Iker Muniain made his 430th official appearance for Athletic Club in Sunday’s LaLiga fixture against Real Valladolid at the Estadio José Zorrilla. This puts him level with Julen Guerrero at 10th place in the club’s list of all-time appearance makers.
What’s more, by reaching the figure, our current captain has set a new club record: he becomes the youngest ever footballer in Athletic’s history to have played 430 official matches.
This season Muniain could even go on to catch up with Nicanor Sagarduy ‘Canito’ (437) and Aitor Larrazabal (445). The playmaker is currently 51 appearances away from matching José María Orue‘s record and 64 off legendary striker Piru Gainza.
In fifth place is Markel Susaeta (507), while former right-back Andoni Iraola (510) is fourth. Athletic’s top-three record appearance makers are Joseba Etxeberria (514), Txetxu Rojo (541) and Jose Ángel ‘Txopo’ Iribar (614).
Born on December 19, 1992, Muniain, 27, is the youngest lion to make 430 appearances. He’s taken the record off Etxeberria, who reached the figure at 29 years, three months and 14 days old.
Susaeta in third place, the winger’s 430th match came in a 5-1 victory over UD Las Palmas on April 14, 2013, at which point he was 29 years and four months old.
Iraola, born on June 22, 1982, played his 430th match as a lion at the age of 30, the same as the rest of Athletic’s top-10 appearance makers.
Curiously enough, Iker has achieved this record in the same place where he scored his first LaLiga goal for Athletic. When he was just 16 years old, Athletic’s number.10 got off the mark for the club at the José Zorrilla back in 2009-10, his debut season.
Highlights I Levante UD 1-1 Athletic Club (LaLiga Matchday 25)
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A game of two penalties, as both sides get a point
Marcelino: “A victory for us would’ve been fair”
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Marcelino bemoaned the defensive mistakes that led to Levante’s goal
Athletic held to frustrating draw by Levante
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Despite constantly threatening, Athletic only pick up one point from a match where both goals came from the penalty spot
Confirmed line-ups: Levante UD vs Athletic Club
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The XI’s for tonight’s LaLiga match at the Ciutat de Valéncia
Global TV Guide: Levante UD vs Athletic Club (LaLiga Matchday 25)
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When and where to watch Athletic’s upcoming LaLiga match against Levante UD
Marcelino: “We’re focused on winning tomorrow”
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Marcelino looks ahead to Friday night’s LaLiga Santander match against Levante UD
Squad list: Levante UD vs Athletic Club (LaLiga Matchday 25)
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Marcelino has called up 23 players for Friday night’s clash with Levante UD at the Ciutat de València
A big week against Levante
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Athletic will face Levante twice in six days, starting with a LaLiga fixture on Friday (21:00 CET)
Raúl García: “The more difficult the challenge, the better”
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After extending his contract with Athletic Club until 2022, Raúl García expressed his intention to keep going “as long as he was up to the task of competing for this Club”
Raúl García signs contract extension until 2022
First Team
The agreement includes an option for a further season depending on a number of targets.