Xabier Etxeita

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Etxeita's journey from a hometown forward to a La Liga defender is rooted in his time at Lezama. His early senior career was marked by immediate intensity; he made three appearances in the 2008–09 season, including a sending-off against CD Numancia and a goal in a 1–4 loss to Atlético Madrid. After moving through FC Cartagena and establishing himself as a starter at Elche CF, his contribution of 40 games and four goals secured their promotion back to the top flight after more than 20 years. Returning to Athletic Bilbao on 4 June 2013, he waited until 7 April 2014 to make his official debut, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–1 win over Levante UD. His second goal for the club came on 25 October 2014 against UD Almería. A crucial third goal arrived on 4 March 2015 against RCD Espanyol in Barcelona, helping Athletic reach the Copa del Rey final. He played the entire match in the 3–1 loss to FC Barcelona and started both legs of the subsequent Supercopa de España, which his team won 5–1 on aggregate, securing his first major trophy.

In Their Own Story

The 2014–15 season marked Etxeita's most significant individual triumphs. On 4 March 2015, he scored against RCD Espanyol to propel Athletic Bilbao toward the Copa del Rey final. Although they lost 3–1 to FC Barcelona in the decisive match, his performance earned him a spot in the starting lineup for both legs of the Supercopa de España against the same opponent. This campaign culminated in a 5–1 aggregate victory, bringing Etxeita his first title. His international career peaked later that year when he received his first call-up to the senior Spain national team in October 2015. He earned his only cap on the 12th, featuring the full 90 minutes in a 1–0 win over Ukraine during UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers. Despite already securing top position in their group, this match remains his sole appearance for Spain. Over ten seasons, he accumulated 148 La Liga games and eight goals across Athletic Bilbao, Huesca, and Getafe, while adding 154 appearances in the Segunda División with four different clubs.

Reader's Guide

Etxeita's later career saw him navigate several transfers before returning to his roots. On 24 July 2018, he was loaned to SD Huesca for one year. In August 2019, as a free agent with 140 appearances in all competitions at San Mamés, he signed a two-year contract with Getafe CF. On 15 July 2021, he joined SD Eibar on a one-year deal after their relegation to the second division. Released at the end of that season, he returned to his first club, Amorebieta, in September 2022. In his debut campaign there, he helped the team reach the professional leagues for the second time in its 98-year history. Etxeita retired at the end of the 2023–24 season at age 36 following his team's relegation. His career statistics reflect a versatile defender who played primarily as a centre-back, contributing significantly to both La Liga and Segunda División campaigns across multiple clubs.

Did You Know?

• Etxeita started his career playing as a forward for SD Amorebieta before converting to defence at Lezama.
• He scored his first goal for Athletic Bilbao on 23 May 2009 in a 1–4 home loss to Atlético Madrid.
• His only international cap came on 12 October 2015, featuring the full 90 minutes in a 1–0 win over Ukraine.
• He won his first trophy, the Supercopa de España, by starting both legs of the 2015 final against FC Barcelona.
• In September 2022, he returned to SD Amorebieta and helped them reach the professional leagues for only the second time in their 98-year history.