Obituary: José Luis Bilbao, ‘Bala negra’ (Black Bullet)

Jose Luis Bilbao ‘Bala Negra'(Black Bullet), one of Athletic’s most veteran players passed away today, 28 January 2014.

Jose Luis Bilbao Mentxaka, better known as ‘Bala Negra'(Black Bullet) due to his dark complexion, was born in Erandio on 8 September 1921. He played ten years under the Athletic discipline from the 1941-1942 to the 1950-1951 season. He was an excellent, sharp and fast winger; however, the misfortune of coinciding with Piru Gainza was the cause that his sporting career did not acquire the lustre he deserved.

He was Liga champion in the 1942-1943 season, Liga runner-up in 1946-1947, Copa champion on four occasions, 1943, 1944, 1945 and 1950, and Copa runner-up another twice: 1942 and 1949.

“Bala Negra” (Black bullet) had the privilege of making his official debut in San Mamés on the afternoon of 12 October 1941 against a great rival, Real Madrid, with a favourable one-nil result for Athletic. He played his last match on 22 October 1950 against Espanyol.

In official competition he disputed 54 Liga matches with 16 goals, and 14 Copa matches. In addition he played 69 friendly matches and scored 22 goals.

He was sought after by other clubs, in 1951, after 10 years showing his skills in Athletic, ‘Bala Negra’, who often replaced Iriondo and Gainza in the right and left wings, was contracted by Sporting de Gijon, where this fast and furious player ended his sporting career in Asturias; as fast as a bullet, a ‘black bullet’. Thank you Jose Luis, may you rest in peace.