Movilla: A Comprehensive Look at His Football Career
From his early days as a goalkeeper in the Basque Country to his extensive journey through the ranks of Spanish football management, Movilla has built a career defined by resilience and a commitment to the sport. His transition from the pitch to the dugout happened remarkably early, setting the stage for a managerial path that has spanned several decades and multiple divisions.
Playing Career
Born in Barakaldo, Biscay, in the Basque Country, Movilla began his football journey as a goalkeeper. He developed his skills within the youth systems of Romo CF and Athletic Bilbao. As a senior player, he competed in the Tercera División (the fourth tier of the Spanish football league system) with Arenas Club de Getxo.
Following a pre-season stint with Sestao River Club, Movilla moved to SD Leioa, where he eventually retired from professional playing to focus on his burgeoning interest in coaching.
Early Managerial Rise
Movilla's transition to management was swift. In 1999, at the age of 19, he took charge of the Cadete (youth) squad at Romo. He further honed his leadership skills managing youth teams at Peña Athletic Santurtzi CF and Arenas.
His ascent to senior management happened in November 2003 when, at just 23 years old, he was appointed manager of the Arenas first team in the Tercera División. Although he was sacked in January 2006, this period established him as a young tactical mind in the region.
The Leioa and Barakaldo Years
In May 2006, Movilla took over at SD Leioa while the club was facing the threat of relegation from the División de Honor de Vizcaya. He successfully stabilized the team, leading them to promotion to the fourth tier in 2008. His tenure reached a historic peak in 2014 when he secured the club's first-ever promotion to Segunda División B (the third tier). He departed the club on June 10, 2015.
Immediately following his exit from Leioa, Movilla was named manager of Barakaldo CF on June 11, 2015. However, his time there ended on March 14, 2017, following discrepancies with the club's board, leading to his replacement by Gonzalo Arconada.
Navigating the Third and Fourth Tiers
After a hiatus from coaching, Movilla returned to the helm on October 1, 2018, joining Zamora CF in the third level. He remained with the club until November 22, 2021, when he left by mutual agreement after a difficult start to the season.
His subsequent roles included a brief stint at Real Unión in the Primera Federación (the new third tier), where he was relieved of his duties on March 15, 2023, after 14 matches. He returned to Zamora CF on July 4, 2023, while the club was in Segunda Federación. Despite achieving promotion back to the third division, the club announced his departure approximately one year later.
Recent Challenges and Successes
On January 20, 2025, Movilla was appointed manager of CE Sabadell FC in the fourth division. Despite a winless start in his first seven games—including six league matches and one in the Copa Catalunya—he orchestrated a dramatic turnaround. With nine wins, two draws, and two defeats in the final thirteen matches, he guided the Arlequinats (the nickname for Sabadell) to promotion to Primera Federación. He left the club on June 17, 2025.
Most recently, Movilla signed with Marbella in the third tier on November 11, 2025. This tenure was short-lived; he was sacked on January 7, 2026, after losing five of seven matches, leaving the team in a precarious position regarding relegation.
Key Facts
- Early Start: Began managing youth football at age 19 and senior football at age 23.
- Historic Achievement: Led SD Leioa to its first-ever promotion to Segunda División B in 2014.
- Resilience: Guided CE Sabadell FC to promotion in 2025 after a winless start to his tenure.
- Regional Roots: Deeply connected to Basque football, having played and coached in Barakaldo, Getxo, and Leioa.
| Club | Key Achievement / Outcome | Notable Period |
|---|---|---|
| SD Leioa | Promotion to 4th tier (2008) and Segunda B (2014) | 2006 – 2015 |
| Barakaldo CF | Managed in the third tier | 2015 – 2017 |
| Zamora CF | Two separate stints; achieved promotion in second term | 2018 – 2021; 2023 – 2024 |
| CE Sabadell FC | Promotion to Primera Federación | 2025 |
| Marbella | Short tenure ending in dismissal | 2025 – 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age did Movilla start his managerial career?
Movilla began his coaching career in 1999 at the age of 19, starting with the Cadete squad of Romo.
Which club did Movilla lead to its first-ever promotion to Segunda División B?
He achieved this milestone with SD Leioa in 2014.
How did Movilla perform during his time at CE Sabadell FC?
Despite a winless start in seven games, he led the team to promotion to Primera Federación by winning nine of his final thirteen matches.
What position did Movilla play during his active football career?
Movilla played as a goalkeeper for various clubs, including Romo CF, Athletic Bilbao's youth sides, and Arenas Club de Getxo.
Why did Movilla leave Barakaldo CF in 2017?
He was dismissed on March 14, 2017, due to discrepancies with the club's board.