Markel Zubizarreta, the Sporting Director of the FC Barcelona Women’s team, has recently bid farewell his role within the club’s management. This development has sparked global interest in Markel’s life, extending beyond his professional career.
Markel Zubizarreta is the offspring of the renowned former Spanish national team goalkeeper, Andoni Zubizarreta. Growing up in the sport, it’s no surprise that Markel’s passion for soccer blossomed from an early age. In his youth, he harbored aspirations of becoming a professional soccer player, but as fate would have it, this dream remained unfulfilled.
Nonetheless, Markel’s life continued to orbit around soccer, and he gained recognition primarily for his affiliation with FC Barcelona. Armed with a degree in sports management, Zubizarreta transitioned from a soccer player to an executive role. He assumed the position of Sports Director for FC Barcelona Femeni in 2017 and served in this capacity for nearly seven successful years. The team achieved remarkable success during his tenure, clinching 16 trophies, including four league titles, two Champions League titles, and three Spanish Super Cups.
Despite his contract initially set to conclude on June 30, 2024, Markel Zubizarreta decided to step down from his position nearly eight months ahead of schedule. The exact reasons for this sudden departure, however, remain undisclosed.
Markel Zubizarreta Padre (Father) And Madre (Mother)
Markel Zubarreta, the eldest child of former Spanish international player Andoni Zubizarreta and his wife Ane Miren, grew up in a soccer-loving family. His mother, Ane Miren, is a dedicated engineer and a passionate soccer enthusiast. Their love story began in the 1980s when Andoni was a prominent soccer star in Spain.
In 1986, after several years of courtship, Andoni and Ane exchanged wedding vows. This significant milestone in their lives coincided with Andoni’s signing with FC Barcelona, prompting them to move to the city together. In Barcelona, Markel and his younger brother Luken were born and raised. Surrounded by the enthusiasm for soccer in the region, both siblings developed a deep appreciation for the sport. Ane often took them to the stadium to watch their father’s matches.
Markel initially followed his father’s footsteps by training at the La Masia Academy, specializing as a goalkeeper. He even played for CP Sarria at one point. However, he eventually shifted his focus to academics, leaving his soccer career behind.
Meanwhile, Markel’s younger brother, Luken, pursued a medical career and is currently a specialist in Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology at the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona. Their youngest sister, Jone, holds a degree in Business Administration and works in the Social and Corporate Department of LG, a multinational corporation.
Markel, now a father of two, resides in Barcelona with his wife.
Markel Zubizarreta Padre And Madre: Little On Andoni’s Life And Career
Markel’s father, Andoni Zubizarreta, hails from Spain and boasts an impressive soccer career, earning 126 caps for the Spanish national team from 1985 onward.
Born on October 23, 1961, in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, Andoni’s early years were marked by his passion for soccer. Growing up in Gipuzkoa, his parents enrolled him in the Aretxabaleta youth academy to nurture his talent.
Andoni Zubizarreta debuted in La Liga while playing for Athletic Bilbao in a match against Atletico Madrid on September 19, 1981. He continued to shine for Bilbao for five years before making a pivotal move to Barcelona in 1986, where he secured two La Liga titles during his time there.
Over eight years with Barcelona, Andoni participated in more than 300 matches, contributing significantly to the club’s success with four league titles and a remarkable triumph in the European Cup 1992.
Furthermore, Andoni Zubizarreta’s dedication to the sport extended to his international career. He proudly represented the Spanish national team in seven major international tournaments, including four World Cups and three European Championships, concluding his international journey in 1998 upon retirement.