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Rafael Alkorta Martinez (born September 16, 1968 in Bilbao, Vizcaya) was a Spanish footballer who played for Athletic Bilbao, Real Madrid and Spain.
Alkorta began playing as a junior with Athletic Bilbao in 1978 and made his professional debut with Bilbao Athletic in 1985. He made 40 appearances with the reserve side before been promoted by Howard Kendall to the senior Athletic Bilbao team in 1987. He subsequently made 172 La Liga appearances for Athletic (with 2 goals) and established himself as an outstanding man marker. Alkorta attracted the attention of Real Madrid who he signed for in 1993. At Real he formed a notable partnership with Fernando Hierro. After 107 La Liga games (2 more goals) and two La Liga titles, he returned to Athletic Bilbao in 1997. In 1998 he helped Athletic finish second in La Liga. He played a further 91 La Liga games (4 goals scored) for Athletic before retiring as a player in 2002.
Alkorta was also an established international and made 54 appearances for Spain between 1990 and 1998. He played in three World Cups - 1990, 1994 and 1998 - and Euro 96. He has represented Spain at U-16, U-18 and U-21 level.
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Real Madrid
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