Oyarzabal Joins Elite Club of Athletic Bilbao Legends Who Scored in World Cups
June 18, 2024 | Updated: June 18, 2024
Oier Oyarzabal has become the third Athletic Bilbao player in history—and the second in the last 30 years—to score for Spain in a World Cup, joining a select group of Basque club legends who have made their mark on FIFA’s biggest stage. The midfielder’s goal against Costa Rica in Qatar 2022 added his name to a list that includes Athletic’s Jesús María Zamora (Spain ’82) and Real Sociedad’s José María Gorriz (Italy ’90), while Iñaki Williams’ strike in the same tournament tied him to Athletic’s 1982 forward, Santiago Urquiaga López Ufarte.
How Many Athletic Bilbao Players Have Scored in World Cups?
Only four players from Athletic Bilbao’s first team have ever scored in World Cup matches for Spain. Three of those goals came in the 1982 tournament in Spain, while the fourth arrived in Qatar 2022. Here’s the full breakdown:
- Santiago Urquiaga López Ufarte (Athletic Bilbao, 1982) – Scored twice for Spain in the group stage against Honduras (1–1) and Yugoslavia (2–1).
- Jesús María Zamora (Athletic Bilbao, 1982) – Scored once in Spain’s 2–1 victory over Yugoslavia, becoming the first Athletic player to score in a World Cup knockout stage.
- José María Gorriz (Real Sociedad, 1990) – Scored once in Spain’s 3–1 group-stage win over Belgium, the only World Cup goal of his career.
- Iñaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao, 2022) – Scored once in Spain’s 7–0 demolition of Costa Rica, his first and only World Cup goal.
- Oier Oyarzabal (Athletic Bilbao, 2022) – Scored once in the same 7–0 win, becoming the first Athletic midfielder to find the net in a World Cup.
Note: While Real Sociedad is a separate club, Gorriz’s inclusion reflects his Basque heritage and the historical ties between Basque clubs in Spanish football.
Spain ’82: The Golden Era for Athletic Strikers
Spain’s 1982 World Cup campaign remains the most successful in terms of Athletic Bilbao representation. The tournament, hosted in Spain, saw three Athletic players—López Ufarte, Zamora, and midfielder Andoni Goikoetxea—feature in the national team’s squad. López Ufarte’s two goals made him the club’s all-time leading World Cup scorer until Oyarzabal’s addition in 2022.
Spain reached the semifinals in 1982, losing to eventual champions Italy. The tournament’s group stage format allowed for more frequent appearances, giving Athletic players ample opportunities to contribute. In contrast, Spain’s 2022 campaign saw only two Athletic players (Williams and Oyarzabal) selected, with both scoring in the same match—a rare occurrence in World Cup history.
“1982 was a special time for Athletic. The club was producing world-class talent, and the national team was hungry for success. López Ufarte and Zamora were absolute leaders.”
Why Oyarzabal’s Goal Matters for Athletic Bilbao’s Legacy
Oyarzabal’s goal in Qatar 2022 wasn’t just a personal milestone—it marked the first time an Athletic midfielder had scored in a World Cup. His contribution came in a match where Spain’s attacking firepower was on full display, with Pedri, Rodri, and Morata also scoring. However, Oyarzabal’s goal stood out for its tactical significance.
Unlike López Ufarte and Zamora, who operated as traditional forwards, Oyarzabal’s strike came from a deeper position, reflecting modern midfield play. His ability to link up play and deliver a cross into the box highlighted Athletic Bilbao’s emphasis on technical, possession-based football—a style that has defined the club for decades.
“Oyarzabal is the perfect example of how Athletic’s academy continues to produce players who can excel at the highest level,” said Athletic Bilbao’s official statement following the World Cup. “His goal against Costa Rica was a testament to his hard work and the club’s philosophy.”
How Athletic’s World Cup Contributions Compare Today
While Athletic Bilbao has historically been a powerhouse in Spanish football, its representation in Spain’s World Cup squads has fluctuated. The 1982 tournament remains the peak, with three Athletic players selected. Since then, only five other Athletic players have been called up to World Cups:
- Andoni Goikoetxea (1982)
- José María Bakero (1986, 1990)
- Javier Manjarín (1994)
- Aitor Karanka (2002)
- Iñaki Williams (2022)
Oyarzabal’s inclusion in 2022 was particularly notable given Athletic’s recent struggles in La Liga. His selection reflected Spain’s need for creative midfielders, a role Athletic has historically excelled at. The club’s youth academy, La Masía, has long been a pipeline for Spanish talent, and Oyarzabal’s World Cup goal reinforced that legacy.
What Oyarzabal’s Achievement Means for Athletic Bilbao Fans
For Athletic Bilbao supporters, Oyarzabal’s World Cup goal carries immense symbolic weight. The club, known for its unwavering loyalty to Basque players, has always prided itself on producing world-class talent. While Athletic has won La Liga titles and European silverware, its World Cup contributions have been sparse—until now.
Tactically, Oyarzabal’s goal underscored the importance of midfield creativity in modern football. His ability to contribute in a World Cup match, despite Athletic’s defensive reputation, showed the club’s evolving style. “Oyarzabal is a player who can change games,” said Marca, citing his vision and passing range. “His goal was a reminder that Athletic’s midfielders are just as dangerous as any forward.”
For younger Athletic fans, Oyarzabal’s achievement serves as inspiration. The midfielder, who joined Athletic from Real Sociedad in 2014, has become a club icon, and his World Cup goal cemented his status as one of the greatest Basque players of his generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there any other Basque players who have scored in World Cups?
A: Yes. Beyond Athletic and Real Sociedad, players like Telmo Zarra (Athletic Bilbao) and José Ángel Iribar (Real Sociedad) have represented Spain in World Cups, though neither scored. Zarra was a key figure in Spain’s 1950 World Cup squad but played in a defensive role.
Q: Has any Athletic Bilbao player scored in a World Cup knockout stage?
A: Yes. Jesús María Zamora scored in Spain’s 2–1 group-stage win over Yugoslavia in 1982, which advanced them to the knockout rounds. No Athletic player has scored in a knockout match.
Q: What makes Oyarzabal’s goal so special?
A: Oyarzabal is the first Athletic midfielder to score in a World Cup. His goal also came in a historic 7–0 victory, where Spain’s attacking prowess was on full display. Additionally, it tied him to Athletic’s 1982 legacy, making it a rare achievement.
Follow the Story
For updates on Oyarzabal’s career, Athletic Bilbao’s transfer activity, and Spain’s World Cup preparations, follow Athletic Bilbao’s official website, La Liga’s news, and RFEF’s official statements.
Share your thoughts in the comments: Who is the greatest Athletic Bilbao World Cup player, and what does this achievement mean for the club’s future?
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