A goalkeeper, Lopez started his playing career in the academy of A.S. Roma. Ultimately, he was forced into early retirement as a result of a serious knee injury picked up while playing with Agiatese in the 1992–93 season.
Early years
Lopez graduated secondary school with a diploma in Rome. After retiring as a footballer, he went on to become a football coach for a number of semi-professional club and youth teams. At age 28, he won a Youth Cup in an international tournament in Umbria, coaching Roma's affiliate academy side. He obtained his UEFA Youth Coaching Licence in 2000.
Coaching career
Eurolimpia A.S. Roma Academy
In 1996, Lopez joined the youth coaching staff at Eurolimpia Roma as a goalkeeper coach of the academy. On March 2007, Lopez obtained a UEFA A coaching licence, which made him eligible to work as head coach of many international leagues and clubs. Since then, he has completed further coaching qualifications, and now holds a UEFA Pro Licence.
A.S. Roma Academy
In 2000, Lopez was hired by Roma's youth academy side. Roma won a provincial championship and three regional tournaments, with many members of the side going on to successful senior careers in Italy.
In the 2007-08 season, Lopez was approached by Lithuanian club FK Banga Gargždai as to take over as head coach. The season was very successful as the club reached cup the semi-finals and recorded the best defensive record in the league, conceding only 15 goals all season while suffering only 6 defeats. In 2008, he was an instructor of the UEFA B course for the Lithuanian Football Federation.
FK Šiauliai
In the 2008-09 season, after success with FK Banga Gargždai, Lopez was hired by FC Siauliai. The club finished in fourth place in the league, in a season that included a record 11 consecutive games unbeaten.
In 2011, Lopez was approached by Sabah FA in Malaysia's Liga Premier competition to become their manager, however the club ultimately appointed him as technical director. After eight months, Lopez resigned from the role and moved to Indonesia where he coached Premier League club, PSMS Medan.
PSMS Medan
In 2012, Lopez saved the team from relegation with two games in advance. The club occupied a lowly league position upon his arrival, however he was able to secure safety by changing the mentality of the team.
B.G. Sports Club
Lopez was then hired by Maldivian Premier League side B.G. Sports Club. Like his previous club, PSMS Madan, B.G. were also in a poor league position at the time of Lopez's arrival, their first 4 games all ending in defeat. After a series of important positive results, the team reached third place by the end of the season, which was considered a great success.
On 11 September 2015 Lopez was hired by the Bangladesh national team, He was hired with a short 4-month contract only for the qualifying matches at the 2018 World Cup in Russia
Lopez's next role was at Omani club Al-Orouba SC, however once again his time was cut short, this time due to 'a difference in philosophy between the manager and the board'.
After a 6 month coaching hiatus, Lopez returned to the managerial world by taking up a position as under 23s coach for Al-Ahli. Lying in 6th position at the time of his takeover, the club has registered 9 consecutive wins since his arrival, reaching the record of 7 victories without ever suffering a goal, taking them up to 2nd on the ladder.
On 5 January 2018 Lopez was hired as the new coach of Indonesian Liga 1 club Borneo FC, replacing Dejan Antonic. On April 23, 2019, he terminated his contract binding him to his employer by mutual consent of both parties.
Thanh Hóa Football Club
On 22 November 2019 Lopez was hired as the new coach of Vietnamese club Thanh Hóa. After got only one win and four loss in the first five game, he was sacked on 7 June 2020.
Scouting career
Atalanta B.C.
In 2003, Lopez became a scout for Atalanta B.C, where he remained until 2005.
ACF Fiorentina
In 2005, Lopez moved from Atalanta to become a scout for ACF Fiorentina.
