Background
Cruz was born in Utrera, Seville, Andalusia.
Cruz was born in Utrera, Seville, Andalusia.
A Real Betis" youth graduate, he made senior debuts with the C-team, and later spent several seasons with the reserves in Tercera División and Segunda División B.
In the 2010 summer Cruz moved to neighbouring Unión Estepona CF. He continued to appear in the third level in the following years, representing UD Melilla, Écija Balompié and Albacete Balompié. On 24 August 2014 Cruz played his first match as a professional, replacing Chumbi and scoring his side"s last of a 2–3 home loss against AD Alcorcón. He finished the campaign as the club"s top goalscorer, with ten goals in 37 appearances.