Beñat Etxebarria

Verified Timeline

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.

In Their Own Story

Beñat returned to Athletic Bilbao in June 2013, signing a five-year contract for a reported fee of €8 million. On 16 September, he took the first touch at the new San Mamés Stadium against RC Celta de Vigo and scored the 3–2 winner. He was substituted to a standing ovation, and dedicated his performance to his grandparents. On 14 April 2016, he was the only player to miss in a penalty shootout against compatriots Sevilla in the quarter-finals of the Europa League. Following the appointment of manager José Ángel Ziganda for the 2017–18 season, he began featuring less regularly. In July 2020, Athletic confirmed that Beñat's contract would not be extended beyond that summer. His contribution was acknowledged at the last home fixture on 16 July 2020 in an empty San Mamés – he was in the matchday squad but did not leave the bench, with his last appearance five months earlier. He moved abroad for the first time at the age of 33, joining Australian A-League newcomers Macarthur FC on 13 November 2020. On 30 December, he scored their first-ever goal in the competition, through a deflected free kick in the 1–0 away defeat of Western Sydney Wanderers FC. Both Beñat and his compatriot and former Athletic teammate Markel Susaeta retired at the end of the campaign, aged 34.

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.

Did You Know?

• Beñat was born in Igorre, Biscay.
• He made his first La Liga appearance on 29 October 2006, playing six minutes against CA Osasuna.
• He scored the first goal at the new San Mamés Stadium on 16 September 2013.
• He scored Macarthur FC's first-ever A-League goal on 30 December 2020.
• Due to poor school grades, his parents did not allow him to be selected for the 2004 UEFA European Championship with Spain's under-17 team.