Basque Football Legacy: How Arteta, Alonso, and Iraola Rose from Antiguoko to Premier League Success
In 2024, Mikel Arteta reflected on the prevalence of Basque managers in the Premier League, suggesting that a visit to San Sebastián would provide insight into the region’s football culture. He attributed the success of Basque coaches to a combination of passion, culinary heritage, and a strong educational background, emphasizing the importance of opportunities and belief from others.
The Roots of Passionate Play
Andoni Iraola shared his experiences of competing against Arteta and Xabi Alonso during their school years and on the beaches of San Sebastián. Their shared journey continued at a pitch in Berio, home to Antiguoko, where they developed their skills together. Roberto Montiel, vice-president and sporting director of Antiguoko, described the club as a neighborhood institution fortunate to nurture a historic generation of players.
Montiel noted that during their childhood, Arteta, Iraola, and Alonso played on a gravel pitch, and it remains a point of pride for the club to witness their growth into successful players and now coaches. He highlighted that players born after August 1981 could compete with those born in 1982, allowing the trio to participate together in various tournaments.
Early Signs of Greatness
Iraola was recognized as a shy child with remarkable talent, while Arteta emerged as a natural leader, traits that have persisted into their current roles. Alonso, the son of Spain international Periko Alonso, was always seen as destined for success in football. In a 2019 interview, Alonso reflected on his deep connection to Real Sociedad, where he was born just 15 minutes away and spent his childhood. He noted that his father’s career as a player and manager further solidified his ties to the club, culminating in his dream of playing for the first team.
Conversely, Iraola expressed surprise at his ascent to the first team, admitting his initial concerns about moving to Bilbao. He recalled the anxiety of changing schools and doubting his ability to compete at that level. However, he quickly adapted and proved himself, ultimately becoming one of Athletic Club’s most celebrated players.
Antiguoko’s Legacy
Founded in 1982, Antiguoko emerged during a period when Basque powerhouses Real Sociedad and Athletic Club were dominating Spanish football. This success inspired the establishment of Antiguoko in San Sebastián, nestled between hills and La Concha beach. Despite basic conditions, the club has produced over 40 alumni who have played at the highest level, including legendary striker Aritz Aduriz, who was part of the same youth team as Arteta, Alonso, and Iraola.
Gorka Azpeitia, general manager and goalkeeping coach, emphasized the club’s commitment to competing with top teams at youth levels, driven by a passion for their work. Antiguoko’s youth teams have achieved notable victories, including a 5-0 win against Real Sociedad and a 4-2 triumph over a Real Madrid side featuring Iker Casillas in 1999. They have also eliminated La Liga teams such as Valencia and Celta Vigo in youth cup competitions.
Recent Developments and Challenges
Last season, Antiguoko’s Under-19s finished ahead of Real Sociedad, Osasuna, and Alaves in their league, following their transition to semi-professional status and the upgrade of their pitch to a high-quality artificial surface. Although the club receives some compensation for player development when they succeed professionally, competing with larger clubs has become increasingly challenging.
Azpeitia remarked on the unique nature of the generation that included Arteta, Alonso, and Iraola, noting that professional clubs did not recruit players as early as they do today. This allowed them to remain together at Antiguoko for several years. While the club continues to develop talented players, Azpeitia expressed concern about the difficulty of replicating such a successful generation in the future.
As reported by BBC Sport.
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Published on 2026-07-01 17:01:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk