Alberto Górriz Echarte (born 16 February 1958) is a Spanish former professional footballer who played mainly as a central defender.

Alberto Górriz
Górriz in 1981
Personal information
Full name Alberto Górriz Echarte
Date of birth (1958-02-16) 16 February 1958 (age 66)
Place of birth Irun, Spain
Height 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s) Defender
Youth career
San Marcial
Real Sociedad
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1977–1979 San Sebastián 43 (2)
1979–1993 Real Sociedad 461 (14)
Total 504 (16)
International career
1988–1990 Spain 12 (1)
1990 Basque Country 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

His main asset was his heading ability, and he often scored from set pieces. He spent his entire career with Real Sociedad, appearing in nearly 600 official matches and winning four major titles.[1]

Górriz represented Spain at the 1990 World Cup.

Club career edit

A Real Sociedad youth graduate, Górriz was born in Irun, Gipuzkoa, and played solely for the Basques, making his first-team debut on 8 April 1979 in a 4–0 away win against Rayo Vallecano.[2] From his third season – where Real won the La Liga title – onwards he was a defensive stalwart until the 1991–92 campaign, with 31 games as his minimum output, often being partnered by Agustín Gajate who also only played for one professional club.

Górriz retired in June 1993 having appeared in 461 top-flight matches (599 overall, the club record), his final year also being the old Atotxa Stadium's last.[3]

International career edit

Górriz earned 12 caps with the Spain national team, in slightly less than two years. He made his debut on 16 November 1988 at already 30, in a decisive 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland, a 2–0 triumph in Seville.[4]

Being subsequently picked for the final stages in Italy, Górriz scored his only goal for his country, in the 2–1 group stage win over Belgium, heading home a free kick from Real Madrid's Míchel.[5]

Honours edit

Real Sociedad

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d "Leyendas de la Real Sociedad – Bixio Gorriz" [Real Sociedad legends – Bixio Gorriz]. El Diario Vasco (in Spanish). Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  2. ^ González, Damián (9 April 1979). "0–4: La Real, orejas, rabo y salida a hombros" [0–4: Real, ears, tail and triumphant exit]. Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  3. ^ Miñana, Fernando (6 April 2018). "Un récord increíble pero real" [Incredible but real record]. Las Provincias (in Spanish). Retrieved 24 June 2019.
  4. ^ Guasch, Tomás (17 November 1988). "Italia... ¡Allá vamos!" [Italy... Here we go!]. Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  5. ^ Santos, M. A. (22 June 1990). "¡España, campeona de grupo!" [Spain, group champions!]. Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). Retrieved 1 June 2014.

External links edit