Biography
Who is Javier Clemente?
Early life and playing career
Born in Barakaldo, Biscay, Javier Clemente began his football path with the local club Barakaldo CF before joining the youth system of Athletic Bilbao at age sixteen. Manager Agustín Gaínza promoted him to the first team when he was eighteen. He made his official debut against Liverpool in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. In 1969, he helped his club win the Copa del Generalísimo final against Elche CF.
Managerial rise at Athletic Bilbao
Transitioning immediately into coaching, he started with local clubs like Arenas Club de Getxo and CD Basconia. In 1981, he returned to the top level as the manager of Athletic Bilbao. This period proved historic for the club as he guided the squad to back-to-back La Liga titles in 1983 and 1984. He also secured the Copa del Rey during the 1984 campaign.
National team coaching and international roles
In 1992, he took over as the manager of the Spain national team. He successfully led the country to three major tournaments, including the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups and Euro 1996. During this tenure, his team maintained a well-known run of thirty-one matches without a defeat. He concluded his time with the national side in September 1998.
Later career and club spells
Throughout his long career, he managed numerous other clubs in Spain. These included spells at RCD Español, Atlético Madrid, Real Betis, Real Sociedad, and Real Valladolid. At RCD Español, he achieved a best-ever third-place finish in 1987 and reached the UEFA Cup final the following year. He also spent one season in France managing Olympique de Marseille.
Birthday and age
Javier Clemente was born on March 12, 1950, which makes Javier 76 years old today. That birthday falls under the Pisces sign. Javier shares the date with 55 other famous people.
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