Jose Maria (Chema) Lopez Ortega is a footballer from Mexico with international experience in various academy teams. His football journey has seen him play for the Egypt Barca Academy (U15), ICEF/Thonon Evian Grand Geneve (U16 R1), and the La Liga Academy (U17 and U18), showcasing his skills across different countries and competitive levels.

Chema has already achieved significant success, including reaching the semifinals of the Oviedo Cup U19 and earning a silver medal. Now, he joins the FC Köln Bundesliga Talent Squad in Germany, where he aims to further develop his skills and pursue his dream of reaching professional football.

He chose the German Soccer Academy System after hearing about it from a friend and seeing it as a helpful path toward his goal of becoming a professional footballer. Chema is eager to absorb the hardworking mentality and strong goal-oriented mindset that is a hallmark of German football.

In addition to his football ambitions, Chema dreams of representing his country, Mexico, in international football and is also focused on completing his university degree at a prestigious institution.

A fan of Manchester United and Atlético Morelia (his hometown team), Chema admires Dani Carvajal for his qualities as a fullback, noting that they share similar physical attributes like height. Off the field, Chema enjoys enchiladas rojas, a traditional Mexican dish, and has a wide range of hobbies. He played piano for five years in his childhood and has been involved in sports like swimming, baseball, jujitsu, basketball, tennis, horse riding, and golf, which he still enjoys when in Mexico.

Welcome to the team, Chema!