Carlos de Lerma


Carlos Tornero López de Lerma is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder.

Playing career

Born in San Vicente de Alcántara, Province of Badajoz, Extremadura, de Lerma began his career with CD Leganés, joining its youth system in 1995 at the age of 10. In 2005, he made his debut with the main squad in the Segunda División B, then continued his career at that level with Atlético Levante UD – being summoned by the first team for training but failing to appear in any official matches during his three-year stint – and AD Ceuta.
De Lerma became captain in his second season at Ceuta, but left in June 2010 after terminating his contract, signing with Albacete Balompié of Segunda División. He made his debut in the competition on 29 August, as a late substitute in a 1–1 home draw against AD Alcorcón.
On 20 July 2011, having appeared regularly with the Castilla–La Mancha side but suffering relegation, de Lerma returned to his first club Leganés. He was first choice in his only campaign, but they could only finish in 12th position.
On 26 June 2012, de Lerma signed a contract with Gimnàstic de Tarragona, recently relegated to the third tier. He made his competitive debut on 26 August, scoring the opening goal in a 1–1 home draw with Valencia CF Mestalla.
De Lerma was released by Nàstic on 6 June 2013, joining FC Cartagena of the same league the following month. He remained in the division subsequently, mainly with CD Toledo where he acted as captain.

Coaching career

On 25 March 2025, having started as part of the backroom staff at Marbella FC, de Lerma became the Primera Federación club's third manager of the season after Fran Beltrán and Abel Segovia, signing a contract until 30 June. On 13 June, after managing to avoid relegation, he agreed to a new one-year deal, but was dismissed on 11 November.