Goalkeepers across Spain wear black kits to honor Iribar.
Athletic Bilbao celebrated the 80th birthday of legendary goalkeeper José Ángel Iribar by inviting goalkeepers from clubs around the world to wear black kits in his honour on match day 24 on 3/4/2023 and 3/5/2023. Iribar played for Bilbao for 18 seasons and was a member of the Spanish national team. He earned the nickname “Txopo” for his imposing presence in the goalposts and famously wore black kits during his time at Bilbao. Both La Liga and the Spanish Technical Committee of Referees allowed goalkeepers in La Liga matches over the weekend to wear black. Iribar was also known for his support of the Basque people and helped legalize the display of the Basque flag, which is still prominently displayed on Bilbao’s and Sociedad’s kits today.