Juanma Ortiz (footballer, born 1982)

Born in Guardamar del Segura, Province of Alicante, Valencia, Ortiz was a graduate of Atlético Madrid's youth system, where he played five first-team games during the 2003–04 season, three as a starter.

He had previously made his debut with the main squad in the 2001–02 campaign, appearing in one Segunda División match[3] as the Colchoneros were promoted, and would spend the next three years on loan at both CA Osasuna and Polideportivo Ejido, the latter in the second level.[4]

For 2007–08, Ortiz joined newly promoted UD Almería, where he was instrumental in helping the Andalusia side overachieve to a final eighth place in La Liga. He scored two goals, including in a 4–1 away win against neighbours Sevilla FC on 19 April 2008,[5] and continued to be regularly used in the following top-flight seasons, inclusively as an attacking right-back.[6]

Ortiz played as both right and left-back during the 2010–11 campaign.[7] He netted twice in the Copa del Rey, both in a 4–3 victory over RCD Mallorca (8–6 on aggregate) in the round of 16, as the team eventually reached the competition's semi-finals for the first time in their history,[8] being nonetheless relegated after ranking 20th and last.[7]

From 2007 to 2009, Ortiz was one of three Almería players with that surname, Mané and José Ortiz being the others.[9]

Ortiz signed for Scottish Premier League club Rangers on 6 July 2011, on a three-year contract.[10] He made his first competitive appearance 17 days later, struggling to make an impact and playing out of position in a 1–1 away draw with Heart of Midlothian.[11] He scored his first official goal on 18 August, in a UEFA Europa League qualifier against NK Maribor.[12]

On 30 January 2012, after a somewhat disappointing first half to his Rangers campaign, it was announced that Ortiz would rejoin Almería on loan until the end of the season.[13] He netted three times in his first three games, awarding his team nine points after strikes against Córdoba CF (2–1, home),[14] Girona FC (1–0, away)[15] and Real Murcia (4–2, home).[16]

Following Rangers' liquidation after they entered administration,[17] several players refused to have their contracts transferred to a new company set up by Charles Green,[18] and both Ortiz and the club agreed on having his link terminated.[19] On 10 July 2012, he signed a two-year contract with Granada CF.[20]

Having signed in the summer of 2014 at the age of 32, Ortiz then spent several seasons in the Cypriot First Division with AEK Larnaca FC, sharing teams with a host of compatriots.[21] On 29 September 2017, he returned to his country and signed with amateurs CF La Nucía,[22] helping to a first-ever promotion to the Segunda División B in 2019.[23]

Ortiz returned to Tercera División in December 2019, joining CF Intercity.[24]