Bixente Lizarazu

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Lizarazu began his career at Bordeaux, helping them win promotion from the Second Division in 1991–92 and reach the 1995–96 UEFA Cup final. He joined Athletic Bilbao in 1996 but spent only one season there before moving to Bayern Munich in 1997. At Bayern, he won multiple titles, including the Champions League in 2001, where he scored his penalty in the shootout in the final. He returned to Bayern for a second spell in 2005 after a brief stint at Marseille.

In Their Own Story

The path to Munich was not direct for Lizarazu; after leaving Bordeaux as part of a trio that included Zidane and Dugarry, he spent one difficult season at Athletic Bilbao. There, a persistent groin injury prevented him from displacing Aitor Larrazábal, and he received two red cards in just 16 league appearances before departing in the 1997 close season. Upon arriving at Bayern, his career flourished despite serious injury interruptions. He wore shirt number 69 during his second spell (2005–2006) to mark his birth year (1969), height (1.69 m), and weight (69 kg). Although he initially planned to retire in 2004, a return from Marseille saw him play alongside the emerging Philipp Lahm before giving way to the younger defender in 2006 after making 268 appearances for the Bavarians.

Reader's Guide

Lizarazu was an attacking left-back known for his passing, technique, pace, stamina, and crossing ability, as well as his defensive skills despite his small stature. He was a key player for both club and country, starting in the finals of the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.

Did You Know?

• Lizarazu spent only one season at Athletic Bilbao, not four seasons as previously claimed.
• He became the first player to be a current European and World champion in both club and international football after winning the Intercontinental Cup in 2001, though this claim is disputed as several players achieved thi