Xabier Azkargorta (Azpeitia, Gipuzkoa, 1953) died this Friday at the age of 72, according to a statement from one of the clubs he coached, Espanyol de Barcelona. “We regret to inform you that Xabier Azkargorta, manager of RCD Espanyol from 1983 to 1986, has left us. With 134 games, he became the 7th manager with the most games in the club’s history. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace,” read the club’s statement published on X.
We regret to inform you that Xabier Azkargorta, manager of RCD Espanyol from 1983 to 1986, has left us. With 134 games, he became the 7th manager with the most games in the club’s history.
Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/jK49ZHakpE
— RCD Espanyol of Barcelona (@RCDEspanyol) November 14, 2025
Although his career as a footballer was short – he played for Real Sociedad and Bilbao Athletic – due to a serious injury, it was his performance as a manager that gave him the greatest relevance. At just 29 years old, he was the youngest to coach a First Division match, at Espanyol. He also coached Valladolid, Sevilla and Tenerife.
In 1993 he joined the Bolivian national team, which qualified for the 1994 World Cup in the United States. It was the first time the Andean country had played in a World Cup tournament since 1950, which gave the Basques fame in Bolivia. From there he made the leap to Chile, where he also led the national team, albeit with less success.
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