Andrés José Túñez Arceo (Latin American Spanish:[anˈdɾesˈtuɲes]; born 15 March 1987) is a Venezuelan retired professional footballer who played as a central defender.
He spent the better part of his 17-year career with Celta and Buriram United, winning several titles with the latter club including four Thai League 1 championships.
Túñez began playing football at Colegio La Salle primary school, in the nearby city of Santiago de Compostela. Three years later, he joined the Escuela de Fútbol de Rosalia de Castro academy. After a two-year spell at SD Compostela, he moved to neighbouring RC Celta de Vigo to complete his development.[2]
Túñez contributed 29 games (all starts) in 2011–12, as Celta returned to La Liga after an absence of five years.[5] He scored his only goal of the season on 28 January 2012, in a 1–0 away win against Girona FC.[6]
Túñez played his first match in the Spanish top flight on 18 August 2012, starting in a 0–1 home loss to Málaga CF.[7] After being deemed surplus to requirements by new manager Luis Enrique he moved to Thailand, going on to win several accolades including four Thai League 1 championships; interspersed with this, he served a loan at Israeli Premier League club Beitar Jerusalem F.C. alongside his teammate Jonathan Vila.[8]
In April 2023, after three seasons with BG Pathum United F.C. also in the Thai top tier, the 36-year-old Túñez announced his retirement.[9]
On 24 February 2010, it was reported in the local papers that the Venezuela national team had approached Túñez's agent with an offer for the player to represent the nation.[10] He made his debut in September of the following year, playing injury time of a 1–0 friendly defeat with Argentina.[11]
^Conde, J. (24 February 2010). "Venezuela quiere convocar Túñez" [Venezuela want to call up Túñez]. Faro de Vigo (in Spanish). Retrieved 28 January 2010.
