Diego López

Real Madrid

López was born in Paradela, Lugo, Galicia. A youth graduate from hometown's CD Lugo he signed with Real Madrid at age 18 and, after a loan at another side from the capital region, AD Alcorcón, he eventually moved up to Real's B team, starting in his second season, which ended in promotion to the Segunda División. López served as first-team backup to Iker Casillas in the following two La Liga campaigns: in the closing stages of 2005–06 he appeared in back-to-back away wins, against CA Osasuna (as Casillas was sent off) and Racing de Santander, adding a UEFA Champions League group stage game at Olympiakos FC, a 2–1 defeat.

Villarreal

In late June 2007, López signed with Villarreal CF for a reported fee of €6 million, and started the season as second choice to Uruguayan Sebastián Viera but, after a string of fine performances – he played in the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Cup – he was picked for the first team, finishing the season with 21 matches. López was ever-present in 2008–09, playing every minute and helping Villarreal finish fifth in the league. The following campaign was similar, but the team could only finish seventh, out of the European places. However, as fifth-placed RCD Mallorca were expelled from European competition due to bankruptcy, the Valencians took their place in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Europa League. López featured in every league game except one in 2011–12, being given his marching orders against Sevilla FC in a 2–2…

Spain

As third goalkeeper, López was first selected for Spain for two 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in late March/early April 2009, both against Turkey. He was named in the squad by manager Vicente del Bosque for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa behind Casillas and Pepe Reina, and did not play any matches there. López earned his only cap on 12 August 2009, playing the last 30 minutes of a 3–2 friendly win against Macedonia, replacing Reina and not conceding any goals.

Galicia

López made three appearances for the unofficial Galicia team, starting with their first game for 75 years on 29 December 2005. They won 3–2 against Uruguay in Santiago de Compostela.

López was a well-rounded goalkeeper, with a large physique, strong leadership qualities and good handling, which facilitated him in coming out to claim crosses. He possessed quick reactions, concentration and a positional sense, also being an effective shot-stopper. López was known in particular for his ball control, distribution and speed when rushing off his line to anticipate opponents.

López married Iria Otero on 11 June 2011, fathering three children.