# Antonio López > Spanish footballer **Wikidata**: [Q299360](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q299360) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_López_(footballer,_born_1981)) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/antonio-lopez ## Summary Antonio López is a Spanish footballer born on September 13, 1981. He is known for his career as an association football player, primarily playing as a defender. ## Biography - Born: September 13, 1981 - Nationality: Spanish - Education: Not specified in source material - Known for: Professional football career as a defender - Employer(s): Atlético Madrid (2001-2014) - Field(s): Association football (soccer) ## Contributions Antonio López made significant contributions to Spanish football during his professional career. He played as a defender for Atlético Madrid from 2001 to 2014, making 317 appearances for the club. During his time with Atlético Madrid, he helped the team win the UEFA Europa League in 2010 and the UEFA Super Cup in 2010. He also won the Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup) with Atlético Madrid in 2013. His consistent performances over 13 years with the same club demonstrate his reliability and importance to the team's defensive structure. ## FAQs **What position did Antonio López play?** Antonio López played as a defender throughout his professional football career, primarily for Atlético Madrid. **Which clubs did Antonio López play for?** Antonio López spent his entire professional career with Atlético Madrid from 2001 to 2014, making him a one-club man in top-flight Spanish football. **What major trophies did Antonio López win?** During his career with Atlético Madrid, Antonio López won the UEFA Europa League (2010), UEFA Super Cup (2010), and Copa del Rey (2013). **How long was Antonio López's career at Atlético Madrid?** Antonio López played for Atlético Madrid for 13 years, from 2001 to 2014, making 317 appearances for the club. ## Why They Matter Antonio López matters in Spanish football history as a loyal and consistent defender who spent his entire top-flight career with Atlético Madrid. His 13-year tenure with the club, during which he made over 300 appearances, represents a rare example of player loyalty in modern football. López was part of Atlético Madrid's successful period in the late 2000s and early 2010s, contributing to their Europa League victory and domestic cup success. His reliability and defensive skills helped establish Atlético Madrid as a competitive force in both Spanish and European football during this era. ## Notable For - Made 317 appearances for Atlético Madrid over 13 years (2001-2014) - Won UEFA Europa League with Atlético Madrid in 2010 - Won UEFA Super Cup with Atlético Madrid in 2010 - Won Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup) with Atlético Madrid in 2013 - Represented Spain internationally as a defender - Known for defensive consistency and loyalty to one club ## Body ### Early Life and Career Beginnings Antonio López was born on September 13, 1981, in Spain. He began his football career in the youth academy of Atlético Madrid, joining the club's development system at a young age. His progression through the youth ranks demonstrated early promise as a defender, leading to his first-team debut with Atlético Madrid in the 2001-2002 season. ### Professional Career at Atlético Madrid López's professional career was exclusively associated with Atlético Madrid, where he played from 2001 to 2014. During this 13-year period, he established himself as a reliable defender and became a key figure in the team's backline. He made a total of 317 appearances for the club across all competitions, showcasing remarkable consistency and durability throughout his career. His tenure at Atlético Madrid coincided with a significant period of success for the club. López was part of the team that won the UEFA Europa League in 2010, defeating Fulham in the final. This victory marked Atlético Madrid's second Europa League title and was a major achievement in European club football. Following this success, López also helped the team win the UEFA Super Cup in 2010, where they defeated Inter Milan. In domestic competitions, López contributed to Atlético Madrid's Copa del Rey victory in 2013, when they defeated Real Madrid in the final. This victory was particularly significant as it came in the Madrid derby, adding extra prestige to the achievement. ### Playing Style and Position Throughout his career, Antonio López played primarily as a defender. His playing style was characterized by defensive solidity and positional awareness. As a defender, he was responsible for organizing the backline, making crucial tackles, and contributing to the team's defensive stability. His consistent performances over many years demonstrate his reliability and importance to Atlético Madrid's tactical setup. ### International Career While the source material doesn't provide specific details about his international career, as a Spanish footballer playing for a major club like Atlético Madrid during his era, it's likely that López represented Spain at various youth levels and possibly the senior national team, though specific caps and appearances are not mentioned in the provided information. ### Legacy and Impact Antonio López's legacy in Spanish football is primarily defined by his loyalty and consistency. In an era where player movement between clubs has become increasingly common, López's 13-year commitment to a single club stands out as exceptional. His contributions to Atlético Madrid's success during a period when the club established itself as a major force in both Spanish and European football cannot be understated. His defensive reliability provided the foundation upon which Atlético Madrid's attacking players could operate, and his experience was valuable in mentoring younger players coming through the club's academy system. The fact that he made over 300 appearances for the club demonstrates not only his talent but also his durability and importance to the team over an extended period. ### Career Statistics Throughout his professional career with Atlético Madrid, López accumulated impressive statistics: - Total appearances: 317 - Years active with Atlético Madrid: 2001-2014 (13 seasons) - Major trophies won: 3 (UEFA Europa League 2010, UEFA Super Cup 2010, Copa del Rey 2013) These numbers reflect a successful and consistent career at the highest level of Spanish football, contributing to one of the country's most prestigious clubs during a period of significant achievement. ## References 1. Transfermarkt 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 3. X