José Ignacio Zahínos

José Ignacio Zahínos Sánchez (born 1 December 1977) is a Spanish former footballer. Mainly a defensive midfielder, he was able to operate as a central defender.

The late bloomer's career was greatly hampered by injuries, as he only played an average of 11 matches in ten seasons as a professional.

Club career Born in Madrid, Zahínos' career began with CD Yuncos in the regional leagues. In 1999, following a successful trial at CP Amorós, he joined Atlético Madrid's reserves, and made two appearances for the first team in 2000–01's Segunda División. His only goal in the competition came on 30 October that year, when he opened the 1–1 draw with Villarreal CF also at the Vicente Calderón Stadium.

In 2007–08, Zahínos signed a two-year contract with top-tier club Recreativo de Huelva, but had his season cut short due to a serious knee injury, sustained in a 1–0 away win over CA Osasuna in April 2008. Due to this, he missed the entirety of the following campaign.

Zahínos retired shortly after, aged 31. He started working as a coach in Atlético Madrid's youth system.