Rioja scored his first senior goal on 18 November 2012, in a 4–0 home routing of Arcos CF, and finished the campaign with four goals in 35 appearances. On 27 June of the following year, he signed a three-year deal with Real Madrid and was assigned to the C-team in Segunda División B.[2]
On 23 July 2018, Rioja agreed to a two-year contract with Segunda División side UD Almería.[5] He made his professional debut on 17 August, starting in a 1–0 away loss against Cádiz CF.[6]
Rioja scored his first professional goal on 26 August 2018, netting the opener in a 1–1 home draw against CD Tenerife.[7] He was regular starter for the club during the campaign, contributing with four goals in 39 appearances.
On 1 July 2019, Rioja signed a four-year deal with La Liga side Deportivo Alavés, as the club activated his release clause.[8] He made his debut in the category on 18 August, starting in a 1–0 home defeat of Levante UD.[9]
On 22 August 2024, Rioja signed a two-year contract with Valencia CF also in the top tier.[10]