Koldo Aguirre, always in our memories

Today, 27 April, one of the most legendary Athletic Club footballers, Koldo Aguirre, would have turned 81 years old. Born in Sondika, the forward played at Athletic for 12 seasons and was the first team’s manager for another 3 seasons. Besides, he was a coordinator at Lezama as well as the club ambassador, always in constant contact with the supporters’ groups of the club.

Aguirre began his footballing career in Getxo’s academy when he was 15 and received a call from Athletic when he was 17. He made his debut on 19 January 1958, in an official match against Real Zaragoza, which was the first of the 295 games he played as a lion, getting to score 64 goals while wearing the red-and-white shirt. Among his sporting achievements, we would like to highlight the two Copa titles he won (1958 and 1969), the first of which is especially memorable, the 21st Copa in the history of Athletic Club. At the early age of 19, Aguirre was the youngest of the so-called ‘once aldeanos’ -the eleven villagers- that won 2-0 over Real Madrid in their stadium. A Real Madrid that had won both the Liga and the European Cup in that very season.

Apart from that, as a player, he will be remembered for pulling off a remarkable feat in the 1965-66 season. In the 6th matchweek, Athletic were losing 3-0 against RCD Espanyol in the 73^rdminute at Estadi de Sarrià. Aguirre, who was occupying a wing position, decided not to follow the instructions given by his manager Piru Gainza to play as an attacking midfielder. Whether a twist of fate or not, he managed to score four goals in 13 minutes, beating Carmelo Cedrún, who was both his friend and Espanyol’s goalkeeper at the time, to finally win the clash 3-4.

Outside the pitch, but from the bench, Koldo Aguirre managed the first team for three seasons, being also the coach of some of the lower categories (Athletic youths and Bilbao Athletic). He was a red-and-white manager for a total of 137 matches. Despite not winning any titles, he was very close to doing it in his first campaign as a coach, making it into the Copa final against Real Betis and the UEFA Cup final against Juventus. Leaving aside his sporting achievements, he gave some footballers the chance to make their debuts. Players such as Santi Urkiaga, Manolo Sarabia o Estanis Argote, who later became champions in the 80s.

After retiring as a manager, he continued being linked to Athletic Club, taking on a role as club ambassador, always concerned about whatever the different Athletic supporters’ groups needed. He will always have a place in the hearts of his red-and-white family.