José Ángel Iribar

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José Ángel Iribar Cortajarena (born March 1, 1943 in Zarauz, Guipúzcoa) is a Spanish Basque ex-footballer and manager. He played as goalkeeper for CD Baskonia, Athletic Bilbao and Spain. He made his senior debut for Athletic in 1962 and his international debut in 1964. He was a member of the Athletic team that won the Copa del Generalísimo in 1969 and 1973 and reached the UEFA Cup final in 1977. In 1970 he also won the Zamora Trophy. He made a record 466 appearances in La Liga and a further 49 appearances for Spain. This included three games at the World Cup in 1966. He was also a member of Spanish team that won the European Championship in 1964.

In December 1976, before a game against Real Sociedad, Iribar and the Real captain Ignacio Kortabarria, carried out the Ikurriña, the Basque flag and placed it ceremonially on the centre-circle. This was the first public display of the flag since the death of Franco. He subsequently became involved in Basque local politics and was a supporter of Herri Batasuna.

In 1980 he retired as player and joined the Athletic coaching staff. In 1983/84 he coached Bilbao Athletic, the clubs reserve side, to second place in the Segunda Division, their highest ever league position. He managed the first team for the 1986/87 season. He has been manager of the Basque football team since 1999.

[edit] Honours

Athletic Bilbao

Spain

Individual

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