Kenya defender Ismael Gonzalez signs for Spanish side Zamora CF

Photo Credit - Zamora CF.

Kenya international Ismael Athuman Gonzalez has sealed a transfer move to Spanish outfit Zamora CF, who play in Primera Federación – Group 1, as a free agent.

His latest transfer comes after he was released by another Spanish side Merida at the end of last season. A statement from the club confirmed the acquisition of the Harambee Stars defender.

“Zamora CF announces the signing of center back Ismael Said Athuman González from AD Mérida, where he played in the Second Division promotion play-offs this past 2024-25 season. Athuman brings experience and solidity to the center of the red-and-white defense for the 2025-26 season,” read part of the statement.

“He has played over 1,800 minutes in the First Division of the RFEF between Mérida and Sabadell. He has also played for Cacereño, Fuenlabrada, Granada B, and Águilas. A full international player from the Canary Islands with Kenia, he developed through the UD Las Palmas youth system and made his debut in the Second Division with the first team, making a total of six appearances during the 2020/21 season.

“He enjoyed a remarkable moment in the 2021/22 campaign, helping Real Murcia to rise to the First Division of the RFEF. Welcome to Zamora CF Ismael.”

Athuman was born in San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Canary Islands, to a Kenyan father and a Spanish mother, and played youth football with CD Maspalomas, UD Vecindario and UD Las Palmas. He had unsuccessful trials at Manchester City in 2013.

After making his senior debut with Las Palmas' C-team in the regional leagues during the 2014-15 campaign, Athuman subsequently started to appear for the reserves in both Segunda División B and Tercera División. On 5 December 2015, he agreed to a loan deal with third division side CP Cacereño until the end of the season.

Athuman received his first call from Kenya in mid May 2016, for a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Congo the following month. He made his debut on 31 May 2016 in a friendly with Sudan, and was part of the Kenya squad that featured at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.