*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 8 June 2024
José Manuel Rodríguez Benito (born 3 March 1992), known as Chema, is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for AD Alcorcón. Mainly a central defender, he can also play as a left-back.
Chema signed with AD Alcorcón in January 2013, being initially assigned to the B side in the fourth division.[5] He was promoted to the first team in August,[6] making his competitive debut on 6 October by starting in a 0–0 away draw against SD Eibar in the Segunda División.[7]
Chema scored his first professional goal on 30 March 2014, his team's only in the 3–1 away loss to Girona FC.[8] On 9 July, he was definitely promoted to the main squad.[9]
Levante
On 5 August 2016, Chema signed a four-year deal with Levante UD, still in the second tier.[10] He contributed three goals in 33 appearances in his first season, helping the club to return to La Liga at the first attempt.[11]
Chema's first match in the Spanish top flight took place on 21 August 2017, when he started a 1–0 home win over Villarreal CF.[12] He scored his first goal in the competition exactly one month later, helping the hosts defeat Real Sociedad 3–0 with a spectacular 44th-minute strike from just outside the box.[13]
Chema returned to Spain on 30 January 2020, after being sold to Getafe CF for an undisclosed fee.[16] On 11 January 2022, he was loaned to second division side Eibar for the remainder of the season.[17]
On 21 July 2022, Chema terminated his contract.[18] A few hours later, he returned to Eibar on a three-year deal.[19]
Alcorcón return
On 12 August 2023, after being rarely used during the campaign, Chema returned to Alcorcón.[20]
Career statistics
Club
As of match played 23 May 2021
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
^Pérez, José Ignacio (21 August 2017). "La Liga echaba de menos a Morales" [La Liga was missing Morales]. Marca (in Spanish). Retrieved 27 August 2017.