Quick Facts
Biography
Christian Fernández Salas (born 15 October 1985), known simply as Christian, is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for Real Oviedo mainly as a left back.
Football career
Born in Santander, Cantabria, Christian was a product of hometown Racing de Santander's youth ranks, and he made his first-team debut on 7 January 2007 in a 0–2 away loss against Levante UD. During that season he appeared in a further nine La Liga games, scoring his first goal in a 5–4 home win against Athletic Bilbao three months later.
Midway through the 2007–08 campaign, Christian was loaned alongside teammate Samuel to second division strugglers UD Las Palmas, and both proved instrumental as the Canarians retained their league status, with the former netting four goals.
In 2009–10, Christian had a breakthrough year, playing 29 league matches for Racing and scoring twice, including in a 3–1 win at CA Osasuna on 21 March 2010 as the club eventually avoided relegation. After S.L. Benfica decided to recall László Sepsi from his loan, he had virtually no competitor for his position, and helped his team to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, notably netting in a 3–2 away win over AD Alcorcón (which had previously ousted Real Madrid), also the final aggregate score.
After the arrival of Domingo Cisma, Christian's playing time became more limited, but he still appeared in 38 contests in his last two seasons combined (as either a left or centre-back), scoring four goals. Santander suffered relegation in 2012 and, on 9 July of that year, he signed a two-year contract with UD Almería in the second level.
On 29 December 2013, after being first-choice in the Andalusians' return to the top flight but only third-string subsequently, Christian was released. On 7 February of the following year, aged 28, he moved abroad for the first time in his career, signing with Major League Soccer club D.C. United.
On 6 July 2014, Christian returned to his country and signed for three years with former club Las Palmas, still in division two. On 6 August of the following year, he was loaned to fellow league team SD Huesca for one year.
On 7 July 2016, Christian signed a two-year deal with Real Oviedo in the second division.