Patxi Salinas

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Salinas spent his formative years within the Lezama youth system, becoming a regular fixture alongside fellow graduate Genar Andrinúa during the 1984–85 campaign. His breakthrough came in the 1983–84 season when he appeared in 14 La Liga matches as Athletic Bilbao conquered the double. He remained with the club until summer 1992, having won two La Liga titles (1982–83 and 1983–84) and a Supercopa de España in 1984. His departure marked the start of a six-season spell at Celta de Vigo, where he maintained top-flight status before retiring. Internationally, his career was brief but distinct; over a one-month span, he earned two caps for Spain, starting with a 2–1 loss to Yugoslavia in Oviedo on 14 September 1988.

In Their Own Story

On 10 November 1982, Salinas played the full 90 minutes in his league debut, securing a 1–0 away win against Salamanca. This moment launched a career defined by longevity and defensive solidity. By the summer of 1992, he moved to Celta de Vigo, where he continued to post impressive numbers until retiring at almost 35. His transition to management began with youth roles at Celta and Gramenet before taking charge of Athletic's youth teams, Ourense, and even Melita in the Maltese Premier League. A notable managerial highlight occurred in June 2017 when he achieved promotion to Segunda División B with Rápido de Bouzas. He subsequently managed Burgos until his dismissal on 5 February 2018, leaving them ninth despite conceding the fewest goals in the division.

Reader's Guide

For those tracking Patxi Salinas's career, note that his primary position was central defender, not forward. His playing stats include exactly 432 La Liga games and 11 goals across 16 seasons with Athletic Bilbao and Celta. He won two league titles with the former. In management, he has held roles at multiple clubs including Sant Andreu and Badajoz (appointed 22 May 2018). His brother Julio, a centre-forward, also played for Athletic and Barcelona; together they held the record for combined La Liga appearances by siblings with 849 matches at their retirement.

Did You Know?

• Salinas and his brother Julio held the record for combined La Liga appearances by siblings with 849 matches, which was 86 more than the next pair.
• He made his league debut on 10 November 1982, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1–0 away win against Salamanca.
• As a manager, he was dismissed from Burgos on 5 February 2018 while the team was in ninth position and had conceded the fewest goals in the division.
• He earned his two international caps for Spain over just a one-month span in September 1988.
• Salinas achieved promotion to Segunda División B with Rápido de Bouzas in June 2017, only a month before leaving the club.