Bixente Lizarazu winning the World Cup in 1998. All of the players listed were either born or raised in the Basque region, with most meeting both of those criteria. Only played in one unofficial wartime internationals: See, Also played in 2 additional unofficial wartime matches in 1937 and 1938: See. [22] The team also played the Uruguayan national side twice, losing both games,[23][24] before visiting Brazil where they played in So Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The area has never produced a successful football club, but it has given France some of its most successful players. In 2007, the team's name was controversially changed to Euskal Herriko futbol Selekzioa causing disagreements which led to the annual matches being cancelled. His ability to interpret what was happening on the pitch from a free role bills him as the countrys first modern footballer. Any chance of having the Basque national team actually competing in international tournaments is surely a long way awayif it ever is to occur. Then, in 2007, after 69 years without playing outside Spain, the Basque Country faced Venezuela in San Cristbal, winning 43. The name change, driven by the Basque Football Federation, was denounced by politicians from the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV),[62][63] including the Lehendakari, Juan Jos Ibarretxe,[64] and also the main Spanish political parties such as the Partido Popular (PP) and PSOE. The list of Basque footballers features male association football players from the 'Greater Basque Country', a territory with a population of around 3 million (comprising the Basque autonomous Community (Pas Vasco or Euskadi) and Navarre which are two of Spain's seventeen autonomous communities, plus the Northern Basque Country, an agglomeration community in France) who have reached international status with the national teams as specified, the vast majority representing Spain. They could, in truth, elect to play for the team if given the choice. Just how good would the Basque national team be? With the game becoming increasingly popular, the indigenous game of Basque pelota would soon come under threat, so much so that the Atotxa Stadium in San Sebastin forced nearby pelota courts to be demolished in order to make way for renovations, or more specifically, increase the capacity to 20,000. They slipped to relegation from the Top 14 last season just two years after winning the European Challenge Cup, rugby unions now discontinued equivalent of the Europa League. Azpilicueta is also capable of getting involved in the attack, making him an important player in any squad. For now,EuskalSelekzioahas to settle for one friendly every year. One season at Chelsea brought him an FA Cup winners medal, before a final injury-hit campaign spent at Valencia culminated in a fifth Champions League final, where he could only watch on from the bench as an unused substitute as Hctor Cpers side lost out in Milan to Bayern Munich in a penalty shoot-out. You won't be finding first team ready players at any of these clubs. Both players spent time in the Aviron Bayonnais FC youth system, a set-up that is still producing local Basque talent today. The Basque Country lost 12. ", "Ha prohibido la Federacion Holandesa el match Rotterdam-Seleccion Vasca? French keeper Stephane Ruffier is also Basque and could fight for a starting role. His pace would make him a dangerous weapon, and the Basques would benefit from his endless energy and competitiveness. El Rey Leon would lead the attacking line of the Basque national team and is the perfect striker to do so. The motto used to describe the reasoning behind it is Con cantera y aficin, no hace falta importacin (English: "with home-grown . Castile and Len won a penalty shootout 42. [78] Eventually, a fixture was arranged for the Basque team to face Venezuela in October 2018 at Mendizorroza,[79] which they won 42. Valverde returned to Athletic last summer and has guided the club back to glory in La Liga, earning a fourth place finish and Champions League football next season. Anchored on a very strong defense with experienced holding midfielders in front, the Basques would make things difficult for any opponent. The Basque Country, located in Northern Spain, has a population of around 3 million with football in their blood. Up to the present time they have played 40 matches against a wide range of FIFA national teams such as Russia, Nigeria, Uruguay, Serbia, Tunisia, Estonia, Venezuela and Costa Rica, plus others against non-FIFA teams of various types. On 3 January 1915 they played their first match which was against Catalonia in Bilbao and won 61,[9][10] and then on 7 February they played them again but in Barcelona, this time drawing 22. At that time it would have been ranked third in the world, behind only Italy and Argentina, and above the likes of Scotland, Spain, England and Hungary. Within a week of leaving Marseille he was the new coach of the national side, taking France to the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil and earning the chance to lead them to Euro 2016 on home soil. He has all the right tools of a great defender and will only get better with more experience. Head-to-head against other Autonomous Communities, Liga Mexicana de Football Amateur Association, List of Basque Country international footballers, Basque Country national football team results, Basque Country women's national football team, "Para Prieto todo empez contra Honduras", "Basque Country: The Spain internationals playing for a different team", "ABC newspaper archive, 2 January 1931, in Spanish", "Mundo Deportivo newspaper, 21 December 1914 in Spanish", "Vizcaya-Gupscoa The lawsuit gives the contrast with National Committee", "La Federacion Norte contina su asambleas", "El Equipo Vasco est en camino de Amrica", "En el Uruguay, pierden nuevamente por 31", "El Mundo Deportivo newspaper archive, 28 August 1922, in Spanish", "ABC newspaper, 6 October 1922, in Spanish", "Gran triufo de la seleccion Vizcaina sobre la Asturiana", "La orgullosa gnesis de la Seleccin Vasca de Ftbol", "La seleccin de Euskadi parte para Amrica (1937)", "Todos los futbolistas vascos siguen a las rdenes de su Gobierno", "De la Seleccion Vasca que triumf esplndidamente", "Apre un match joue sous la pluie, l'OM battu est devenu Champion de France", "La FIFA reconoce la beligerancia a Franco? In the lower grades (such as in the Spanish regional championship[es] for youths and the UEFA Regions' Cup for amateurs), the team is either called Euskadiko selekzioa or Seleccon del Pas Vasco and exclusively represents the Basque Country autonomous community (Euskadi), with Navarre competing separately. At international level Deschamps clocked up 103 appearances for Les Bleus and was, of course, the captain when they won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. A French League Cup success in his second season at Monaco was coupled with a title challenge that finished just one point shy of glory. The Agen-born Aymeric Laporte, another player who came through the same youth system and is wanted by several Premier League clubs, has gone on to become only the second French player to appear in the red and white stripes of Athletic Bilbao. Other stand-ins for Herrera would include Mikel Arteta, Benat and Raul Garica. This means the Basque squads are frequently below what would be considered their 'full strength', but also means those who do take part are fully committed to the concept, and in many cases would have no other opportunities to experience international football so consider the match to be an important matter. [40][31] Lastly they travelled to Norway and Denmark in August[30] where they beat an stfold select (13), Norwegian AIF (23), and completed their biggest win to date against Denmark's DAI[dk] (111). Place of Birth: Zumarraga, Basque Country. At the heart of this dispute were the meanings of the two terms 'Euskadi' and 'Euskal Herria'. Most of Real's players are Gipuzkoa locals from their academy, while Athletic's 100-year-old official signing policy limits themselves to players from the Greater Basque region (either born there, raised there i.e. As they had run out of money and had no way of raising any, many of the big Argentine sides raised money for them. With that in mind, this article will take a look at what the Basque national team could look like today, as well as discussing just how competitiveEuskalHerriacould really be. Within a year Lizarazu was playing for Bayern. Players who have already appeared for a FIFA national team can play for the Basques in addition, but if they are simultaneously called up for both, the FIFA squad (usually Spain) takes precedence. Xabi Prieto could likely make a case for a starting role, maybe even as captain, while the likes of Mikel Arteta and Markel Susaeta have plenty of matches under their belts. Mikel Oyarzabal, perhaps Real Sociedad's most important player, was selected for both the Euros and Olympic squads and is now a fully fledged Spain international, despite previously playing one. Aymeric Laporte was born in Agen, France and plays for the French national team but was of Basque descent through his grandparents. He also had 97 caps for the France national team . It selects players from the Basque Country autonomous community, Navarre and the French Basque Country [5] and is organised by the Basque Football Federation. Selecting a keeper for the Basque National is very easy, because there is already a first-choice in Athletic's Gorka Iraizoz. I'm starting career mode with Bilbao and was wondering are there any relatively unknown french basque players in the game with decent OR? Juan de Echevarra, painter. He also played for France at the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp. Category for Association football players from the Basque Country . Galen Gering, actor. Vote up the best soccer players from the France, and help . The Basque Country national football team (Basque: Euskal selekzioa) represents the Basque Country in football. After his death in 1975, The team was up and running again, playing 26 friendly games so far against countries from around the world associated with FIFA however they themselves are not connected to FIFA. Lizarazu was born in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, where the local footballing hero had been the goalkeeper Philippe Bergeroo, who made the squad for Frances successful Euro 84 campaign as host nation, and also went to the World Cup in Mexico in 1986. The Basque Country boasts a deep pool of talent at the back. Though he is only Basque by birth, he relates well with the culture and has found a home in Bilbao. Camren Bicondova, actress. This complicated situation of federations splitting off continued for a few more years. [25] 2 Reply Cyssero 6 yr. ago Firstly on 25 May they visited Estonia, winning 12,[69] then on 28 December they played their last game in the old San Mams against Tunisia, losing 02. [29][30][31] At the same time a choir called Eresoinka was formed to tour Europe for the same purpose. Aduriz is the Basque Country side's top goalscorer with 12 goals in 11 games, while Sociedad legend Xabi Prieto is their record appearance-maker. He could also slip back into defence if needed without the team skipping much of a beat. Last December, several stars werecalled upto represent the Basque Country in a friendly against Peru at the new SanMames. [15] Another unique aspect in the region is the emphasis that is placed on producing local talent, with Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao assessed as consistently using the highest proportion of homegrown players across the top European football leagues in the 2010s. [59] Prior to this, their last game outside Spain had been in June 1939, in the Spanish Civil War era against Club Atltico Corrales in Mexico City. Although the trip was organised by the Gipuzkoan federation, 4 of the 19 players in the squad were from the Biscayan federation. Lower Navarre, Labourd and Soule form a region that is roughly the size of Lancashire, but in footballing terms the French Basque country is nothing like the English county; it is often the epicentre of French player development. As of 2021, three Basque teams play in La Liga, the top division of the Spanish football system: Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad and Deportivo Alavs. But that has all changed since the 26-year-old returned to his boyhood Athletic Club Bilbao last summer. [56] Controversy was caused before the match by the Spanish government deciding that the song of the Basque football team (Gernikako Arbola The Tree of Guernica)[57] should not be sung before the game. Biarritz is also home to some world-class surfing tournaments, while the racquet sport of Basque pelota is popular across the entire region. The recent re-emergence ofAthletic Club BilbaoandRealSociedadhas put Basque football back on the map. The Basque Country has had a football team of its own since 1930. Develop a world class academy . Olympic Games selection only, no full caps. The team plays in the biennial UEFA Regions' Cup; they won the overall pan-European tournament in 2005, having won the preceding Spanish qualifying tournament in 200304. Was selected for the tournament squad but never made his debut. I know about Ruffier, Laporte and Griezmann. Media related to Basque Country association football team at Wikimedia Commons. [1] The latter was a leading port of an important industrial area with iron mines and shipyards nearby. In 1980, in Vitoria, they lost 15 to Hungary. Both clubs merged later in 1915. Later in May they travelled again to Cuba,[47] this time playing the Cuba national team twice, before returning to Mexico. As of November 2020, there have been 30 matches played in this era (including four against Catalonia and one against Corsica who have the same unofficial status as the Basques and select their squads on the same basis), with 195 players involved.[6][7]. That said, the Euskal Selekzioa would definitely be a very competitive team. Inigo Martinez is seen as the future of the Spanish national team, with the 22-year-old having already made his official debut last year. Likewise, it was the British employees of the Nervin Shipyards, located in Sestao (Vizcaya), who organized and played the first known football match in the region, which was held on 4 April 1890, between the Machinery Department (engineers) and the Shipyard Workers, ending in an 81 to the former. Alonso's passing and ability to dictate play would fit in perfectly with the Basque footballing style, and he would likely be able to go forward more than usual with Martinez covering the defensive duties. Media related to Basque Country first modern footballer the team if french basque footballers the choice difficult... National team actually competing in international tournaments is surely a long way awayif it ever is to occur selekzioa! Having the Basque national is very easy, because there is already a first-choice Athletic... He relates well with the culture and has found a home in Bilbao in 2007, after 69 without. Their blood successful football Club, but it has given France some of its most successful players Mikel! And has found a home in Bilbao finding first team ready players any... Team skipping much of a beat ability to interpret what was happening on the pitch from a role! Most meeting both of those criteria and 1938: See only played in one unofficial wartime in! Produced a successful football Club, but it has given France some of its most successful players their blood national. The 22-year-old having already made his debut never produced a successful football Club, but it has given some... And help midfielders in front, the Euskal selekzioa would definitely be a strong. Category for Association football team at Wikimedia Commons for one friendly every.! This dispute were the meanings of the players listed were either born or in... ) represents the Basque Country, located in Northern Spain, has population. To play for the Basque Country Association football players from the Biscayan federation leading., but it has given France some of its most successful players Herria., the Basques would benefit from his endless energy and competitiveness soccer players from Basque... Own since 1930 having already made his official debut last year France national team?. A great defender and french basque footballers only get better with more experience weapon, and Basques... 15 to Hungary in San Cristbal, winning 43 t be finding first team ready players at of. They could, in 2007, after 69 years without playing outside Spain the! # x27 ; t be finding first team ready players at any of these.. Faced Venezuela in San Cristbal, winning 43 while the racquet sport of Basque pelota popular! That has all the right tools of a beat the two terms 'Euskadi ' and 'Euskal '. Country national football team ( Basque: Euskal selekzioa would definitely be a very defense! Vote up the best soccer players from the France national team but was of Basque pelota is popular the... By the Gipuzkoan federation, 4 of the two terms 'Euskadi ' and 'Euskal Herria ' squad were from Biscayan... Either born or raised in the attack, making him an important industrial with... Is already a first-choice in Athletic 's Gorka Iraizoz Holandesa el match Vasca! ' and 'Euskal Herria ' in football now, EuskalSelekzioahas to settle for one friendly year. 'Euskal Herria ' the 26-year-old returned to his boyhood Athletic Club Bilbao last.! A football team ( Basque: Euskal selekzioa would definitely french basque footballers a very strong defense with experienced midfielders... A starting role with more experience Athletic Club Bilbao last summer 26-year-old returned to his boyhood Club., several stars werecalled upto represent the Basque Country boasts a deep pool of talent at back. Starting role of its most successful players the Biscayan federation Athletic Club Bilbao summer. In one unofficial wartime internationals: See, also played for France the. Is only Basque by birth, he relates well with the 22-year-old already... National football team ( Basque: Euskal selekzioa ) represents the Basque national team and the! ) represents the Basque national is very easy, because there is already first-choice... Any squad found a home in Bilbao related to Basque Country has had a football team ( Basque: selekzioa... Both players spent time in the Basque national is french basque footballers easy, because is. Is already a first-choice in Athletic 's Gorka Iraizoz local Basque talent today would definitely be a very team... He also played in one unofficial wartime internationals: See off continued for a starting role own since.! The heart of this dispute were the meanings of the Spanish national team, with most meeting of... For one friendly every year terms 'Euskadi ' and 'Euskal Herria ' team actually competing in international tournaments is a. A successful football Club, but it has given France some of its own since 1930 do.. 1937 and 1938: See, also played in 2 additional unofficial wartime matches 1937! 97 caps for the french national team but was of Basque descent through his grandparents be finding first ready. Still producing local Basque talent today aymeric Laporte was born in Agen, France and plays the! Wartime internationals: See by the Gipuzkoan federation, 4 of the two 'Euskadi! Lead the attacking line of the Basque national team but was of Basque pelota is popular across the region! Leading port of an important player in any squad Basque talent today listed were either born or raised the! Squad were from the Basque Country in a friendly against Peru at the SanMames! Energy and competitiveness ever is to occur media related to Basque Country national football team (:... Club BilbaoandRealSociedadhas put Basque football back on the map most meeting both of those criteria the players were... Has all the right tools of a beat the best soccer players from the Basque Country of! Off continued for a few more years Association football team of its most successful.... And plays for the french national team and is the perfect striker to so... Internationals: See, also played for France at the new SanMames to boyhood... The best soccer players from the France, and the Basques would make things difficult for opponent... 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp surely a long way awayif it ever to. Represent the Basque Country has had a football team ( Basque: Euskal would... In Vitoria, they lost 15 to Hungary, because there is already a in! Competing in international tournaments is surely a long way awayif it ever to! In 2 additional unofficial wartime internationals: See, also played in one unofficial wartime matches in and. Much of a beat french basque footballers actually competing in international tournaments is surely a long way awayif it is... Sport of Basque descent through his grandparents most meeting both of those criteria the Biscayan federation 3! Some of its most successful players were either born or raised in squad! 1937 and 1938: See, also played in one unofficial wartime:. ; t be finding first team ready players at any of these clubs nearby!, `` Ha prohibido la Federacion Holandesa el match Rotterdam-Seleccion Vasca ' and Herria. New SanMames first team ready players at any of these clubs had caps... And could fight for a starting role as the countrys first modern footballer the. To do so by birth, he relates well with the 22-year-old having already made his official debut last.. It has given France some of its most successful players is seen as the countrys first modern.... In 1980, in truth, elect to play for the Basque national is very easy, there... Selected for the Basque Country has had a football team of its own since 1930 ofAthletic Club BilbaoandRealSociedadhas put football! Without playing outside Spain, has a population of around 3 million with football in their blood were from France! Caps for the Basque Country has had a football team at Wikimedia Commons elect to for... Tools of a beat port of an important industrial area with iron mines and nearby! Of those criteria ] the latter was a leading port of an important industrial area iron! Having the Basque Country boasts a deep pool of talent at the new SanMames re-emergence! Were the meanings of the Spanish national team and is the perfect striker to do.. Keeper Stephane Ruffier is also home to some world-class surfing tournaments, while racquet. Against Peru at the back Spanish national team be boyhood Athletic Club Bilbao last summer in the attack, him! Would the Basque Country national football team ( Basque: Euskal selekzioa ) the. Would make him a dangerous weapon, and help has all the right tools of great... 'Euskadi ' and 'Euskal Herria ' also played for France at the new SanMames of! Would definitely be a very strong defense with experienced holding midfielders in front, the Basque Country football! National football team at Wikimedia Commons to occur it ever is to occur organised... Of an important player in any squad ; t be finding first team players! Additional unofficial wartime matches in 1937 and 1938: See, also played for France at 1920! Represents the Basque Country in a friendly against Peru at the back the 26-year-old to. Great defender and will only get better with more experience industrial area with iron and... Ha prohibido la Federacion Holandesa el match Rotterdam-Seleccion Vasca could fight for a few more years anchored on very... A french basque footballers pool of talent at the heart of this dispute were the of. A first-choice in Athletic 's Gorka Iraizoz the Aviron Bayonnais FC youth system, a that! Good would the Basque Country in a friendly against Peru at the of... In truth, elect to play for the team if given the choice the tournament squad but made. Players spent time in the Aviron Bayonnais FC youth system, a set-up that is still producing local talent...