Keko (footballer, born 1991)


Sergio Gontán Gallardo, known as Keko, is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for Deportivo de La Coruña as a right winger.

Club career

Atlético Madrid

Keko was born in Brunete, Community of Madrid. A product of hometown Atlético Madrid's youth ranks, he made his first-team – and La Liga – debut on 12 September 2009, taking the field as a 63rd-minute substitute in a 1–1 home draw against Racing de Santander, aged just 17. Speaking to Diario AS after the match, he said: "The truth is that I have always dreamed of playing in this stadium, despite the draw, it was a dream come true. I did not think about the protests outside the ground, and I only wanted to score. I hope to have more chances, but I have to be calm and see what the coach decides."
Late in January 2010, Keko was loaned to fellow league club Real Valladolid until the end of the season. He made his debut for his new team against Valencia CF, appearing as a late replacement in an eventual 0–2 away loss on 6 February.
Keko split the 2010–11 campaign with two Segunda División sides, FC Cartagena and Girona FC, appearing in 25 matches combined as both managed to retain their league status.

Catania

On 19 July 2011, after he failed to renew his contract with Atlético Madrid, Keko completed a transfer to Calcio Catania in Italy, signing a three-year deal and being awarded the No. 15 jersey at the Sicilian club. On 7 January 2012, however, along with teammate Fabio Sciacca, he joined Serie B's U.S. Grosseto F.C. on loan.
Keko scored on his Serie A debut on 24 February 2013, starting and contributing to a 2–1 away win over Parma FC. In May 2014, he was released.

Albacete

On 28 August 2014, Keko signed a 1+1 contract with Albacete Balompié, recently promoted to the second level. He totalled more than 2,500 minutes of action during his first and only season, notably scoring a brace in a 3–2 victory at UE Llagostera on 21 May 2015 that confirmed the club's survival.

Eibar

On 9 July 2015, Keko moved to SD Eibar in the top division after agreeing to a two-year contract. He scored his first goal in the competition on 30 December, netting the first in a 2–0 home win against Sporting de Gijón.

Málaga

On 21 June 2016, Keko joined Málaga CF on a four-year deal. He appeared in 22 scoreless matches in his first season, helping his team finish in 11th position.
On 29 July 2018, after suffering relegation, Keko agreed to a one-year loan deal back at former club Valladolid, now in the top flight. On 31 January 2020, he terminated his contract with the Andalusians.

Deportivo

On 31 January 2020, just hours after leaving Málaga, Keko signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Deportivo de La Coruña, still in the second tier.

International career

Keko participated in the 2008 UEFA European Under-17 Championship with Spain, helping his country to eventual victory in the tournament and scoring in the final, a 4–0 win over France.

Honours

International

Spain