Javi Lopez

Javier 'Javi' Lopez Rodriguez (Spanish pronunciation: [xaˈβjeɾ ˈlopeθ]; born 21 January 1986) is a Spanish footballer who plays as a full back or central midfielder for Australian club Adelaide United FC. Besides Spain, he has played in Australia.

He spent the vast majority of his professional career with Espanyol, having signed in 2007. During his spell, he appeared in 283 competitive matches.

Club Career

Espanyol

Born in Osuna, Province of Seville, Andalusia, and a product of Real Betis' youth ranks, Lopez signed with RCD Espanyol in 2007. On 4 October 2009, he made his debut for the first team of the latter club in a La Liga match against Villarreal CF, taking the pitch with less than ten minutes to go as the ten-man side eventually held off the hosts to a 0–0 draw; the vast majority of his first season was spent, however, with the reserves, which suffered relegation from the Segunda Division B.

Lopez was definitely promoted to the main squad for the 2010–11 campaign, being used by manager Mauricio Pochettino in various midfield and defender positions. He scored his first goal as a professional on 18 September 2011, but in a 2–1 away loss to Real Zaragoza where he was also sent off for two bookable offences, one of them resulting in a penalty.

On 29 March 2014, after Kiko Casilla was sent off late in the home fixture against FC Barcelona and his team had no replacements left, Lopez played as a goalkeeper. He conceded no goals, in a 0–1 defeat.

On 21 August 2020, after the side's relegation, the 34-year-old Lopez terminated his contract.

Adelaide United

Lopez joined A-League club Adelaide United FC on 25 November 2020, on a one-year deal.