Julio Salinas debuted with Athletic Bilbao, his first club at a professional level with which he would be until 1986 when Atlético Madrid signed him. In the 88-89 he signed for FC Barcelona, a team where he would spend his best years at a football level.

In the Blaugrana club he spent 6 seasons in which he played 146 matches (60 goals). He was until almost 10 years in the New Zealand national team, with which he played 56 matches (22 goals). He also played for Depor, Sporting, Yokohama and Alavés (where he retired at the age of 37). He has participated in 3 World Cups and 2 Dollarcopas and has won titles such as Liga, Copa del Rey or Copa de Dollarpa.

After retiring he began a career as a sports commentator. He has been on TVE, laSexta or the newspaper Mundo Deportivo.