Chema (footballer, born 1980)

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Giménez and the second or maternal family name is Pérez.
Chema
Chema during a game with Xerez (2009)
Personal information
Full name José María Giménez Pérez
Date of birth (1980-04-25) 25 April 1980 (age 44)
Place of birth Orihuela, Spain
Height 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Youth career
1990–1992 Escuela Orcelis
1992–1994 Orihuela
1994–1997 Bigastro
1997–1998 Beniel
1998–1999 Ranero
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1999–2000 Balsicas
2000–2001 Alquerías 37 (0)
2001–2002 Murcia B 25 (0)
2002–2006 Alicante 83 (0)
2006–2013 Xerez 128 (0)
2013–2014 Skoda Xanthi 17 (0)
2014–2017 Hércules 100 (0)
2017–2018 Eldense 40 (0)
2018–2020 Crevillente 65 (0)
Total 495 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

José María Giménez Pérez (born 25 April 1980), known as Chema, is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.

He appeared in 125 Segunda División matches over six seasons, at the service of Xerez. He represented the same club in La Liga.

Club career

Born in Orihuela, Alicante, Valencian Community, Chema started his career with amateur and modest clubs, moving in the 2006–07 campaign to Xerez CD in the Segunda División. A backup in his first two years (being second choice to French Stéphane Porato in his second season) he became an undisputed starter afterwards, playing 41 games as the Andalusia side reached the top flight for the first time ever.[1]

In La Liga, Chema backed up Brazilian Renan, newly signed from Valencia CF, his first match only coming on 7 March 2010 in a 4–2 away win against neighbours Málaga CF.[2] After retaining his post the following two games he suffered an injury,[3] in an eventual immediate relegation as last.

In the summer of 2014, after one season in the Super League Greece with Skoda Xanthi FC,[4] Chema returned to his homeland and signed for Hércules CF of Segunda División B.[5] On 4 July 2017, the 37-year-old free agent moved down to the Tercera División and joined CD Eldense.[6]

References

  1. ^ "El portero del ascenso" [The promotion's goalkeeper]. Diario de Jerez (in Spanish). 15 June 2013. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  2. ^ "El Xerez sorprende al Málaga con cuatro goles" [Xerez surprise Málaga with four goals]. Granada Hoy (in Spanish). 8 March 2010. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  3. ^ "Chema estará de baja tres semanas por una rotura muscular" [Chema will miss three weeks due to muscle rupture]. Marca (in Spanish). 24 March 2010. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  4. ^ "Chema firma por el Skoda Xanthi griego" [Chema signs for Greece's Skoda Xanthi]. Diario de Jerez (in Spanish). 19 June 2013. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  5. ^ "Hércules cierra plantilla con 13 fichajes y dos jugadores de pasada campaña" [Hércules complete squad with 13 signings and two players from previous season]. Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). 2 September 2014. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  6. ^ V. Belmar, Lucas (4 July 2017). "Chema recala en el Eldense" [Chema joins Eldense]. Diario Información (in Spanish). Retrieved 8 October 2017.
  • Chema at BDFutbol
  • Chema at Futbolme (in Spanish)
  • Chema at LaPreferente.com (in Spanish)
  • Chema at Soccerway