José María Martín Bejarano-Serrano

Early years and Zaragoza

Born in Rota, Andalusia, José Mari played amateur football until the age of nearly 22, representing UD Roteña and Atlético Sanluqueño CF. In the summer of 2009 he joined Real Murcia Imperial of Segunda División B, being relegated in his only season. Subsequently, José Mari stayed in that level, spending two years at Real Jaén. In summer 2012 he moved straight to La Liga, signing for two years with Real Zaragoza and initially being assigned to the reserves after the preseason was over; however, he managed to convince first-team coach Manolo Jiménez and, in August, was definitely promoted. José Mari made his professional – and top flight – debut on 20 August 2012, playing the second half in a 1–0 home loss against Real Valladolid. He finished the campaign with 27 matches in all competitions, scoring once in the Copa del Rey, but the Aragonese were eventually relegated. On 6 February 2014, it was announced that José Mari and Zaragoza had agreed to mutually terminate his contract. He netted his first league goal for the club in his last appearance, a 2–1 home victory over Córdoba CF on 8 December of the previous year.

Colorado Rapids

On 11 February 2014, José Mari joined the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer, for a preseason trial. The team announced early in the following month that he had been signed to the active roster, and would be eligible to play pending receipt of his U.S. P-1 work visa and an international transfer…