1. Overview
Robustiano Bilbao Echevarría, known by his nickname 'Robus', was a Spanish footballer who gained prominence for his participation in the football tournament at the 1928 Summer Olympics. He played as a forward for the Spanish national squad during this significant international event.
2. Life
Robustiano Bilbao Echevarría's life involved an early entry into football, culminating in his notable appearance on the international stage.
2.1. Birth and Early Life
Robustiano Bilbao Echevarría was born in Neguri, a district within the Basque Country of Spain. Sources differ regarding his exact birth date; some indicate he was born on November 29, 1897, while others suggest December 18, 1900. His early life was rooted in this region, which has a rich footballing tradition.
2.2. Early Football Career
Details regarding the initial stages of Robustiano Bilbao Echevarría's football career are limited in available records. However, it is known that his talent and dedication led him to play at a competitive level, eventually earning him a place in the Spanish national team. His early career set the foundation for his later participation in major international competitions.
3. Major Activities and Achievements
Robustiano Bilbao Echevarría's most significant activity and achievement in his football career was his involvement in the 1928 Summer Olympics.
3.1. 1928 Summer Olympics Participation
Robustiano Bilbao Echevarría was a member of the Spanish national football squad that competed in the men's football tournament at the 1928 Summer Olympics held in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He was listed as a forward (FW) in the team roster. Although the specific details of his playing time or individual performance in matches during the tournament are not extensively documented, his inclusion in the Olympic squad represented a significant recognition of his abilities as a footballer during that era. The Spanish team, under coach José Berraondo, comprised a notable lineup of players for the tournament:
| Position | Player(s) |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper (GK) | Jesús Izaguirre, José María Jáuregui |
| Defender (DF) | Ciriaco Errasti, Jacinto Quincoces, Pedro Vallana, Domingo Zaldúa |
| Midfielder (MF) | Trino Arizcorreta, Francisco Gamborena, Antero González, Amadeo Labarta, José Legarreta, Martín Marculeta, Luis Regueiro, Alberto Villaverde |
| Forward (FW) | Paco Bienzobas, Cholín, Kiriki, Ángel Mariscal, Robustiano Bilbao Echevarría, Manuel Sagarzazu, José Maria Yermo |
His participation in the Olympic Games placed him among the elite footballers of his time, representing his nation on a global stage.
4. Personal Life
Robustiano Bilbao Echevarría was commonly known by his nickname 'Robus' (RobusRobusSpanish). This shorter, more informal name was likely used by his teammates and fans, highlighting a personal connection beyond his formal professional identity. The exact date of his death remains unknown, leaving a gap in the historical record of his life.
5. Assessment and Legacy
Robustiano Bilbao Echevarría's contributions to football, though not extensively detailed in individual statistics, are primarily recognized through his involvement in a pivotal international event.
5.1. Assessment of Football Career
As a footballer, Robustiano Bilbao Echevarría's career is most notably defined by his inclusion in the Spanish squad for the 1928 Summer Olympics. Playing as a forward, his position suggests an attacking role crucial for scoring goals and creating opportunities. His selection for such a prestigious tournament indicates a high level of skill and competitive ability. While comprehensive statistics or detailed match performances are not widely available, his presence in the national team at the Olympics signifies his standing as one of Spain's notable players in the late 1920s.
5.2. Historical Context and Impact
Robustiano Bilbao Echevarría's career falls within an important period for Spanish football, as the sport was gaining immense popularity and professional structures were beginning to solidify. His participation in the 1928 Summer Olympics was part of a broader effort by Spain to establish itself as a competitive force in international football. Although Spain did not win a medal in the 1928 tournament, the experience gained by players like Bilbao Echevarría contributed to the development and growth of Spanish football. His legacy, though perhaps not as widely celebrated as some of his more prominent teammates, lies in being part of a pioneering generation of Spanish athletes who represented their country at the highest level of international competition.