Apoño

Early career

Born in Málaga, Apoño began his career with local UD San Pedro and, for the 2004–05 season, moved to Andalusia neighbours UD Marbella in Segunda División B, where he would remain three years.

Málaga

In July 2007, Apoño joined Segunda División side Málaga CF – after having emerged through their youth system– also in his native region, being an instrumental figure in their return to La Liga after a two-year absence. He was brought in as the club was coached by Juan Ramón López Muñiz, who had briefly managed the player at Marbella. In the following campaign, Apoño remained a starter: he made his top division debut on 31 August 2008, in a 0–4 away loss against Atlético Madrid, and finished the campaign with nine league goals – best in the squad with striker Nabil Baha – seven from penalty kicks, notably in a 3–4 loss at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium against Real Madrid. On 30 July 2010, after a season with many injury problems, with Málaga only ranking in 17th position, Apoño signed a contract extension running until June 2014. He made his 100th official appearance for the club alongside teammate Weligton, in a 1–4 home defeat against Real Madrid on 16 October 2010, and finished 2010–11 with 27 league appearances (26 starts) and one goal. After the first match in the following campaign, a 1–2 away loss to Sevilla FC in which he was replaced at half-time – with the score at 2–0 for the hosts – reacting angrily, Apoño was suspended by coach Manuel…

Apoño's younger brother, Juan, was also a footballer and a midfielder. He also appeared for Málaga, but only for the B-team. The siblings shared teams at El Palo.