Julián López de Lerma

Julián López de Lerma Barahona (born 27 February 1987) is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He is the current manager of Primera Federación club Real Madrid Castilla.

Playing career López was born in Badajoz, Extremadura. After graduating from Espanyol's youth system, he made his first-team debut in 2006–07, playing seven La Liga matches mostly always as a late substitute (he was initially summoned for the 2007 UEFA Cup final against Sevilla, but eventually did not make the final list of 18). For the following season, he was loaned to Sevilla Atlético in the Segunda División, appearing rarely due to a severe injury.

In January 2009, having made no competitive appearances for the Catalans during the first half of the campaign, López served another loan, now with Greek side Panthrakikos, and again suffered a physical setback, fracturing his right leg. After returning to the RCDE Stadium, whilst training with the reserves, he was again seriously injured. In July, aged only 24, he retired from football due to his constant problems with injuries.

Coaching career López returned to his main club Espanyol in early November 2011, working as scout in its academy. He became manager of their youth sides the following year, before joining Manolo González's staff at the reserves in July 2023 as assistant.

In July 2024, López moved to the structure of Real Madrid, being appointed at the Juvenil B squad. He took over the A team one year later, and became head coach of the senior reserves in the Primera Federación on 14 January 2026 after Álvaro Arbeloa was promoted to the main squad.

Managerial statistics

+ Managerial record by team and tenureTeamNatFromToRecordReal Madrid B13 January 2026Present Total—