Ibarreche: San Mames' first gloves

Cecilio Ibarreche (Bilbao, 1892) was the stand-out goalkeeper in the early years of Athletic Club’s history. At over 1.90 metres tall, he made his first-team debut on 17 March 1913.

 

With 46 appearances, Ibarreche’s career is closely linked to San Mamés. On 21 August 1913, just a few months after his debut, he took part in the opening match at the Bilbao ground, against Racing de Irun.

In addition to his imposing physical presence, he stood out for his reflexes and his confidence in dealing with aerial balls, becoming the first great goalkeeper in Athletic Club history.

During those years, he played alongside iconic Lions such as Rafael ‘Pitxitxi’ Moreno and José Mari ‘Belauste’ Belaustegigoitia, forming part of a team that defined an era.

Ibarreche's playing days spanned a particularly successful period for the club as Athletic won the Copa in 1914, 1915 and 1916 and the Northern Championship (Regional Championship) in those same three seasons.

Cecilio stood between the posts in the Copa finals of 1913 (Athletic Club 0 – Racing de Irun 1), 1914 (Athletic Club 2 – España FC 1), 1915 (Athletic Club 5–0 RCD Espanyol), and 1916, when Athletic beat Madrid FC (Real Madrid) 4–0. At this time, LaLiga had not been established yet and the Copa was the premier competition.

Ibarreche's playing career at Athletic came to an end in 1917, but he remained involved in football as a referee. He died in Bilbao, at 69 years of age, on 2 May 1961. Unique in the Team, Unique in the World.