[1] Born in Ávila, Castile and León, César was brought up through the Real Madrid youth academy, and played his first senior season with the C team in the Segunda División B.
In October 1998 he signed for Real Zaragoza, but represented mainly the reserves during his spell at La Romareda.
[2][3] In 2000–01's 18th round, César made his La Liga debut in a 4–2 home win over CA Osasuna, and scored in the game.
[4] After the Aragonese's relegation the following campaign, he served a two-year loan at Segunda División club UD Almería.
[6] In a January 2005 match against Real Madrid, a tough challenge by Luís Figo would all but mean his untimely retirement,[7] completed in March 2007.