José Ángel Iribar
El Chopo: The keeper who held Spain's number one spot for over a decade and set an Athletic Bilbao appearance record that stood for decades.
José Ángel Iribar Kortajarena (born 1 March 1943), nicknamed El Chopo, is a Spanish former professional football goalkeeper and manager. Having played almost exclusively for Athletic Bilbao over 18 La Liga seasons, he made more than 600 official games for the club, winning two Copa del Generalísimo trophies in 1969 and 1972–73. Iribar also represented Spain in the 1964 Nations' Cup, which they won, and the 1966 World Cup. His career spanned from his debut at Basconia in 1961 until his retirement at age 37, leaving behind a legacy defined by longevity and leadership.
- appearances_club_record
- 614
- european_appearances_record_held_until
- 2016
- international_caps
- 49
- la_liga_seasons
- 18
- copa_del_generalisimo_wins
- 2
- ricardo_zamora_trophy_year
- 1969–70
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Iribar's senior journey began in 1961 at Basconia, where he famously eliminated Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Generalísimo. His stellar performance there earned him a then-record signing fee of one million pesetas from Athletic Bilbao, though he also conceded ten goals in a later match against Barcelona in that same competition. After only three La Liga games in his first professional season, an injury to starter Carmelo Cedrún in October 1963 made Iribar the undisputed choice for the next 16 seasons. He reached the 1976–77 UEFA Cup final, losing to Juventus, and was awarded the Ricardo Zamora Trophy in 1969–70 after conceding just 20 goals across all 30 fixtures as Athletic finished as runners-up.
In Their Own Story
On 5 December 1976, before a match against Real Sociedad, Iribar and opposing captain Inaxio Kortabarria placed the Ikurriña (Basque flag) ceremonially on the center circle. This was the first public display of the flag since Francisco Franco's death, an act that remained illegal at the time. His international career ended under controversy; after equaling Ricardo Zamora's record of 46 caps in November 1974 and overtaking it in February 1975, his 49th and final game came on 24 April 1976 against West Germany. He missed the second leg officially due to a finger injury, though he later denied this claim amidst theories that he was dropped for his political views.
Reader's Guide
Iribar's style combined physicality with terrific positioning, leading Iker Casillas to include him among the ten greatest goalkeepers of all time. In Italy, he was nicknamed 'Zoff's twin' due to his resemblance and ability to Italian counterpart Dino Zoff. Iribar remained with the club as a goalkeeper coach and managed Bilbao Athletic to a second-place finish in the Segunda División (1983–84). He also briefly managed the main squad in 1986–87, where they finished 13th after 'winning' the relegation section. A statue honoring him was installed outside San Mamés Stadium in December 2023.
Did You Know?
- Iribar was signed for a then-record one million pesetas after Basconia eliminated Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Generalísimo.
- He equalled Ricardo Zamora's record of 46 caps in November 1974 and surpassed it the following February against Scotland.
- His European appearance record of 55 games was only passed by Markel Susaeta in 2016.
- In Italy, he was known as 'Zoff's twin' due to his physical resemblance and goalkeeping prowess compared to Dino Zoff.
- He managed the main squad in 1986–87 during a unique season where the league had a second stage divided into three groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role did Iribar play on the field?
As a towering goalkeeper, Iribar provided unmatched reflexes and security between the posts for Athletic Bilbao. His commanding presence allowed his teammates to challenge for major honors while embodying the club's unique Basque-only policy.
Why is he considered so important to Athletic Bilbao?
Iribar holds the record for the most caps by a goalkeeper in the club's history, making him a definitive symbol of loyalty and pride. He became the face of Athletic during its most successful period, linking the team's identity directly to Basque heritage.
What are his major achievements?
During his tenure, Iribar helped lead Athletic Bilbao to victory in the Copa del Generalísimo twice, specifically in 1969 and 1973. These titles cemented his legacy as a key contributor to the club's trophy cabinet.
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