Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jesús Vallejo

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 14, 2025

Discover the career path of Jesús Vallejo, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jesús Vallejo Lázaro is a Spanish professional footballer currently playing as a centre-back for Real Madrid in La Liga. He is a defender, highlighting his primary role on the field. He represents the sports and athletics category through his professional career as a soccer player.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2008: Joined Real Zaragoza's youth setup

In 2008, at the age of 11, Jesús Vallejo joined Real Zaragoza's youth setup.

March 2013: Spain under-16 team appearance

On March 7, 2013, Jesús Vallejo appeared with the Spain under-16 team in a friendly match against Hungary.

July 2013: Signed new deal with Real Zaragoza

In July 2013, after making an impression in the Juvenil squad, Jesús Vallejo signed a new deal with Real Zaragoza.

August 2014: Professional Debut

On August 23, 2014, Jesús Vallejo made his professional debut for Real Zaragoza, starting in a 0–0 draw against Recreativo de Huelva in the Segunda División.

March 2015: First Cap for Spain under-21

On March 26, 2015, at the age of 18, Jesús Vallejo earned his first cap for the Spain under-21 team in a 2–0 win against Norway.

April 2015: First Professional Goal and Team Captain Appointment

On April 5, 2015, Jesús Vallejo scored his first professional goal in a 1–1 draw against Tenerife. For that match, he was appointed team captain by manager Ranko Popović and remained in the role afterward.

July 2015: Signed with Real Madrid and Loaned Back to Zaragoza

On July 31, 2015, Jesús Vallejo signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid for a rumoured €6 million fee. He was immediately loaned back to Zaragoza for one year.

2015: Signed for Real Madrid

In 2015, at the age of 18, Jesús Vallejo signed for Real Madrid. He was subsequently loaned to Zaragoza, Eintracht Frankfurt, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Granada (twice) and served as a reserve player during his time with Real Madrid.

August 2016: Bundesliga debut with Eintracht Frankfurt

On August 27, 2016, Jesús Vallejo made his Bundesliga debut with Eintracht Frankfurt, coming on as a late substitute in a 1–0 home win over Schalke 04.

July 2017: Unveiled as Real Madrid player

On July 7, 2017, Jesús Vallejo was presented as a Real Madrid player and joined the first team squad, receiving the number 3 shirt.

2017: Selected for Under-21 European Championship

In 2017, Jesús Vallejo was selected for the Under-21 European Championship finals, playing four times for Spain.

April 2018: UEFA Champions League Debut

On April 11, 2018, Jesús Vallejo debuted in the UEFA Champions League for Real Madrid, playing the entire match in a 1–3 home loss to Juventus.

2018: Picked for Friendly with Switzerland

In 2018, Jesús Vallejo was picked by Julen Lopetegui for a friendly match with Switzerland, despite not being in the squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

July 2019: Loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers

On July 27, 2019, after agreeing to a new six-year deal with Real Madrid, Jesús Vallejo was loaned to English side Wolverhampton Wanderers for a season.

2019: Extended contract until 2019

On December 26, Jesús Vallejo extended his contract with Real Zaragoza until 2019.

January 2020: Loan to Granada

In January 2020, Jesús Vallejo was loaned to Granada of the Spanish top tier until June, after his loan with Wolverhampton Wanderers was cut short.

2020: Selected for 2020 Summer Olympics

In 2020, Jesús Vallejo was selected for the Spain under-23 team for the 2020 Summer Olympics, which were delayed until the summer of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.