What Happened to José Luis Pérez Caminero?
José Luis Pérez Caminero is a Spanish former professional footballer and sporting director. He gained prominence as a versatile midfielder for Real Valladolid and Atlético Madrid, winning a La Liga and Copa del Rey double with Atlético in 1996. After retiring as a player in 2004, he transitioned into football management, serving as sporting director for Real Valladolid, Atlético Madrid, and Málaga CF, his last known role ending in October 2019. He was also involved in a legal case related to money laundering in 2009, which was resolved with a fine in 2018.
Quick Answer
José Luis Caminero, a celebrated Spanish midfielder of the 1990s, is currently not holding any official club position since leaving his role as Sporting CEO for Málaga CF in October 2019. Prior to this, he had a distinguished playing career with Real Valladolid and Atlético Madrid, where he won a league and cup double in 1996. After retiring, he served as a sporting director for Real Valladolid, Atlético Madrid, and Málaga CF. He was also involved in a money laundering case, which concluded with a fine in 2018.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline17 events
Born in Madrid, Spain
José Luis Pérez Caminero was born in Madrid, Spain.
Youth Career at Real Madrid B (Castilla)
Caminero began his professional career in the youth ranks of Real Madrid, playing for their reserve team, Real Madrid Castilla.
Joins Real Valladolid
He signed with Real Valladolid, making his debut in La Liga and beginning his senior professional career.
Transfers to Atlético Madrid
Caminero joined Atlético Madrid, where he would experience the most successful period of his playing career.
Spain National Team Debut
He made his debut for the Spain national team in a friendly match against Chile.
Participates in FIFA World Cup
Caminero represented Spain at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, scoring three goals in the tournament.
Wins La Liga and Copa del Rey with Atlético Madrid
Caminero was a key player in Atlético Madrid's historic double-winning season, securing both the La Liga title and the Copa del Rey.
Participates in UEFA Euro and Last Spain Cap
He played for Spain in UEFA Euro 1996, which also marked his final appearance for the national team.
Returns to Real Valladolid
After five seasons with Atlético Madrid, Caminero rejoined Real Valladolid for his second spell at the club.
Retires as a Professional Player
Caminero announced his retirement from professional football after the 2003-04 season, following Real Valladolid's relegation.
Appointed Sporting Director for Real Valladolid
He began his career as a sporting director, taking on the role at his former club, Real Valladolid, and helping them achieve promotion to La Liga.
Arrested in Drug Trafficking Investigation
Caminero was arrested as part of an investigation into drug trafficking and money laundering operations.
Becomes Sporting Director for Atlético Madrid
He returned to Atlético Madrid as their sporting director, a role he held during a highly successful period for the club.
Departs from Atlético Madrid
After seven successful years, Caminero left his position as sporting director at Atlético Madrid.
Appointed Sporting Director for Málaga CF
Immediately after leaving Atlético, Caminero was announced as the new sporting director for Málaga CF, signing a three-season deal.
Legal Case Resolved with Fine
His money laundering case concluded with Caminero accepting the charges and paying a fine of approximately 20,000 euros, avoiding prison.
Leaves Málaga CF
Caminero departed from his role as Sporting CEO for Málaga CF, his last known professional football position.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
José Luis Pérez Caminero, born on November 8, 1967, in Madrid, Spain, established himself as one of the most talented and versatile Spanish footballers of the 1990s. His professional career began in the youth ranks of Real Madrid, playing for their B team, Castilla, before moving to Real Valladolid in 1989.
Caminero's career reached its zenith during his five-year spell with Atlético Madrid from 1993 to 1998. During this period, he was a pivotal figure in the team that achieved a historic La Liga and Copa del Rey double in the 1995-96 season. His exceptional performances earned him a call-up to the Spain national team, where he earned 21 caps and scored 8 goals, representing his country at the 1994 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 1996.
After leaving Atlético Madrid, Caminero returned to Real Valladolid in 1998, where he played until his retirement from professional football in 2004. Following his playing career, Caminero transitioned into football management, taking on the role of sporting director. He first served in this capacity for Real Valladolid from 2005 to 2008, where he oversaw the club's promotion to La Liga.
In 2011, Caminero joined Atlético Madrid as their sporting director, a position he held for seven successful years. During his tenure, Atlético Madrid experienced one of its most glorious eras, winning numerous titles including La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and multiple Europa League and Supercopa titles, working closely with coach Diego Simeone. He departed from Atlético Madrid in June 2018.
Shortly after leaving Atlético, Caminero was appointed as the sporting director for Málaga CF in June 2018, tasked with rebuilding the club and aiming for a return to Spain's top flight. However, his time at Málaga was relatively brief, as he left the club in October 2019.
In June 2009, Caminero was arrested in connection with a drug trafficking and money laundering operation. He was later released, and the legal proceedings concluded in October 2018, where he accepted money laundering charges and was ordered to pay a fine of approximately 20,000 euros, avoiding a prison sentence. As of March 8, 2026, there is no public information indicating that José Luis Caminero holds any official position within a football club or organization.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if José Luis Pérez Caminero made different choices?