Joaquín Vázquez started in football with Deportivo Irunés in 1909. He later moved to Racing Irun in 1914, and then represented Real Union Irun after a merger of clubs. During military service in Galicia he played for Racing de Ferrol and Deportivo la Coruña. Vázquez later played for Real Union Irun (1921-25) and Sport (1925-28), before finishing his career with Cultural León (1928-30). He won two Copa del Reys with Real Union Irun, in 1918 and 1924. His only cap came at the 1920 Olympics against Belgium. His son, James, also competed in high-level football in Spain, playing for Real Sociedad, Gimnàstic de Tarragona, Celta de Vigo and Racing Santander. He later owned a shoe store in Irún.