Ricardo Penella Arias (born 25 February 1957) is a Spanish retired footballer who played as a sweeper.

[1] Born in Catarroja, Valencian Community, Arias spent 16 of his 17 professional seasons – 15 in La Liga – with local club Valencia CF.

He made his debut in the competition on 7 November 1976 by coming on as a late substitute in a 3–1 home win against CD Málaga,[2] and scored his first goal on 5 March 1978 to help defeat Sevilla FC 3–0 also at the Mestalla Stadium.

[8] After only 16 appearances in 1991–92, the 35-year-old Arias signed for neighbouring CD Castellón in the Segunda División, closing out his career at the end of the season.

[9] Arias earned one cap for Spain: on 26 September 1979, he played the first half of a 1–1 friendly draw with Portugal, at Balaídos.