14 Facts About Julen Guerrero

Julen Guerrero Lopez was born on 7 January 1974 and is a Spanish former professional footballer who played solely for Athletic Bilbao as an attacking midfielder.

Julen Guerrero made his senior debut on 6 September 1992 aged 18, under Jupp Heynckes.

Julen Guerrero quickly made an impact and, although a midfielder, totalled 28 La Liga goals in his first two seasons.

Julen Guerrero was awarded the New Spanish Player of the Year by El Pais in 1993, and won the Spanish Footballer of the Year by both Don Balon and El Pais the following year.

The early promise Julen Guerrero showed attracted interest from, among others, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Lazio and Manchester United.

Julen Guerrero announced his retirement as a player at an emotional press conference on 11 July 2006.

Julen Guerrero scored 116 goals in 430 competitive matches over the course of 14 seasons, including four in 17 appearances in various European competitions, but did not win any major honours.

On 27 January 1993, when still only 19, Julen Guerrero made his debut for Spain in a friendly with Mexico, in Las Palmas.

Julen Guerrero went on to play 41 games and score 13 goals, and represented the nation at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups and UEFA Euro 1996.

Julen Guerrero was often referred to by the media as El Rey Leon and La Perla de Lezama.

Immediately after retiring, Julen Guerrero took charge of the Lezama youth ranks, leaving the post after two years.

Julen Guerrero was in charge of Spain's youths, working with the under-16s, under-15s and under-17s until his departure on 5 June 2023.

On 20 June 2024, Julen Guerrero was appointed manager of Amorebieta, recently relegated to Primera Federacion.

Julen Guerrero's younger brother, Jose Felix, was a footballer and a midfielder.