Diego López — Spanish goalkeeper (commonly known as Diego López Rodríguez)

• Full name: Diego López Rodríguez
• Date of birth: 3 November 1981
• Place of birth: Paradela, Lugo, Spain
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Nationality: Spain

Club career highlights (selected)

• Early career: Came through the youth system at CD Lugo and Real Madrid (youth).
• Espanyol (RCD Espanyol): Diego López joined RCD Espanyol on loan from Real Madrid for the 2005–2006 season, becoming the club's first-choice goalkeeper during that campaign. His performances at Espanyol helped establish him as a reliable top-flight keeper and raised his profile in La Liga.
• Other clubs: After Espanyol he played for Villarreal CF, returned to Real Madrid (2012–2013, initially as starter when Iker Casillas was injured), AC Milan (2014–2016), and UD Las Palmas (2016–2017), before a second spell at RCD Espanyol (2018–2019). He later joined Real Valladolid (2019–2021).
• Style of play: Tall and commanding in the box, known for shot-stopping, aerial ability, and experience organizing the defense.

International career

• Diego López was called up to the Spain national team and earned a small number of caps; competition for the goalkeeper position in Spain during his era was very strong.

Notable facts

• His loan to Espanyol in 2005–06 was a key step that led to him becoming established in La Liga.
• He later displaced Iker Casillas temporarily at Real Madrid in 2012 due to Casillas's injury, starting several important matches.