Ismael Santiago

Ismael Santiago López López (born 27 February 1978), known simply as Ismael, is a Spanish retired footballer who played mainly as an attacking midfielder.
Over the course of ten seasons he amassed Segunda División totals of 276 games and 28 goals in representation of eight clubs, mainly Murcia and Xerez (two years apiece).

Football career

Born in Jaén, Andalusia, Ismael started playing for FC Barcelona's B-team, representing the side in the second and third divisions. In 1998 he moved to Deportivo Alavés, making his La Liga debut on 25 October 1998 in a 0–1 home loss against CF Extremadura, but he was not very successful there, finishing the season with CD Logroñés also in the second level.

Ismael's career blossomed at Real Murcia, and he was instrumental in the side's top flight promotion in his second season after scoring 11 goals. This prompted the interest of Real Betis, where he was an important offensive element in 2003–04, being however rarely used in the following campaign as the Verdiblancos won the Copa del Rey and achieved qualification honours to the UEFA Champions League after finishing fourth.

Subsequently, Ismael returned to division two, having stints with Elche CF, Xerez CD, Hércules CF and Alicante CF. From January–June 2010 he played in the third category with CF Sporting Mahonés and, at 32, moved abroad for the first time in his career, signing with Pierikos F.C. of the Greek second division.

Honours

Murcia

• Segunda División: 2002–03

Betis

• Copa del Rey: 2004–05