Luis María Echeberría


Luis María Echeberría Igartua was a Spanish footballer who played as a defender.

Club career

Born in Asua, Biscay, Echeberría signed for Athletic Bilbao in 1961 at the age of 21 from Basque Country neighbours CD Basconia, at that time still not the club's farm team. He made his first-team – and La Liga – debut on 10 September 1961 in a 1–2 away loss against Sevilla FC, and finished his debut season with 29 league appearances as his team finished fifth.
In the following years, Echeberría would be part of a legendary Athletic defense that also featured José Ángel Iribar in goal, Jesús Aranguren and Iñaki Sáez, helping the Lions to the 1969 Copa del Rey and appearing in more than 300 official games with his main club. He retired from football in 1973 after one season with Barakaldo CF, in Segunda División.

International career

Echeberría earned four caps for Spain, during nearly one year. His debut came on 6 June 1962 as the national team lost 1–2 against Brazil at Viña del Mar in that year's FIFA World Cup, for an eventual group stage exit.

Honours

Athletic Bilbao