1. Overview
José Ramón Gallego Souto (born 7 August 1959) is a Spanish retired footballer who played as a midfielder. He spent his entire professional career with Athletic Bilbao, playing 11 seasons in La Liga and accumulating competitive totals of 330 matches and 18 goals.
2. Club career
Gallego's club career spanned over a decade, primarily with Athletic Bilbao, where he achieved significant success after starting his journey in amateur football.
2.1. Early career and debut
Born in Durango, Biscay, Gallego began his football journey in 1978 with local amateur club SCD Durango. After one year, he joined Basque giants Athletic Bilbao, initially being assigned to their reserve team in Segunda División B. Gallego made his La Liga debut on 30 March 1980, entering as a second-half substitute in a 0-0 away draw against RCD Espanyol. He appeared in an additional six league games during the 1979-80 season. Following a loan spell with third-tier club Córdoba CF, he returned to the San Mamés Stadium.
2.2. Athletic Bilbao career
Upon his return, Gallego established himself as a first-team regular for Athletic Bilbao over the subsequent eight years. He was a key contributor to the club's success, playing in a total of 57 matches and scoring two goals as Athletic Bilbao secured back-to-back national championships, including achieving the double in the 1983-84 season.
2.3. Later career
Gallego concluded his playing career in 1992 at the age of 32, playing for neighbouring club Deportivo Alavés in the third division.
3. Honours
Throughout his career, José Ramón Gallego Souto achieved notable success, earning several titles with his club, Athletic Bilbao, and with the Spanish national youth team.
3.1. Club
Athletic Bilbao
- La Liga: 1982-83, 1983-84
- Copa del Rey: 1983-84
- Supercopa de España: 1984
3.2. International
Spain U21
- UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 1986