1. Overview
Fidel Uriarte Macho (Fidel Uriarte MachoSpanish; 1 March 1945 - 19 December 2016) was a Spanish footballer who primarily played as a striker. He spent the majority of his 15-year professional career with Athletic Bilbao, where he became a club legend. Uriarte achieved significant accolades, including winning the Pichichi Trophy as La Liga's top scorer in the 1967-68 season and securing two Copa del Rey titles with Athletic Bilbao. He scored over 100 official goals for his main club and later transitioned into a career as a football manager.
2. Life
Fidel Uriarte's life began in the Basque Country, where he would later become a prominent figure in Spanish football. His early years laid the foundation for a distinguished career that saw him rise through the ranks of one of Spain's most historic clubs.
2.1. Early life and education
Fidel Uriarte Macho was born on 1 March 1945, in Sestao, a municipality located in the Biscay province of the Basque Country, Spain. Details regarding his specific education are not extensively documented, but his early life was marked by his entry into the world of football.
q=Sestao|position=right
2.2. Early career
Uriarte began his football journey within the youth development system of Athletic Bilbao, a major club in the Basque region. His talent was recognized early, leading to his promotion to the first team at the remarkably young age of 17. He made his La Liga debut on 23 September 1962, in an away match against CD Málaga, which resulted in a 2-0 loss for Athletic Bilbao. This marked the beginning of his professional career, which would largely be defined by his tenure at Athletic.
3. Career
Fidel Uriarte's career spanned over 15 years as a professional footballer, primarily as a prolific striker, followed by a period as a football manager.
3.1. Club career
Uriarte's most significant contributions were made during his 12-year tenure with Athletic Bilbao. By the end of his fourth season, the 1965-66 campaign, at just 21 years old, he had already amassed 100 league appearances and scored 14 goals, demonstrating his early impact.
His most remarkable season was the 1967-68 campaign, where he scored a career-best 22 goals in only 24 league games. This exceptional performance earned him the Pichichi Trophy as the top scorer in La Liga, despite Athletic Bilbao finishing in seventh place that season. A highlight of this period was his contribution of five goals in a dominant 8-0 home victory against Real Betis on 31 December 1967. The following year, Uriarte helped Athletic Bilbao secure the first of his two Copa del Rey titles in 1969, followed by another victory in the 1972-73 season. He departed Athletic Bilbao in 1974, having made a total of 389 competitive appearances and scoring 121 goals, solidifying his status as one of the club's notable goalscorers.
In 1974, Uriarte moved to CD Málaga. During his time with the Andalusian club, he experienced a period of fluctuating fortunes, including one promotion and two relegations. At Málaga, he often adapted his playing style and was notably deployed as a sweeper. He retired from professional football in 1977 at the age of 32.
3.2. International career
Fidel Uriarte represented Spain at various levels throughout his career, earning nine caps for the senior national team over a span of four years.
His debut for the senior Spanish national team came on 28 February 1968, in a friendly match against Sweden held in Seville. Uriarte scored his only international goal in another friendly match on 20 February 1971, contributing to a 2-1 away victory over Italy in Cagliari.
q=Seville|position=right
In addition to his senior appearances, Uriarte also played for Spain's youth and amateur teams:
- Spain U-18: 5 appearances, 0 goals (1962-1963)
- Spain U-23: 4 appearances, 1 goal (1967-1970)
- Spain Amateur: 7 appearances, 5 goals (1963-1964)
3.2.1. International goals
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 20 February 1971 | Sant'Elia, Cagliari, Italy | Italy | 0-2 | 1-2 | Friendly |
3.3. Managerial career
Following his retirement as a player in 1977, Fidel Uriarte embarked on a career in football management and coaching, spanning several decades. He held various coaching positions, primarily within the youth and reserve systems of his former club, Athletic Bilbao.
His managerial roles included:
- Sestao RC: 1978
- Athletic Bilbao: Assistant Coach (1990-1991, 1991-1992)
- Bilbao Athletic (Athletic Bilbao's reserve team): 1991, 1993-1994
- Athletic Bilbao (Youth system): 1992-1993
- Villarreal CF: 1995
4. Personal life
Fidel Uriarte was not the only footballer in his family. His younger brother, Gabriel Uriarte, also pursued a career in professional football as a forward. Gabriel primarily played as a reserve player for Valencia CF.
5. Death
Fidel Uriarte passed away on 19 December 2016, at the age of 71. His death occurred in Castro Urdiales, a town located on the Bay of Biscay in the Cantabria region of Spain, after a long illness.
q=Castro Urdiales|position=right
6. Honours and legacy
Fidel Uriarte's career was marked by significant individual achievements and team successes, particularly during his long and impactful spell at Athletic Bilbao, where he remains a revered figure.
6.1. Individual honours
Uriarte's most notable individual accolade was the Pichichi Trophy, which he earned for being the top goalscorer in La Liga during the 1967-68 season.
6.2. Club honours
As a key player for Athletic Bilbao, Fidel Uriarte contributed to the club's success in the Copa del Rey, winning the prestigious trophy on two occasions:
- Copa del Generalísimo: 1969, 1972-73
6.3. Assessment and impact
Fidel Uriarte is widely regarded as an unforgettable player in the history of Athletic Bilbao. His prolific goalscoring, particularly his Pichichi Trophy win, and his contributions to two Copa del Rey victories cemented his legacy at the club. His long tenure and consistent performance made him a significant figure in Spanish football during the 1960s and 1970s.