Xabier Azkargorta

"Azkargorta" redirects here. For the Spanish rugby union player, see Jon Azkargorta.

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Azkargorta and the second or maternal family name is Uriarte.

Xabier Azkargorta

Personal information
Full name	Francisco Xabier Azkargorta Uriarte
Date of birth	(1953-09-26)26 September 1953
Place of birth	Azpeitia, Spain
Date of death	14 November 2025(2025-11-14) (aged 72)
Place of death	Bolivia
Height	1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position	Forward
Youth career
1969–1971	Real Sociedad
1971–1972	Athletic Bilbao
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1972–1977	Athletic Bilbao	0	(0)
1975–1976	Bilbao Athletic
Managerial career
1978–1980	Lagun Onak
1980–1982	Aurrerá
1982–1983	Gimnàstic
1983–1986	Español
1986–1987	Real Valladolid
1987–1988	Sevilla
1990	Tenerife
1993–1994	Bolivia
1995–1996	Chile
1997–1998	Yokohama Marinos
2005	Guadalajara
2012–2014	Bolivia
2014–2015	Bolívar
2015–2016	Oriente Petrolero
2016–2017	Sport Boys
2020	Atlético Palmaflor
2023	Bolivia (assistant)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals

Francisco Xabier Azkargorta Uriarte (26 September 1953 – 14 November 2025) was a Spanish professional football forward and manager.

Playing career

Born in Azpeitia, Gipuzkoa, Azkargorta spent five years under contract to Athletic Bilbao after arriving in 1971 from neighbouring Real Sociedad and completed his development at Athletic, but failed to appear in any official games with the first team due to injury. He retired aged only 24.

Coaching career

Azkargorta started working as a manager one year after retiring, his beginnings being in lower league football mainly in his native Basque Country. In August 1982, the 28-year-old was appointed at Gimnàstic de Tarragona in the Segunda División B and, the following season, moved straight into La Liga after signing for RCD Español.

After two more years in Catalonia, Azkargorta continued to coach in the top flight until 1991, being in charge of Real Valladolid, Sevilla FC and CD Tenerife. He was dismissed by the last two sides before their respective campaigns ended.

Still in the decade, Azkargorta worked with the national teams of Bolivia and Chile. He led the former to the 1994 FIFA World Cup, thus marking the first time the country reached the tournament through the qualification process. In 1997, he returned to club duties after signing with Yokohama F. Marinos, and eight years later he took charge of Mexico's C.D. Guadalajara. In between, he spent two years with Real Madrid as head of its academies in Central and South America.

In March 2006, Azkargorta was appointed director of football at Beijing Guoan F.C. in the Chinese Super League. He returned to his homeland on 14 July 2008, joining Valencia CF in the same capacity.

Azkargorta was again chosen as Bolivian national team manager on 17 July 2012, replacing Gustavo Quinteros six games into the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign. He was relieved of his duties in March 2014, after it was revealed he had signed with Club Bolívar.

Personal life and death

Azkargorta's younger brother, Juan Ignacio (born 1956), was also a footballer. He also worked as a manager at youth level.

Azkargorta died in Bolivia on 14 November 2025, at the age of 72. He had been battling heart problems for several years.

Managerial statistics

Team	From	To	Record
			G	W	D	L	Win %
Yokohama Marinos	1997	1998	49	34	0	15	069.39
Total			49	34	0	15	069.39

External links

• Xabier Azkargorta manager profile at BDFutbol