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Fútbol Club Cartagena, S.A.D. is a Spanish football team based in Cartagena, in the Region of Murcia, Spain. Founded in 1995 it currently plays in Primera Federación – Group 2, holding home games at Estadio Cartagonova, with a capacity of 15,105 spectators.[2]

Key Information

The club is considered to be a continuation of Cartagena CF, founded in 1919.

History

[edit]

Cartagena was founded on 25 July 1995, in the place of Club Deportivo Balsicas, due to serious economic problems of the first team of the city, Cartagena FC, the first president Florentino Manzano was the founder. In the first eight years it was known as Cartagonova Fútbol Club, and first played in the third division in the 1998–99 season.

The club then changed its name to Fútbol Club Cartagena and Luis Oliver took over as president, starting his tenure with the club immerse in economic problems and close to relegation. Being saved from folding by local entrepreneur Francisco Gómez after the 2002–03 campaign, it consolidated itself in the third level and achieved another promotion, now to division two, in 2009.[3]

Historic side Cartagena FC, which was founded much earlier, acted as reserve team between 2003 and 2009, eventually re-gaining its independence. In 2009–10's second division season Efesé nearly achieved another promotion, finishing eventually in fifth position; all promotion hopes were dashed in the 41st and penultimate matchday, with a 0–1 away loss against Recreativo de Huelva.[4]

Cartagena was relegated from the second tier at the end of 2011–12.[5] In May 2015, a late goal from Carlos Martínez saved the club from a further drop by winning a play-off on the away goals rule against Las Palmas Atlético.[6] Three years later, the team fell at the final promotion hurdle to Extremadura UD by a single goal.[7]

On 19 July 2020, Cartagena was promoted to Segunda Division after an 8-year absence.

On 13 April 2025, Cartagena was relegated to third division after five years stay in second division following a 1-2 defeated by Almería.[8]

Season to season

[edit]
Season Tier Division Place Copa del Rey
1995–96 5 Reg. Pref. 2nd
1996–97 4 3ª 1st
1997–98 4 3ª 1st
1998–99 3 2ª B 2nd Second round
1999–2000 3 2ª B 8th Preliminary
2000–01 3 2ª B 13th
2001–02 3 2ª B 12th
2002–03 3 2ª B 11th
2003–04 3 2ª B 15th
2004–05 3 2ª B 13th
2005–06 3 2ª B 1st
2006–07 3 2ª B 5th Second round
2007–08 3 2ª B 8th Second round
2008–09 3 2ª B 1st
2009–10 2 2ª 5th Third round
2010–11 2 2ª 13th Second round
2011–12 2 2ª 20th Second round
2012–13 3 2ª B 2nd First round
2013–14 3 2ª B 2nd Round of 32
2014–15 3 2ª B 16th First round
Season Tier Division Place Copa del Rey
2015–16 3 2ª B 7th
2016–17 3 2ª B 4th Second round
2017–18 3 2ª B 1st Round of 32
2018–19 3 2ª B 2nd Second round
2019–20 3 2ª B 1st Second round
2020–21 2 2ª 16th First round
2021–22 2 2ª 9th Round of 32
2022–23 2 2ª 9th Round of 32
2023–24 2 2ª 14th Round of 32
2024–25 2 2ª 22nd Round of 32
2025–26 3 1ª Fed.

Players

[edit]

Current squad

[edit]
As of 25 September 2025[9]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK  ESP Iván Martínez
2 DF  ESP Marc Jurado
3 DF  ESP Nil Jiménez
4 DF  ESP Rubén Serrano
5 DF  ESP Imanol Baz
6 MF  ESP Alejandro Fidalgo
7 FW  ESP Carlos Calderón
8 MF  ARG Pablo de Blasis
9 FW  ESP Alfredo Ortuño
10 MF  ESP Pablo Larrea
11 MF  ESP Luismi Redondo (on loan from Andorra)
13 GK  COL Lucho García
No. Pos. Nation Player
14 MF  ESP Edgar Alcañiz (on loan from Levante)
15 DF  ESP Fran Vélez
16 FW  ESP Ander Martín
17 FW  ESP Kevin Sánchez (on loan from Deportivo La Coruña)
18 DF  ESP Dani Perejón
19 FW  ESP Chiki
20 FW  ESP Diego Gómez (on loan from Deportivo La Coruña)
21 MF  ESP Chuca
22 DF  ESP Nacho Martínez
23 FW  ESP Nacho Sánchez
24 DF  ESP Marco Carrascal
30 GK  ECU Jhafets Reyes

Out on loan

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
— DF  ESP Luca Lohr (at Arenteiro until 30 June 2026)
No. Pos. Nation Player
— DF  ESP Pablo Moyá (at Arenteiro until 30 June 2026)

Reserve team

[edit]
Main article: FC Cartagena B

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
26 DF  ESP Ángel Andugar
27 MF  ESP Carmelo Sánchez
28 DF  ESP Jesús Hernández
29 MF  ESP Checo
No. Pos. Nation Player
30 GK  ECU Jhafets Reyes
31 DF  ESP Dani Manzanares
35 GK  ESP Nono Gómez
36 MF  ESP Lázaro Rubio

Current technical staff

[edit]
Position Staff
Manager Spain Guillermo Fernández Romo
Assistant manager Spain David Paredes
Fitness coach Spain Paco Imbernón
Spain Fran Xavier
Goalkeeper coach Spain Rafa Rubio
Scouting Spain Ricardo Redondo
Delegate Spain Simón Ruiz
Spain Paco Egea
Kit man Spain Vicente Martínez
Spain Pedro Arango
Doctor Spain Javier Egio
Physiotherapist Spain Raúl García
Spain Andrea Alesanco
Podiatrist Spain Rogelio Diz
Nutritionist Spain Lorena Luján

Last updated: 20 November 2024
Source: FC Cartagena (in Spanish)

Reserve team

[edit]

FC Cartagena B is FC Cartagena's reserve team since 2015. It was founded in that year and plays in Tercera División.

In the past, other sides such as Cartagena Promesas, FC Cartagena-La Unión, Cartagena FC and CD Algar were the club's B-team.

Stadium

[edit]

Cartagena holds home matches at Estadio Cartagonova. Inaugurated on 7 February 1988, it has a capacity of 14,532 spectators, measuring 105 x 68 meters; it underwent renovation in January 2000.

The ground's biggest attendance was recorded 30 June 1999 in a second division promotion playoff match against Córdoba CF, with 20,000 spectators in the stands. On 26 January of the following year, the first Spain national team game ever hosted in the Region of Murcia took place, a friendly with Poland.

Kit evolution

[edit]
1995–1998
1998–2001
2001–2002
2002–2003
2003–2007
2007–2008
2008–2009
2009–2010
2010–2011
2011–2012

Famous players

[edit]

Note: this list includes players that have played at least 100 league games, have reached international status, or both.

See also: Category:FC Cartagena footballers

Famous coaches

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

FC Cartagena

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Fútbol Club Cartagena, S.A.D. is a professional football club based in Cartagena, in the autonomous community of Murcia, Spain, that competes in the Primera Federación, the third tier of the Spanish football league system. Founded on 25 July 1995, the club plays its home matches at the Estadio Cartagonova, a venue with a capacity of 15,105 spectators. The club emerged in the wake of the bankruptcy of the historic Cartagena FC, taking over its role in the city's football scene and adopting similar colors and traditions. Over its history, FC Cartagena has progressed through Spain's lower divisions, having previously competed in the second tier from 2009 to 2012, and achieving promotion back to the in 2020 after winning the promotion playoffs. It maintained its place in the second division for five consecutive seasons, marking a period of relative stability and visibility for the club. In the 2024–25 season, FC Cartagena was eliminated in the round of 32 of the by . However, the team struggled domestically and was relegated from on 13 April 2025 following a 1–2 defeat to , ending its five-year stint in the second tier. As of 19 November 2025, in its debut season back in Group 2, the club occupies 5th place in the standings with 19 points from 12 matches, positioning it well for a potential promotion challenge.

Club overview

Name and founding

Fútbol Club Cartagena, commonly known as FC Cartagena, was officially founded on 25 July 1995 under the name Cartagonova Fútbol Club. The club was established by local entrepreneur Florentino Manzano as a successor to the original Cartagena FC, which had ceased operations earlier that year due to insurmountable financial difficulties. To facilitate its entry into competitive play, Cartagonova FC acquired the vacant spot in the regional leagues previously held by Club Deportivo Balsicas, a team from the nearby municipality of Balsicas that had also folded amid economic woes. The founding of Cartagonova FC marked a deliberate effort to revive professional football representation for the city of Cartagena following the collapse of its historic club, ensuring continuity in the local football scene. Affiliated with the Royal Murcia Football Federation, the new entity began operations in the Region of Murcia's territorial leagues before quickly integrating into the national structure. It entered the at the fourth tier, known as the , starting from the 1996–97 season after a successful debut campaign. In 2003, the club underwent a significant rebranding, changing its name to Fútbol Club Cartagena to more directly honor and represent the city's identity and heritage. This transition, led by new ownership under Francisco Gómez Hernández, symbolized a deeper connection to Cartagena's football traditions while addressing ongoing administrative and identity challenges.

Crest and colours

The crest of FC Cartagena, adopted in 2005 following the club's and financial stabilization, features a heraldic divided into sections with a crenellated wall crowning the top, symbolizing the city's historic fortifications, and a at the base, representing Cartagena's naval heritage as a key center. The design incorporates black and white as dominant colors, with the 's fields displaying vertical stripes in these hues to evoke the club's traditional kit pattern. This emblem replaced the original 1995 version, which depicted a grey tower on a background, a football, and three horizontal red stripes, elements that were repositioned and simplified in the current iteration to better align with the city's while emphasizing simplicity and local identity. The change was officially approved by the Royal Spanish Football Federation on September 21, 2004. FC Cartagena's official colors are black and white, drawn from the traditional livery of the city's original football club founded in , which the modern entity continues as a . These colors manifest primarily in the home kit as vertical black and white stripes, a design that has symbolized the club since its inception as Cartagonova Fútbol Club in 1995. Early kits from 1995 to 1998, produced by manufacturers Mercury and , featured simpler striped patterns in black and white, though with minimal branding and no prominent sponsors. The kit evolution accelerated after the 2003 renaming to FC Cartagena, when the home design standardized into bold vertical black-and-white stripes with collar accents, often incorporating sponsor logos such as those from Mobel (2004–2010) and later during the club's era in the late and early . Away have historically alternated between all-white bases with black trim and occasional blue or red variations to contrast the home strip, while third in the introduced creative elements like black accents on grey or navy grounds—for instance, the 2011–12 Kelme third kit with metallic detailing and the 2015–16 version featuring subtle black piping. Since 2018, and later Macron (from 2023) have maintained the core black-and-white palette for home , with away and third options experimenting in solid colors like or for diversity in competitions.

History

Early years (1995–2008)

FC Cartagena was founded on July 25, 1995, as Cartagonova Fútbol Club by businessman Florentino Manzano, emerging in the wake of severe financial difficulties that had plagued the city's previous prominent club, Cartagena FC. Starting in the Regional Preferente league, the new entity quickly demonstrated stability and ambition, finishing second in the 1995–96 season to earn promotion to the Tercera División. Under Manzano's leadership, the club achieved financial consolidation through prudent management and local support, avoiding the debts that had doomed its predecessor and laying the groundwork for sustained operations. In the , Cartagonova FC excelled, capturing the Group XIII title in both the 1996–97 and 1997–98 seasons. While the 1996–97 playoff campaign ended in failure, the following year brought success with an 8–0 aggregate victory over CF Tortosa in the promotion playoffs, securing ascent to for the 1998–99 campaign. This rapid rise marked the club's entry into professional football's third tier, where it debuted under coach Jesús Aranguren, finishing second in Group III and qualifying for the promotion playoffs to the —Cartagena's first major postseason appearance at that level, though it ultimately fell short. Over the subsequent years, the team maintained consistent mid-table positions in , typically placing between 6th and 12th, which fostered growing fan engagement and operational steadiness. A pivotal shift occurred in 2003 when, under new president Paco Gómez, the club rebranded as Fútbol Club Cartagena, adopting a name, badge, and kit inspired by the historic Cartagena FC to honor the city's football heritage and bridge the gap with long-time supporters. This change significantly boosted fan support, drawing larger crowds and revitalizing local enthusiasm amid the club's mid-tier stability. The era culminated in sporting triumphs: in 2005–06, guided by coach Juan Ignacio Martínez, Cartagena won the Group IV title with 74 points from 38 matches but was eliminated in the promotion semifinals by UD Vecindario (2–3 aggregate). Three years later, in 2008–09, under Paco Jémez, the team again claimed Group IV honors with 68 points, setting the stage for their breakthrough to the Segunda División. These achievements highlighted the club's progression from regional obscurity to competitive contention in Spain's third division.

First stint in Segunda División (2009–2012)

FC Cartagena earned promotion to the at the end of the 2008–09 season by finishing first in their group and defeating in the promotion playoffs, with a 2–1 home win in the first leg and a 2–2 draw away in the second leg. The success was guided by head coach , who took over earlier in the season and stabilized the team after a mid-season change from Luis César Sampedro. This marked the club's first entry into Spain's second tier since its founding in 1995, building on steady progress from lower divisions. The 2009–10 season represented FC Cartagena's debut in the under , where the team exceeded expectations by securing fifth place with 65 points from 18 wins, 11 draws, and 13 losses. This finish qualified them for the promotion playoffs to , where they faced fourth-placed in the semi-finals; despite a competitive showing, Cartagena was eliminated after a 0–1 loss in the first leg away and a 0–1 defeat at home in the second leg on 12 2010. Key highlights included notable home victories against top contenders, such as a 2–1 win over in April 2010, which helped maintain their push for a higher finish. The campaign showcased defensive solidity, with only 49 goals conceded, but late-season home form faltered, costing them a direct promotion spot. Subsequent seasons saw decline amid managerial instability and financial difficulties. In 2010–11, the team finished 13th under , comfortably avoiding relegation with 50 points, but internal issues began to surface. The 2011–12 season was marked by three head coach changes—Paco López, Javi López, and Carlos Ríos—and worsening finances, including unpaid wages that led to player unrest and a points deduction threat. Poor form culminated in mathematical relegation on 22 May 2012 following a 0–2 home loss to , ending the stint with 16th place and 45 points from 11 wins, 12 draws, and 19 losses. The financial woes exacerbated the on-field struggles, setting the stage for further challenges upon return to .

Return and recent challenges (2013–2025)

Following their relegation from the in 2012, FC Cartagena spent the next several seasons in the third tier, rebuilding stability in (later restructured as Primera División RFEF). The 2019–20 season was severely disrupted by the , with the league suspended in March 2020 and resumed in June under strict protocols, culminating in promotion playoffs for the top teams. Cartagena, having finished second in Group IV, advanced through the playoffs and secured promotion to the on 19 July 2020 after defeating Atlético Baleares 4–3 on penalties in the final at a neutral venue in Cartagena. Under manager Borja Jiménez, who took charge in 2019, the team demonstrated defensive solidity and opportunistic play, marking their return to the second tier after an eight-year absence. In their first season back, 2020–21, Cartagena adapted to the higher level amid ongoing pandemic restrictions, including limited crowds and fixture disruptions. They finished 16th in the league, earning 49 points from 12 wins, 13 draws, and 17 losses, comfortably avoiding relegation in a campaign marked by survival battles against teams like and . Managerial stability came with the appointment of Luis Carrión in January 2021, who replaced Víctor Fernández and guided the team to a mid-table position through tactical discipline and key signings like goalkeeper Marc Martínez. Carrión's tenure extended into subsequent seasons, fostering a resilient squad identity. The club maintained mid-table consistency from 2021–22 to 2023–24, with finishes of 9th (60 points in 2021–22), 9th (58 points in 2022–23), and 14th (50 points in 2023–24), often engaging in tight contests for playoff spots or survival. Under Carrión until his departure in 2023, followed by interim and subsequent coaches like , Cartagena emphasized home form at and relied on experienced players such as Alfredo Ortuño for scoring. These years highlighted the club's ability to compete against promotion contenders like and while fending off relegation threats, though financial constraints and squad turnover posed ongoing challenges. The 2024–25 season proved disastrous, as Cartagena struggled with defensive frailties, injuries, and a poor win record, embarking on a 19-match winless streak. They were mathematically relegated on 13 April 2025 after a 1–2 away defeat to , with goals from Leo Baptistao (9') and (54') for the visitors, and Álex Millán scoring a late penalty consolation (85'). Finishing 22nd with just 23 points from 42 matches, the club dropped to Group 2 for 2025–26, ending a five-year stint in the amid widespread criticism of management decisions and squad underperformance.

Honours and records

Domestic achievements

FC Cartagena's domestic achievements primarily revolve around successes in the lower tiers of Spanish football, with multiple group championships in the and leading to promotions. The club has not secured any major national cup titles, such as the .

League Titles

DivisionSeasons Won
1996–97, 1997–98
2005–06, 2008–09, 2017–18, 2019–20
These titles represent group championships in their respective divisions, each culminating in promotion to the next tier.

Promotions to Segunda División

The club earned promotion to the via following their 2008–09 and 2019–20 campaigns. Additionally, FC Cartagena gained promotion from the to the after the 1997–98 season, enabling participation in the 1998–99 campaign.

Statistical records

In the Segunda División, FC Cartagena has played 336 matches across eight seasons from 2009–10 to 2024–25, recording 109 wins, 75 draws, and 152 losses, with a of 368–456. This aggregate performance reflects the club's competitive presence in Spain's second tier, marked by periods of stability and challenges, including promotion playoffs in 2009–10 and relegation in 2024–25. The highest league finish achieved was 5th place in the 2009–10 season, earning 65 points from 18 wins, 11 draws, and 13 losses. Key goalscoring milestones highlight individual contributions to the team's offensive output. The all-time leading scorer in matches is with 39 goals, primarily during his stints in 2020–22. Toché follows with 35 league goals across two seasons (2009–11), including a standout 19-goal campaign in 2009–10 that propelled the team's promotion push. Alfredo Ortuño ranks third with 24 league goals from 2021–25. Overall, Toché tallied 39 goals in 77 appearances for the club in all competitions.
RankPlayerLeague GoalsSeasons Active
1392020–22
2Toché352009–11
3Alfredo Ortuño242021–25
Disciplinary records in recent seasons indicate disciplined play, with low red card incidents. In 2024–25, FC Cartagena averaged 2.4 yellow cards per match across 42 games, totaling approximately 101 yellows, and just 1 red card for the entire season. Comparable averages held in 2023–24, where the team received about 2.3 yellows per game and 2 reds overall, underscoring a focus on avoiding unnecessary fouls amid defensive pressures.

Home ground and facilities

Estadio Cartagonova

, located in , serves as the primary home venue for FC Cartagena and is a primarily used for football matches. It was constructed to replace the older Estadio El Almarjal and designed by the architectural firm CMMP Arquitectos, drawing inspiration from Barcelona's . The stadium was inaugurated on 7 February 1988 with a 0-0 draw between Cartagena FC and , marking the first match on its premises. The first goal scored at the venue came shortly after in a subsequent game against Athletic, netted by Uribarrena. In January 2000, the stadium underwent significant renovation to convert it into an all-seater arena, which reduced its initial standing capacity of 20,000 to 15,105 seats while improving safety and comfort for spectators. The pitch measures 105 meters in length by 68 meters in width, featuring natural grass surface suitable for professional matches. Further upgrades in 2010, costing €800,000, enhanced floodlighting, drainage systems, and media facilities, though this slightly adjusted the capacity to 14,532 in some configurations. The stadium holds historical significance beyond club football, hosting the record attendance of 20,000 spectators on 30 June 1999 during a promotion playoff match against , where Cartagena suffered a 1-2 defeat. A landmark event occurred on 26 January 2000, when it hosted the first-ever national team match in the —a 3-0 friendly victory over , with goals from Raúl González, (twice), drawing 15,000 fans. The venue has also welcomed the Spain U-21 team for four matches and high-profile cup ties, such as FC Barcelona's visits in the . Today, it remains central to FC Cartagena's campaigns in the , providing a modern facility for competitive fixtures.

Training facilities

The primary training ground for FC Cartagena is the Ciudad Deportiva José María Ferrer, situated within La Manga Club in . This facility serves as the central hub for both the first team and youth development activities, enabling comprehensive preparation for matches and skill enhancement. Developed during the early 2020s as part of the club's infrastructure modernization, the complex was officially inaugurated on March 16, 2023, honoring the late club vice president José María Ferrer. Spanning a total area of 38,868 square meters, it includes three natural grass pitches designed to meet professional training standards, along with 1,532 square meters of dedicated sports installations and 856 square meters of rest and comfort zones. These features support daily sessions for up to several dozen players simultaneously, fostering an environment conducive to tactical drills, physical conditioning, and recovery. The construction incorporated sustainable elements, such as fiber panels and biodegradable paints, aligning with contemporary environmental practices in sports infrastructure. Post-2020 expansions at the site have elevated it to comply with requirements, providing enhanced amenities like and equipment storage to accommodate intensified regimens following the club's promotion aspirations. The facility also briefly connects to the reserve team's operations, allowing integrated sessions that promote seamless progression from youth ranks to senior levels.

Current team

First-team squad

As of November 2025, FC Cartagena's first-team squad comprises 24 players for the 2025–26 season, following the club's relegation from the at the end of the previous campaign. The roster features a balanced composition with three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards, emphasizing experienced Spanish players alongside a few foreign talents, all under contract through at least June 2026 unless otherwise noted. Key signings for the post-relegation rebuild include centre-forward Chiki from Racing Ferrol to bolster the attack, right winger from for added width, and centre-back from to reinforce the defense, with these moves finalized during the summer to maintain competitiveness in the third tier. The full squad details are as follows:
No.PlayerPositionNationalityContract Expiry
Goalkeepers
1Iván MartínezGoalkeeper30 June 2026
13Lucho GarcíaGoalkeeper/30 June 2026
30Jhafets ReyesGoalkeeper/30 June 2028
Defenders
2Right-Back30 June 2027
3Nil JiménezLeft-Back30 June 2026
4Rubén SerranoCentre-Back30 June 2026
5Imanol BazCentre-Back30 June 2026
15Centre-Back30 June 2026
18Dani PerejónRight-Back30 June 2026
22Nacho MartínezLeft-Back30 June 2026
24Marco CarrascalCentre-Back30 June 2026
Midfielders
6Alejandro FidalgoCentral Midfield30 June 2026
8Pablo de BlasisAttacking Midfield30 June 2026
10Pablo LarreaCentral Midfield30 June 2026
11Luismi RedondoAttacking Midfield30 June 2026
14Edgar AlcañizCentral Midfield30 June 2026
21ChucaAttacking Midfield30 June 2026
Forwards
7Carlos CalderónRight Winger30 June 2026
9Alfredo OrtuñoCentre-Forward30 June 2026
16Right Winger30 June 2027
17Kevin SánchezCentre-Forward30 June 2026
19ChikiCentre-Forward30 June 2026
20Diego GómezRight Winger30 June 2026
23Nacho SánchezRight Winger30 June 2026
This lineup reflects a focus on defensive solidity and midfield creativity, with veterans like Pablo de Blasis and Alfredo Ortuño providing leadership.

Technical staff

The technical staff of FC Cartagena underwent significant changes following the club's relegation from the at the end of the 2024–25 season, with new appointments aimed at rebuilding for the 2025–26 campaign. Javi Rey serves as the current , having been appointed on 1 July 2025, with a one-year contract extending through the 2025–26 season. Born in 1985, Rey brings experience from lower divisions in , including a near-promotion stint with in the 2024–25 season where his team reached the promotion playoffs. Supporting Rey is assistant coach David Paredes, who was appointed in January and focuses on tactical preparation and player development. The goalkeeping coach is Martín Ragg, an Argentine specialist appointed in with prior experience in Spanish lower leagues. Fitness responsibilities are handled by Paco Imbernón, who oversees physical conditioning and injury prevention protocols.
PositionNameNationalityAppointment Date
Head CoachJavi ReySpanishJuly 2025
Assistant CoachDavid ParedesSpanishJanuary 2025
Goalkeeping CoachMartín RaggArgentineJuly 2025
Fitness CoachPaco ImbernónSpanishJuly 2021

Players on loan

As of November 2025, FC Cartagena has two first-team centre-backs on loan to other clubs, both aimed at providing the young players with regular competitive minutes in the - Grupo I to aid their development following the club's relegation from the . Luca Lohr, a 23-year-old Spanish defender born in , joined on a season-long loan on August 4, 2025, with the deal set to expire on June 30, 2026; his parent club contract runs until June 30, 2028. Lohr has featured in nine matches for Arenteiro early in the 2025/26 campaign, contributing defensively without goals or assists, helping to solidify the backline in a competitive group. Pablo Moyá, a 20-year-old Spanish centre-back from , was loaned to the same club, , on August 11, 2025, also until June 30, 2026, under a contract expiring June 30, 2027. Moyá, who is the brother of Real Zaragoza midfielder Toni Moya, has integrated into Arenteiro's squad, appearing in several fixtures as a rotational option to build experience at the third-tier level. These loans reflect FC Cartagena's post-relegation strategy to manage squad depth by developing promising youth talents externally, ensuring they gain exposure in a similar competitive environment while preserving spots for core first-team players; no specific return clauses have been publicly detailed for either arrangement.

Youth and reserve teams

Reserve team

FC Cartagena B, the of FC Cartagena, was founded in 2015 to serve as the club's primary developmental squad for senior-level players. It competes in the , Spain's fifth tier, specifically in Group 13, where it plays its home matches at Estadio Ciudad Jardín. The team primarily features young talents aged 18–23, blending graduates with occasional loanees to bridge the gap between and professional football. In recent seasons, FC Cartagena B has maintained a competitive presence in regional divisions. During the 2023–24 campaign, it finished 18th in Segunda RFEF Group IV, resulting in relegation to the Tercera Federación. In the 2025–26 season, as of November 2025, the team occupies 11th place in Group 13 after 11 matches, with 13 points from 3 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses, having scored 15 goals and conceded 13. Notable achievements include a promotion to the fourth tier in the 2021–22 season, marking a significant step up during the restructuring of Spanish football leagues. The has also secured advancements in lower regional leagues earlier in its history, contributing to its progression through the divisions. The plays an integral role in FC Cartagena's player development pathway, facilitating transitions to the first team for promising prospects. For instance, Jhafets Reyes, who joined the B in 2024, was promoted to the senior roster in 2025, exemplifying the direct integration opportunities available. This structure allows the club to nurture homegrown talent while occasionally utilizing shared training facilities with the main .

Youth academy

The youth academy of FC Cartagena, known as the Cantera Albinegra, operates a structured development system aligned with the categories of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), encompassing teams from U-19 (Juvenil) down to U-10 (Benjamín and Prebenjamín levels). For the 2025-26 season, the academy has optimized its setup to include two teams per age category—A and B—in the Cadete (U-16/U-15), Infantil (U-14/U-13), and Alevín (U-12/U-11) groups, with Team A primarily featuring second-year players and Team B focusing on first-year talents to enhance competitiveness and player evaluation based on skill progression. This framework prioritizes technical, tactical, and personal growth, instilling values such as , discipline, respect, and determination alongside soccer skills. The program emphasizes nurturing local talent from the , drawing primarily from the Cartagena area to build a sustainable pipeline for the club's senior squads. Training sessions occur at the club's Ciudad Deportiva facilities, providing a dedicated environment for holistic development from early ages through competitive matches in regional leagues. Notable successes in the include the promotion of graduates to the B-team or first team, such as defender Jesús Hernández, who earned a spot in the senior squad during the 2024-25 season after impressing in youth matches, and forward Gabri Jimeno, who transitioned to the in 2025. These pathways have seen multiple players, including midfielders like Antonio Sánchez and forwards like Adrián Sanmartín, gain first-team minutes since 2020, highlighting the 's role in feeding talent upward.

Supporters and rivalries

Fanbase and culture

FC Cartagena's fanbase solidified its position as the primary supporter group in the city following the club's founding on July 25, 1995, when it emerged as a successor to the financially troubled Cartagena FC, quickly capturing the majority of local allegiance in a region previously divided by the city's football history. This transition fostered a dedicated core of supporters who have remained committed through the club's various league fluctuations, embodying the resilience of Cartagena's football community. During its tenure in the from 2020 to 2025, the club consistently drew average home attendances between 7,800 and 8,400 spectators per match, reflecting steady engagement in a with a capacity of 15,105. The ultras collective Fondo Norte 1995 serves as the most prominent organized supporter group, occupying the north stand at and driving the club's animated atmosphere through coordinated displays and vocal encouragement. Known for their passionate chants such as "¡Lo lo lo lo, vamos Cartagena!", the group has been instrumental in maintaining high energy during home games, including tifos and manifestations to rally community backing. This presence underscores the fervent, working-class identity of the fanbase, often drawing from Cartagena's industrial heritage to create an intimidating yet celebratory environment for opponents. The club's culture is deeply intertwined with regional pride in the Region of Murcia, where FC Cartagena represents a symbol of local identity amid competition from neighboring teams like Real Murcia. Supporters frequently participate in community initiatives, including charity drives organized by the club, which strengthen ties between fans and the broader Murcia populace. Following the team's relegation to the Primera Federación on April 13, 2025, after a 1-2 defeat to Almería, fan loyalty persisted, signaling unwavering support during a period of transition under new ownership. Attendance trends in the 2020s highlighted peaks exceeding 11,800 during key Segunda matches, such as the 2023-24 home game against Elche, though post-relegation figures in the 2025-26 season have moderated to around 5,000 on average as of November 2025 while fans adapt to the third tier.

Key rivalries

The primary rivalry for FC Cartagena is the Derbi Murciano against Real Murcia, considered the "verdadero derbi de Murcia" due to its representation of regional pride between the cities of Cartagena and . Although the broader footballing antagonism in the traces back over a century to 1911, the modern iteration involving FC Cartagena—founded in 1995 as a successor to the original Cartagena FC—began in the late 1990s with competitive encounters in lower divisions. This derby has been marked by intense local passion, often escalating during shared league seasons in and . Head-to-head records show a closely contested , with the clubs having played more than a dozen official matches since 2000, resulting in a balanced tally of approximately five wins for FC Cartagena, six for , and two draws. Notable clashes include the 2017 encounter on March 19, where defeated FC Cartagena 3-1 at amid high attendance of 12,000 fans, highlighting the stakes in promotion battles. In the , the intensity persisted with key fixtures such as the December 2, , match, where secured a victory in a "picante" regional , further fueling the competitive tension. Beyond the main derby, FC Cartagena maintains regional rivalries with nearby clubs like and , stemming from shared divisions in and . These matches, often involving local derbies in Group 13, add to the regional stakes but lack the historical depth of the Murcia clash, with head-to-heads showing competitive but less frequent encounters—for instance, FC Cartagena has faced Lorca Deportiva multiple times since 2018, splitting results evenly. The overall intensity of these rivalries is amplified by the high stakes of lower-division survival and promotion, compounded by occasional fan incidents such as high-risk designations by authorities and reports of or intrusions during derbies.

Notable personnel

Famous players

One of the most iconic figures in FC Cartagena's history is Toché (José Verdú Nicolás), who served as the club's all-time leading goalscorer during his stint from 2009 to 2012. Joining the team upon their promotion to the , Toché netted 39 goals in 77 appearances, including a pivotal 20 league goals in the 2009–10 season that helped secure a fifth-place finish and a spot in the promotion playoffs. His contributions in the playoff semifinal against underscored his clutch performance, though the team ultimately fell short of promotion. Goalkeeper arrived on loan from in the 2010–11 season, providing stability in net during Cartagena's competitive Segunda campaign. Over 35 appearances, he kept 10 clean sheets and conceded 49 goals, contributing to the team's mid-table security amid defensive challenges. Casilla, who later earned a single cap for the Spain national team in 2014, represented a high-profile addition that elevated the club's profile during his early-career loan. Enrique de Lucas, a versatile , joined in 2009 and became a key creative force through the , amassing 40 appearances and 11 goals in his debut 2009–10 season alone. His vision and passing facilitated attacks that supported Cartagena's push for stability in the second tier, including assists in crucial matches during the playoff run. Among other notable contributors, Polish goalkeeper featured on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in the 2020–21 season, making three appearances in LaLiga SmartBank. Forward Víctor (Víctor Manuel Fernández Gutiérrez) had multiple stints with the club, including 2009–11, where he scored 15 goals across 70 appearances, leveraging his pace and finishing in promotion efforts. Local youth product Mariano Sánchez Martínez holds a club record for extensive service with appearances from 2005 to 2014, anchoring midfield with defensive solidity and two goals in 108 Segunda outings. Rubén Castro, a veteran forward, joined in 2020 and tied Toché for the club's all-time leading goalscorer record with 39 goals in 84 appearances through the 2023–24 season, providing crucial scoring during the club's five-year stay in .

Notable coaches

One of the most influential figures in FC Cartagena's early rise was , who coached the team during the 2005–06 season in . Under his leadership, the club clinched the Group IV title, finishing first with 73 points from 38 matches, including 21 wins, 10 draws, and 7 losses, achieving a win percentage of approximately 55%. Martínez's approach emphasized defensive solidity and quick transitions, helping the team secure promotion playoffs, though they ultimately fell short of ascending to the second division. Francisco , commonly known as , took charge in February 2009 and transformed the team's fortunes in the critical phase of the 2008–09 campaign. Appointed midway through the season, he guided FC Cartagena to the promotion playoffs, defeating 3–1 on aggregate to earn the club's historic first ascent to after a dramatic semifinal and final. During his brief tenure of 18 league matches plus playoffs, Jémez implemented an attacking tactical style that prioritized possession and forward pressure, yielding a win rate of over 60% in competitive fixtures and marking a pivotal shift in the club's ambitions. Borja Jiménez assumed the role in December 2019 amid the disrupted 2019–20 Segunda División B season, replacing Gustavo Munúa, and steered the team through the hiatus to promotion. With the league resuming in June 2020 under unique playoff rules based on pre-pause standings, Jiménez maintained momentum, leading FC Cartagena to a victory over Atlético Baleares in the final on July 19, 2020, securing a return to after eight years. His pragmatic tactics focused on squad rotation and resilience in high-stakes matches, resulting in an unbeaten playoff run and a win percentage of around 55% across his 20-plus games in charge. Luis Carrión provided stability in the 2020s, serving as from January 2021 to June 2023 across 88 matches, where he amassed 34 victories—equaling the club record held by —and helped the team avoid relegation twice through gritty defensive setups and youth integration. His tenure emphasized balanced play and long-term development, with key relegation battles won via organized counter-attacks, contributing to the club's mid-table consolidation before his departure.

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