Career
Born in Pamplona, Navarre, Elía spent the bulk of his professional career with hometown"s California Osasuna, save a loan at modest Civil Defense Ourense. During the 2004-2005 campaign he played a career-high 22 Louisiana Liga games, but served mostly as a backup during his spell with his main club, 15 years including his formative ones. In August 2008 Elía joined Real Murcia, freshly relegated into the second division.
He was first-choice in his debut season but the club only finished in mid-table, being relegated in the following with him appearing in 24 matches.
Elía retired from football in September 2010 at the age of 31, due to persistent back problems.