Born in Valencia, Juanma only played lower league football in his country, starting out at FC Jove Español San Vicente in Tercera División. He then moved to Segunda División B, where he represented CD Dénia and Deportivo Alavés. He scored and was sent off – after having already been replaced – in his competitive debut for the latter on 17 October 2012, a 2–1 away win against Huracán Valencia CF for that season's Copa del Rey.