Emiliano Velázquez


Emiliano Daniel Velázquez Maldonado is an Uruguayan professional footballer who plays for Spanish club Rayo Vallecano as a central defender.

Club career

Born in Montevideo, Velázquez graduated from local Danubio F.C.'s youth system, and made his first-team debut on 3 June 2012, starting and being sent off in a 1–2 away loss against C.A. Bella Vista. It was his maiden appearance of the campaign.
Velázquez appeared regularly in the 2012–13 season, appearing in 24 matches, as his side finished dead last in Apertura but was fifth in Clausura. On 31 August 2013 he scored his first professional goal, netting the last of a 2–1 away win against Liverpool F.C. Montevideo; he was an ever-present figure during the club's winning campaign.
On 27 August 2014, Velázquez signed a five-year deal with Atlético Madrid, and the following day he was loaned to Getafe CF for the 2014–15 season. He made his La Liga debut on 28 September, starting in a 1–0 home win against Málaga CF.
Velázquez scored his first goal in the main category of Spanish football on 21 December, netting the last in a 1–1 draw at Granada CF. After contributing with 27 appearances and avoiding relegation, his loan was extended for another year on 2 July 2015.
After an unassuming loan spell at Primeira Liga side S.C. Braga, Velázquez returned to Getafe on 26 July 2017, also in a one-year loan deal. On 24 August, however, he joined Segunda División club Rayo Vallecano on a season-long loan from the latter.
Velázquez was transferred to Rayo Vallecano on 23 July 2018, signing a three-year contract.

International career

Velázquez appeared with Uruguay under-17's in the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup, being also his side's captain. He also played for the under-20's in 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup hosted in Turkey.
On 8 September 2013, Velázquez was called up to the main squad by manager Óscar Tabárez for a friendly against Colombia.

Honours

Rayo Vallecano