Full name Alberto Gorriz Echarte 1977–1979 San Sebastian Years Team Height 1.82 m | Playing position Role Footballer Name Alberto Gorriz | |
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Date of birth (1958-02-16) 16 February 1958 (age 57) | ||
Alberto Górriz Echarte (born 16 February 1958) is a Spanish retired footballer who played mainly as a central defender.
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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 games and winning four major titles.
Górriz represented Spain at the 1990 World Cup.
Club career
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. From his third season – where Real won the La Liga title – onwards he was a defensive stalwart until the 1991–92 campaign, with 31 matches 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, club best), his last year also being the old Atotxa Stadium's last.
International career
Górriz earned 12 caps with the Spain national team, during 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.
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.