Beñat Etxebarria

The Basque midfielder who returned to Athletic Bilbao to score the first goal at the new San Mamés.

Beñat Etxebarria Urkiaga (born 19 February 1987) is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a central midfielder. He spent the better part of his professional career with Athletic Bilbao, appearing in 242 competitive matches and scoring 11 goals while winning the 2015 Supercopa de España. In La Liga, he also represented Betis. Beñat earned four caps for the Spain national team.

Quick Facts

Full name: Beñat Etxebarria Urkiaga
Born: 19 February 1987
Birthplace: Igorre, Spain
Height: 1.76 m / 5 ft 9 in
Position: Central midfielder
Total caps: 473
Total goals: 38

Lore & Background

Beñat came through Athletic Bilbao's prolific youth ranks at Lezama, playing his first three years with both the third team, CD Basconia, and the reserve side. He made his first La Liga appearance on 29 October 2006, playing six minutes against CA Osasuna. After being released by Athletic, he played with UB Conquense in the Segunda División B before signing with Real Betis. At Betis, he helped the Andalusians return to the top flight after three years, contributing 36 matches and netting four times.

He scored twice in a 2–1 defeat of Sevilla FC in the local derby on 2 May 2012, with the winner coming in the 90th minute. On 24 November 2012, he scored the game's only goal in a 1–0 home win over Real Madrid with a shot from outside the 18-yard box in the 17th minute. He finished that campaign with 34 games, four goals and seven assists, helping the club finish seventh and qualify for the UEFA Europa League.

Reader's Guide

Beñat played for Spain at under-17 level, but due to poor school grades, his parents did not allow him to be selected for the 2004 UEFA European Championship. He made his debut for the full side on 26 May 2012, playing 45 minutes in a 2–0 friendly win with Serbia in St. Gallen, thus becoming the first Betis player to don the national team shirt since Juanito nearly four years earlier. He earned four caps for the Spain national team. His honours include winning the Segunda División with Betis in 2010–11 and the Supercopa de España with Athletic Bilbao in 2015.