Francisco Javier Atienza Valverde

Francisco Javier 'Pichu' Atienza Valverde (born 18 January 1990) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for Tercera Federación club La Nucía as a central defender.

Club career Atienza was born in Cañete de las Torres, Córdoba, Andalusia, and joined Atlético Madrid's youth setup in 2003. After making his senior debut for the C-team in Tercera División, he was promoted to the reserves in 2008, spending several campaigns in Segunda División B.

On 18 July 2011 Atienza joined another reserve team, Sevilla Atlético also in the third level. He continued to appear in the category in the following years, representing SD Huesca and Hércules CF.

On 7 July 2016, Atienza signed a two-year contract with CF Reus Deportiu, newly promoted to Segunda División. He made his professional debut on 20 August, starting in a 1–0 away win against RCD Mallorca.

On 16 June 2018, Atienza signed a two-year contract with fellow second division side CD Numancia. On 4 July of the following year, he agreed to a three-year deal with Real Zaragoza, still in the second level.

On 7 July 2021, Pichu was announced by the Greek Super League side Asteras Tripolis, on a contract until June 2023.

Honours Spain U17 UEFA European Under-17 Championship: 2007