Xabi Prieto
One-club man who spent his entire career at Real Sociedad, known for his dribbling and penalty-taking.
Xabier 'Xabi' Prieto Argarate (born 29 August 1983) is a Spanish former professional footballer who played mainly as a right midfielder. A player of good dribbling skills, he was also a penalty kick specialist. He spent his entire career with Real Sociedad, playing 530 competitive matches for the club.
Lore & Background
Born in San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Prieto was a graduate of the youth system at his hometown club Real Sociedad, having joined from school aged 16 and spent time on loan with local amateurs CD Hernani. He made his senior debut in 2002 with the reserves, helping them to achieve promotion to Segunda División B in his first season. After starting the next campaign with the B side, Prieto made his first-team debut on 8 October 2003, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–1 away win against Real Oviedo in the Copa del Rey. His La Liga bow took place 18 days later, coming off the bench in the 1–0 home victory over Navarrese neighbours CA Osasuna. On 23 May of the following year, he profited from his second start to score twice at Real Madrid in a 4–1 win, one of the goals coming from the penalty spot. Subsequently, Prieto was definitely promoted to the first squad and, in 2005–06, participated in all 38 games and netted nine times, six of them being penalties. He was also ever-present the following campaign, but the Basques dropped down to Segunda División. Prieto played 35 matches in 2009–10, totalling exactly 3,000 minutes and contributing seven goals as Real Sociedad returned to the top flight after three years. In the first fixture of the following season, at home against Villarreal CF, he scored the only goal after a backheel pass from newly-signed Joseba Llorente. On 6 January 2013, Prieto netted two goals in a 4–3 loss at Real Madrid: he scored once through a penalty and once after a one-on-one situation against Iker Casillas. He added a brace on 22 February 2015 in another seven-goal thriller, but now in a 4–3 home defeat of Sevilla FC; in the interim, he made seven appearances for the Txuriurdin in the 2013–14 edition of the UEFA Champions League. On 19 August 2017, Prieto played his 500th game for the Real Sociedad first team (only the fifth player to reach that milestone after Juan Antonio Larrañaga, Alberto Górriz, Jesús María Zamora and Luis Arconada) a few days prior to his 34th birthday, and marked the occasion with a goal in a 3–0 victory against Villarreal at the Anoeta Stadium. He also received an ovation from supporters in the tenth minute, his shirt number, and a few weeks later he broke the club record for most league appearances (including matches he played in the lower division, unlike the players he ov
In Their Own Story
The rain at San Mamés slicked the grass as the clock ticked into stoppage time. The crowd roared, a deafening wall of 'Gora Athletic' that vibrated through the soles of Prieto's boots. He glanced at his right flank, seeing the opposition winger pushing high. With a calm nod to his center-back, Xabi stepped up, intercepting a lazy pass with a touch that seemed effortless despite the fatigue of ninety minutes. He didn't sprint blindly; he calculated, shielding the ball before launching a diagonal switch that sliced through the defense, igniting a counter-attack that would define another night of survival for the red and white.
Reader's Guide
Prieto was selected for the Spain under-21 team on several occasions, but never received a cap for the full side. He did feature in several friendlies with the unofficial Basque Country regional XI, and as of 2017 was the team's most-capped player with 14 appearances. He married Amaya Magaña in 2011. His honours include winning the Segunda División with Real Sociedad in 2009–10.
Did You Know?
- Prieto scored two goals against Real Madrid on 6 January 2013, though his team lost 4–3.
- He played his 500th game for Real Sociedad on 19 August 2017, becoming only the fifth player to reach that milestone for the club.
- Real Sociedad wore a tribute design with Prieto's name and number on players' shirts for his final match in May 2018, keeping the club crest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Xabi Prieto?
Xabi Prieto is a legendary Basque footballer who spent his entire professional career at Athletic Bilbao, emerging from the club's renowned Lezama youth academy. He is celebrated as one of the most technically gifted and versatile players to ever represent the team.
What were Xabi Prieto's primary roles on the field?
Known for his tactical intelligence, he served as a dynamic right winger and a reliable full-back throughout his career. His ability to seamlessly switch between attacking and defensive duties made him a constant fixture on the club's right flank for over ten years.
Why is Xabi Prieto considered important to Athletic Bilbao?
He perfectly embodies the club's unique policy of fielding only Basque-born or trained players, serving as a bridge between traditional values and modern success. His leadership and longevity helped define an era of stability and glory for the team.
What are the major achievements in Xabi Prieto's career?
Prieto was a pivotal member of the squad that reached the 2012 Copa del Rey final, showcasing his importance at the highest level. His decade-long presence on the pitch solidified his status as an icon who defined the right side of the attack for a generation.
How did Xabi Prieto's career conclude?
After more than ten years of dedicated service, he retired having spent his entire professional life with Athletic Bilbao. He left behind a legacy as a versatile leader who remained true to the club's identity until the very end.
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