When NorthEast United FC announced the arrival of Chema Núñez, it wasn’t just another signing—it felt like the club had just added a sparkplug to their engine room.For those unfamiliar, Chema isn’t a household name in India yet, but in Spain’s demanding lower leagues, he has carved out a reputation as a clever, inventive midfielder. Born in La Puebla del Río in 1997, Chema’s early footballing years were shaped by Andalusia’s fierce rivalries. He moved through academies at Sevilla and Betis—two clubs that hardly agree on anything—before finding his footing at Almería.It was there that he truly began to blossom. His debut for Almería’s first team in the Segunda División offered glimpses of his flair: the delicate touches, the precise through-balls, the confidence to dictate tempo against seasoned professionals. He soon became known as a player capable of changing a match with a single moment of vision.But like many footballers in Spain’s crowded system, Chema’s path wasn’t linear. Stints on loan at Albacete and Real Betis B tested his resilience. Eventually, he settled into a key role with Antequera CF in the Primera Federación, Spain’s competitive third tier. Over the 2024–25 season, he contributed one goal and ten assists—a statistic that says everything about his mindset. He’s not chasing the limelight; he’s orchestrating it for others.When NorthEast United came calling, it was an opportunity for both sides. The club, refreshed under coach Juan Pedro Benali, had shown in the Durand Cup that it could compete with the best if it added just a touch more quality in midfield. Chema, in turn, was eager for a new challenge—something beyond the familiar pitches of Andalusia.
“I’m excited to begin this new chapter,” he said after signing a one-year contract with an option to extend. His calm delivery masked a fierce determination to make an impact in the ISL, where the pace is relentless and the expectations higher than ever.So what can fans expect when Chema steps onto the pitch in Guwahati? Think of a left-footed creator who sees passing angles others don’t. A midfielder comfortable drifting wide, tucking inside, or slipping a decisive ball behind defenders. He won’t score bucketloads himself, but his fingerprints will be all over the goals that NorthEast United do score.His coach, Benali, summed it up neatly: “Chema will bring creativity and control. He has the ability to unlock defences and dictate the tempo of the game.”In many ways, this is the perfect match of ambition and opportunity. For Chema, India represents a fresh adventure and the chance to leave a lasting mark far from his Spanish roots. For NorthEast United, he could be the missing piece that transforms promise into genuine title contention.Only time will tell whether this bet pays off. But one thing is certain: ISL defenders will soon find out that Chema Núñez has an eye for the pass that can undo an entire back line. And the Highlanders faithful will hope that eye is sharper than ever.
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