Calero: A Comprehensive Journey Through Professional Football
From the youth academies of Madrid to the competitive leagues of England and the Netherlands, Calero's career is a testament to resilience and versatility. Born in Parla, within the Community of Madrid, he began his ascent in the world of professional football through one of Spain's most prestigious systems.
The Formative Years at Atlético Madrid
Calero graduated from the Atlético Madrid youth system, making his senior debut with the C-team during the 2011–12 campaign in the Tercera División (the fourth tier of the Spanish football league system). His progression continued into the following season, where he debuted for the reserves in the Segunda División B on September 9, 2012, appearing as a substitute in a match against Leganés.
A significant milestone occurred on February 20, 2013, when manager Diego Simeone called him up to the main squad for a UEFA Europa League fixture against Rubin Kazan. Although he remained unused in that 1–0 victory, the call-up signaled his potential. By May 19, 2013, Calero scored his first senior goal during a 4–1 win over Rayo Vallecano B. He was officially promoted to the B-team for the 2013–14 season, contributing four goals across 29 appearances.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Venturing into English Football: Derby County and Burton Albion
In July 2014, Calero expanded his horizons by signing a two-year contract with Championship club Derby County. Manager Steve McClaren praised his pedigree upon his arrival on July 18. Calero made an immediate impact in professional play on August 26, scoring the only goal in an 87th-minute victory over Charlton Athletic in the League Cup.
His league debut followed on September 14 during a 1–1 draw against rivals Nottingham Forest. To further his development, Calero was loaned to League Two side Burton Albion on February 2, 2015. This move was particularly meaningful as he was signed by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, a former Atlético Madrid player whom Calero had admired since 1999–2000.
During his tenure at Burton Albion, Calero made his debut against Cheltenham Town and earned his first start in a goalless draw against Wimbledon. While Burton Albion eventually secured promotion to League One as champions, Calero returned to Derby County, where he was released at the end of the 2015–16 campaign.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]European Transitions and Return to Spain
Following his time in England, Calero moved to the Netherlands on June 2, 2016, signing a two-year deal with Sparta Rotterdam. He later returned to Spain on July 8, 2017, joining Elche in the third division. After helping the team achieve promotion to the Segunda División, he spent a year on loan with Salamanca starting in July 2018.
Calero's journey continued with a move to Numancia on July 8, 2019, via a two-year contract. Following the club's relegation, he signed a three-year deal with Málaga on August 28, 2020. However, his progress was hindered in December 2020 by a serious knee injury, which kept him sidelined until September of the following year. In January 2022, he joined Alcorcón on loan for the remainder of the season.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Recent Career and Current Standing
On July 3, 2022, Calero signed a three-year contract with Cartagena in the second tier. He established himself as a regular starter, notably playing under his father's management for much of the 2023–24 season.
Most recently, Calero signed a three-year contract with Real Zaragoza on July 16, 2024. His journey in the second division continued with a move to Cultural Leonesa on August 31, 2025.
Key Facts
- Youth Development: Graduated from the Atlético Madrid youth system.
- English Experience: Played for Derby County (Championship) and Burton Albion (League Two).
- International Stints: Spent two years with Dutch club Sparta Rotterdam.
- Resilience: Overcame a serious knee injury suffered in December 2020.
- Family Connection: Played under his father's management at Cartagena during the 2023–24 season.
| Period | Club | Country | Notable Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–2014 | Atlético Madrid | Spain | Senior debut and first senior goal |
| 2014–2016 | Derby County | England | Professional debut goal vs Charlton Athletic |
| 2015 | Burton Albion (Loan) | England | Development under Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink |
| 2016–2017 | Sparta Rotterdam | Netherlands | Two-year contract |
| 2017–2019 | Elche | Spain | Achieved promotion to Segunda División |
| 2019–2020 | Numancia | Spain | Two-year contract |
| 2020–2022 | Málaga | Spain | Recovered from serious knee injury |
| 2022–2024 | Cartagena | Spain | Regular starter; managed by father |
| 2024–2025 | Real Zaragoza | Spain | Three-year contract |
| 2025 | Cultural Leonesa | Spain | Latest club transfer |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Calero begin his football career?
Calero began his career in the youth system of Atlético Madrid, eventually debuting with the C-team in the Tercera División during the 2011–12 season.
Which English clubs has Calero played for?
Calero played for Derby County in the Championship and spent a loan period with Burton Albion in League Two.
Did Calero ever play outside of Spain and England?
Yes, Calero signed a two-year contract with the Dutch club Sparta Rotterdam on June 2, 2016.
What major injury did Calero face during his career?
In December 2020, while playing for Málaga, Calero suffered a serious knee injury that kept him out of action until September of the following year.
Who managed Calero during his time at Cartagena?
For most of the 2023–24 campaign at Cartagena, Calero was managed by his father.