Íñigo Ruíz de Galarreta Etxeberria

Íñigo Ruíz de Galarreta Etxeberria, commonly known as Ruíz de Galarreta, is a Spanish central midfielder born in Donostia on 6 August 1993. He developed at Athletic Club’s Lezama academy and made his first-team debut in December 2011, appearing in a Europa League match. After serious knee injuries interrupted his progress, he continued his career away from Bilbao, including a loan spell with Las Palmas. He joined Mallorca in 2019 and helped the club win promotion to La Liga in 2021. Another major knee injury in February 2022 delayed his return, but he re-established himself in Mallorca’s midfield after recovering. Athletic Club brought him back on a free transfer in July 2023, completing his return to the club where he began. At Athletic, Ruíz de Galarreta operates from central or deeper midfield, receiving under pressure, circulating possession and supporting the team’s pressing structure. His career combines technical control and positional discipline with notable resilience after repeated setbacks.