José Cañas


José Alberto Cañas Ruiz-Herrera is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for Serbian club Red Star Belgrade as a defensive midfielder.
He started his career with Real Betis, joining the first team in 2009 and going on to make 72 official appearances, 51 in La Liga, over three seasons, and spent 2013–14 in the Premier League with Swansea City.

Club career

Betis

A product of Real Betis' youth ranks, Cañas was born in Jerez de la Frontera, Province of Cádiz. He made his first-team – and La Liga – debut on 3 May 2009, playing 83 minutes in a 0–2 home loss against Atlético Madrid. The Andalusians were ultimately relegated at the season's end.
Cañas was definitely promoted to Betis' main squad for 2010–11. He contributed with 15 games during the campaign as the Verdiblancos returned to the top flight after two years, as champions, being a first-team regular in the following two seasons.

Swansea City

In April 2013, before the season in Spain was over, Cañas refused to renew his expiring contract with Betis, choosing instead to join Swansea City on a three-year deal. He made his debut on 1 August, coming on as a late substitute in a 4–0 home victory over Malmö FF in the first leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League.

Espanyol

On 1 September 2014, Cañas returned to his country and its top division, joining RCD Espanyol on a three-year contract on a free transfer. His first competitive appearance took place 13 days later, as he played the last ten minutes of a 1–3 defeat at Valencia CF.
During his tenure at the Estadi Cornellà-El Prat, Cañas appeared in 48 games across all competitions. 2015–16 was marred by injury problems.

PAOK

On 11 July 2016, PAOK FC announced the signing of Cañas until the summer of 2019, for an undisclosed fee. On 2 April 2017 he scored his first goal as a professional, in a 2–0 home win against Athlitiki Enosi Larissa FC.
During his three-year tenure, Cañas was part of the squad that won the Greek Cup every season, contributing with a combined 16 matches and two goals to the achievements.

Red Star Belgrade

Cañas joined Red Star Belgrade as a free agent in late June 2019, agreeing to a two-year contract. He made his debut under coach Vladan Milojević in a friendly on 1 July with FC Blau-Weiß Linz, which was won 3–1. When his new team qualified for the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, he was among the players who celebrated riding around Belgrade in an armored vehicle.

Personal life

Cañas' uncle, Juan José, was also a footballer and a midfielder. He too spent most of his professional career with Betis.

Club statistics

Honours

PAOK
Red Star