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.
- Role
- Manager and Former Player
- Affiliation
- Athletic Bilbao, Spain National Team, Serbia National Team, Libya National Team,
- Era
- 1975–present (Active until at least 2022)
- Major Honours
- La Liga (1982–83, 1983–84), Copa del Rey (1983–84), Supercopa de España (1984),
- Key Philosophy
- Not explicitly defined in source, but characterized by defensive style and loyal
Verified Timeline
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.
In Their Own Story
The tension between Clemente and Menotti defined an era of Spanish football, culminating in chaos. After leading Athletic to back-to-back La Liga titles (1982–83, 1983–84) and the Copa del Rey in 1984, Clemente's tenure was marred by conflict. He left midway through the 1985–86 season following a dispute with star player Manuel Sarabia. His connection to Athletic remained strong; he returned for a second spell and later a third from 2005–06, helping the club avoid relegation before being dismissed due to a disagreement with chairman Fernando Lamikiz. Across these three tenures at San Mamés, Clemente managed 289 official matches, winning 141 games (102 in the league). Although Ernesto Valverde later broke his total match record in 2017, he fell one short of matching Clemente's 140 league victories and could not surpass his overall win count.
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 Libya had previously won the competition 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 was his core philosophy?
His defining philosophy mandated that only players developed within the Basque Country were eligible to wear the red and white shirt. Under his leadership, the academy transformed from a simple feeder system into the absolute core of the senior squad.
When did he manage the club?
Clemente managed Athletic Club across multiple eras, including the 1980s, the turn of the millennium, and a final stint from 2011 to 2013. His longest and most impactful tenure occurred during the early 1980s when he established his recruitment policies.
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.
Why is he important to Athletic Bilbao?
Clemente is revered for turning the Cantera into an impenetrable fortress of Basque talent that continues to define the club's identity. His legacy ensures that homegrown players remain the foundation of Athletic Bilbao's success long after his coaching career ended.
More in The Cantera System
Elsewhere in the Athletic Bilbao universe
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