completed and chances created
His left-footed curler in a 2–1 win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu went viral, hailed as one of the best goals of the season.
3. European Resurgence and Champions League Impact
After Villarreal’s return to the UEFA Champions League via La Liga qualification, Pino has shone on the continental stage:
- Scored in wins over Inter Milan and Bayer Leverkusen
- Provided a stunning assist in a 3–0 victory over Benfica
- Emerging as one of the top young performers in Europe’s elite competition
Scouts from Manchester City, Liverpool, and Paris Saint-Germain have been spotted at multiple Villarreal matches—fueling transfer speculation.
Related: Reece James Then and Now
International Career: Spain’s Next-Gen Winger
1. Spain Youth Teams to Senior Debut
Pino represented Spain at U-18, U-19, and U-21 levels, scoring key goals and showcasing his potential. His performances earned him a senior national team call-up in 2023 under Luis de la Fuente.
He made his full debut in a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier against Scotland, delivering an assist in a 2–0 win.
2. Euro 2024 and the Road to 2026
At Euro 2024, Pino served as a rotational winger behind stars like Dani Olmo and Nico Williams, but made crucial cameos—most notably in the round of 16, where his pace unsettled Italy’s defense.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Pino is now viewed as a key piece of Spain’s future—a dynamic, modern winger capable of stretching defenses and creating moments of magic.
Playing Style and Strengths (In 2025)
Yeremy Pino’s game in 2025 is defined by:
- Lightning-fast acceleration – one of the quickest players in La Liga
- Elite left-footed technique – excels at curling shots and precise through balls
- Dribbling in tight spaces – averages over 3 successful dribbles per game
- Cutting inside from the right – a modern inverted winger in the mold of Robben or Vinícius
- Tactical intelligence – understands when to press, when to hold, and when to explode
He’s also improved his right foot and aerial ability, addressing early criticisms about one-dimensionality.
Related: Jordi Alba Then and Now
Personal Life and Off-Field Influence
Pino remains grounded despite his fame. He lives in Villarreal with his family and is known for his humble, team-first attitude. An active presence on social media (over 3.2 million Instagram followers), he uses his platform to:
- Promote youth football in the Canary Islands
- Support mental health awareness
- Advocate for sustainable living
He launched the “Pino 10 Academy” in 2024, offering free training programs for underprivileged youth in Tenerife and Castellón.
Cultural Impact and Legacy (As of 2025)
Yeremy Pino represents a new wave of homegrown Spanish talent—players who rise through elite academies with technical brilliance and emotional maturity. He’s a symbol of Villarreal’s success model: small club, big dreams, world-class output.
He’s also become a role model for young Canarian athletes, proving that talent from Spain’s outer regions can shine on the biggest stages.
Related: Dani Carvajal Then and Now
Conclusion: Yeremy Pino – Then and Now (In 2025)
- Then: A 14-year-old boy from Tenerife, boarding a plane to the mainland with a dream and a football.
- Now: A 22-year-old La Liga star, Champions League performer, and future Spain international—on the radar of Europe’s elite clubs.
Yeremy Pino’s journey is a testament to vision, hard work, and belief. He didn’t rush his development. He learned, adapted, and exploded when the time was right.
As the 2025 season unfolds and transfer windows approach, one thing is clear:
Yeremy Pino isn’t just Villarreal’s present.
He’s one of football’s brightest futures.
⚡ “I don’t chase fame. I chase greatness—one touch, one sprint, one goal at a time.” – Yeremy Pino
Related: Pau Torres Then and Now