Andoni Zubizarreta ‘’Zubi’’

Andoni Zubizarreta Urreta

Andoni Zubizarreta was born on October 23, 1961 in Vitoria, Spain. He started his professional goalkeeping career in 1979. For many years, he became the most played player of the Spanish national team. While playing in Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona, he achieved many successes both individually and with the club, for instance he played with the Spanish national team in four FIFA world cups and three European championships.

Club Career

Andoni Zubizarreta started his career in Alaves B in 1979. The next season, he rose to the team and the La Liga adventure began. However, he did not play in that season. He was transferred to Athletic Bilbao in 1981. He played here from 1981 to 1986. Zubi played 169 games in Athletic Bilbao. Andoni Zubizarreta became permanent in the team after a game he played by chance. He became champion in Athletic Bilbao in the 1982-83 and 1983-84 seasons. Secondly he also won the Spanish Cup in the 1983-84 season and Supercopa de España in 1984. In 1986 he transferred to Barcelona for 1.7 million euros. During his time in Barcelona, he achieved many successes. Most importantly Zubi has been the La Liga champion in Barcelona 4 times in a row from 1990 to 1994.

He also won following titles. Champion Club Cup in the 1991-92 season. the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in the 1988-89 season. the UEFA Super Cup in 1992. the Spanish Cup in the 1987-88. 1989-90 seasons and the Spanish Super Cup in 1991 and 1992. He was kicked out of the team after losing 4-0 to Milan in the Champions League final in the 1993-94 season. After this event, he was transferred to Valencia. He played four seasons in Valencia and played a total of 152 games.

Spain National Team

The national team career of Andoni Zubizarreta started with the Spanish U-18 team. He switched to U-19 in 1981. Andoni Zubizarreta played his first national match on January 25, 1985 in Spain-Finland friendly game. Over the next 13 years, he played in the national team in 125 matchs. He played for the Spanish national team in the 1986, 1990, 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups. Zubi also played for the Spanish national team at the 1996 and 1998 European Football Championship. Zubi was the national player who played the most games for a long time. Iker Casıllas broke his record. He received the player of the year award in Spain in 1987. Meanwhile this award also called Don Balon.

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