Luis César Sampedro

Luis Ángel César Sampedro (born 3 May 1966), known as Luis César, is a Spanish former footballer who played as a goalkeeper, currently a manager.

Playing career Born in Vilagarcía de Arousa, Province of Pontevedra, Luis César played for Racing de Ferrol for nearly a decade, never appearing in higher than Segunda División B.

In 2000, precisely after the Galician club returned to the Segunda División after a 21-year absence, he retired from the game at the age of 34.

Coaching career Immediately after retiring, César began coaching his only club, being relegated from division two in his third season and promoting immediately. In 2004, he signed with another team in the second tier, Gimnàstic de Tarragona.

Luis César led Nàstic to La Liga in the 2005–06 campaign, with the Catalans returning to the tournament after 56 years. On 26 November 2006, however, after a 2–3 home loss against Mallorca, with the side having only totalled five points in 12 rounds, he was fired.

For 2007–08, César signed for Polideportivo Ejido in the second division, but did not finish the season once more, being sacked after the 21st matchday (out of 42), with Fernando Castro Santos taking his place as the Andalusians were relegated after a seven-year stay in the competition. On 6 March 2010, months after a move to Las Palmas was eventually aborted, with the team eventually finishing in 18th position – the first place above the relegation zone – just one point ahead of Cádiz.

On 6 December 2010, following a 1–2 home defeat to Villarreal B, Luis César was relieved of his duties at Gimnàstic, as the team ranked 22nd and last with just two wins in 15 games. In the 2011–12 campaign, he was one of two managers in charge of Alcoyano, who were finally relegated from the second tier.

Luis César was appointed at Albacete on 20 March 2013, leading it to promotion at the end of his first full season. He was fired on 12 March 2016, and continued to work in division two with Lugo (two spells), Real Valladolid, Tenerife and Deportivo de La Coruña.

On 11 May 2025, after more than four years without a club, Luis César returned to Gimnàstic for a third spell on a contract until June 2026. On 3 November, however, he was sacked.

Managerial statistics