Manuel Sánchez López


Manuel Sánchez López, known as Manolín or simply Manuel, is a Spanish footballer who plays for Elche CF. Mainly a defensive midfielder, he can also play as a central defender.

Club career

Born in Córdoba, Andalusia, Manuel graduated from Córdoba CF's youth academy, and made his debut as a senior with Écija Balompié in 2007, in Segunda División B. On 2 August 2009, he moved to Polideportivo Ejido also of the third level.
On 31 August 2010, Manuel returned to the Verdiblancos, being assigned to the reserves who competed in Tercera División. In the summer of 2011 he moved back to the third level, signing for CF La Unión.
Manuel remained in division three in the following years, representing CD Guijuelo, La Hoya Lorca CF and SD Huesca. He appeared in 38 matches and scored two goals during the season with the latter club, as it returned to Segunda División after a two-year absence.
Manuel made his professional debut on 22 August 2015 at the age of 27, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–3 home loss against Deportivo Alavés. On 10 January of the following year, after terminating his contract, he joined CA Osasuna also in the second tier.
On 23 June 2016, after achieving promotion to La Liga, Manuel was released and signed with second division side AD Alcorcón. On 20 December, after appearing rarely, he became a free agent and joined fellow league team UCAM Murcia CF three days later.
On 20 July 2017, Manuel agreed to a deal at Elche CF. He won promotion to the second tier at the end of his debut campaign, contributing with 34 games and four goals to the feat.