Juan Elía

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Elía and the second or maternal family name is Vallejo.

Juan Elía Vallejo (born 24 January 1979) is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.

Juan Elía

Personal information
Full name	Juan Elía Vallejo
Date of birth	(1979-01-24) 24 January 1979 (age 46)
Place of birth	Pamplona, Spain
Position(s)	Goalkeeper
Youth career
1993–1997	Osasuna
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1997–2002	Osasuna B	109	(0)
2002–2008	Osasuna	40	(0)
2002–2003	→ Ourense (loan)	36	(0)
2008–2010	Murcia	61	(0)
Total		246	(0)
International career
1997	Spain U17	4	(0)
1996–1998	Spain U18	10	(0)
1998	Spain U20	2	(0)
2004–2005	Navarre	2	(0)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals

Club career

Born in Pamplona, Navarre, Elía spent the bulk of his professional career with his hometown side CA Osasuna, save for a loan at modest CD Ourense. In the 2004–05 campaign he played a personal-best in La Liga 22 games, but served mostly as a backup during his spell with his main club, 15 years including his formative ones;^[1][2] he was also in goal in the 2005 Copa del Rey final, lost 2–1 against Real Betis at the Vicente Calderón Stadium.^[3]

In August 2008, Elía joined Real Murcia CF, recently relegated to the Segunda División.^[4] He was first choice in his debut season but the team only finished in mid-table, being relegated in the following with him appearing in 24 matches.^[5]

Elía announced his retirement in September 2010 at the age of 31, due to persistent back problems.^[6] Subsequently, he took up golf.^[7]

International career

Elía represented Navarre in two matches.^[8][9]