Javier Clemente

The blond from Barakaldo who led Athletic Bilbao to back-to-back La Liga titles.

Javier Clemente Lázaro (born 12 March 1950) is a Spanish football manager and former player who played as a midfielder. He played for Athletic Bilbao, and later managed the club, winning La Liga in 1983 and 1984.

Quick Facts

Full name: Javier Clemente Lázaro
Born: 12 March 1950
Birthplace: Barakaldo, Spain
Height: 1.71 m / 5 ft 7 in
Position: Midfielder
Total caps: 54

Lore & Background

Nicknamed El rubio de Barakaldo (The blond from Barakaldo) per his hair colour and town of origin, Clemente was forced to retire from playing at just 19 after a serious leg injury. He began his coaching career in 1975, and over four decades managed several clubs and national teams, including Athletic Bilbao, Espanyol, and Spain. He coached Spain in two World Cups and Euro 1996.

Reader's Guide

Clemente's managerial career included spells at Athletic Bilbao (three tenures), Espanyol, Atlético Madrid, Real Betis, Real Sociedad, CD Tenerife, Olympique de Marseille, Real Murcia, Real Valladolid, Sporting de Gijón, and the national teams of Spain, Serbia, Cameroon, Libya, and the Basque Country. He won La Liga with Athletic Bilbao in 1982–83 and 1983–84, and the African Nations Championship with Libya in 2014.

Did You Know?

Clemente made his official debut for Athletic Bilbao in a league match, not against Liverpool in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
He suffered a serious leg injury (fibula and tibia) on 23 November 1969, which ended his playing career at age 19.
Clemente set a club record for most official matches managed at Athletic Bilbao (290), later broken by Ernesto Valverde.
He led Libya to the 2014 African Nations Championship title, though the Democratic Republic of the Congo had won the previous edition in 2012.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Javier Clemente?

Javier Clemente was a Basque-born manager who served as the spiritual architect of Athletic Club's modern academy system. Although he never played professionally for the team, he rose from local amateur roots to become one of its most influential figures in history.

What major trophies did he win?

During his peak years, Clemente guided the team to major silverware including the La Liga title in the 1983-84 season. He also secured both the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de España during that same triumphant year of 1984.