Álex López (footballer, born 1988)

Alejandro "Álex" López Sánchez (born 11 January 1988) is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a central midfielder.

Club career

Early years

Born in Ferrol, Galicia, López graduated from Racing de Ferrol's youth system, and made his professional debut on 14 May 2005 when he came on as a late substitute in a 2–2 home draw against CD Tenerife in the Segunda División. In July, he was loaned to lowly SD O Val of Tercera División.

López returned to Racing in June 2006, and after appearing sparingly in the first part of the season (with his team now in the Segunda División B), he cancelled his contract and joined Narón BP of the fourth level.

Celta

In June 2009, López joined RC Celta de Vigo, initially being assigned to the reserves in the third division. After scoring 13 goals with the B team, he made his official debut with the main squad on 13 June 2010, playing 14 minutes in a 2–0 away loss to Real Sociedad. On 13 February 2013, he renewed his link until 2018.

On 9 July 2015, López signed a contract extension with Celta until 2019, being immediately loaned to Sheffield Wednesday. A year later, still owned by the former, he joined Real Valladolid.

Later career

López spent the 2017–18 campaign with Sporting de Gijón also in the second tier. He appeared in only 13 competitive matches during his spell, mainly due to lower back problems.

On 28 September 2018, López joined Brisbane Roar FC on a one-year deal. Following his one season in the Australian A-League, he returned to third-division Racing de Ferrol in June.

López contributed 37 games and four goals (play-offs included) in 2022–23, as Racing won their group and returned to the professional leagues 15 years later. On 3 February 2025, he announced his retirement aged 37 in order to make room for new signings, but remained connected to the club in directorial capacities.