Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Andoni Iraola

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 30, 2026

Discover the career path of Andoni Iraola, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Andoni Iraola Sagarna is a Spanish professional football manager and former player. He is known for his energetic and attacking style of play as a manager. Previously, he was a right-back during his playing career. He has managed teams like Rayo Vallecano, leading them to promotion to La Liga and achieving notable success with limited resources. Iraola is recognized for his tactical acumen and ability to implement a distinctive playing style in his teams. His managerial career has garnered attention for his innovative approach and positive results, establishing him as a promising coach in Spanish football.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 2003: La Liga Debut

On 30 August 2003, Iraola made his La Liga debut, starting in a 1–0 home loss against Barcelona.

December 2003: Debut for Basque Representative Side

In December 2003, Iraola debuted for the Basque representative side in a 2–1 win over Uruguay.

January 2007: Scored Twice Against Real Sociedad

On 28 January 2007, Iraola netted twice in a 2–0 away win over neighbours Real Sociedad.

August 2008: Called Up to Spain National Team

On 20 August 2008, Iraola was called up to the Spain national team for a friendly against Denmark, and he entered the pitch as a substitute in the final 15 minutes.

2009: Played First Cup Final

In 2009, Iraola played his first cup final, a 4–1 loss to Barcelona at the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia.

March 2011: Started for National Team Against Lithuania

On 29 March 2011, Iraola started in a 3–1 defeat of Lithuania in Kaunas for the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifiers.

2011: Finished Runners-Up in Copa del Rey and Europa League

In 2011, Iraola helped Athletic Bilbao finish runners-up in both the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Europa League.

August 2012: Goal Against HJK in UEFA Europa League

On 24 August 2012, Iraola scored his only goal of the season in a 6–0 home rout of HJK in the playoff round of the UEFA Europa League.

2012: Injury forces Iraola out of Euro 2012

In 2012, Iraola was due to make the cut for the final squad for the UEFA Euro, but injury forced him out.

December 2013: Contract Renewal with Athletic Bilbao

On 4 December 2013, Iraola renewed his contract with Athletic Bilbao, keeping him at the club until 30 June 2015.

May 2015: Last League Appearance for Athletic Bilbao

In May 2015, during Iraola's last league appearance against Villarreal, he declined a penalty kick offered by Aritz Aduriz, but later scored from open play.

June 2015: Signed with New York City FC

On 16 June 2015, Iraola signed for Major League Soccer club New York City FC.

June 2015: End of Contract

On 30 June 2015, Iraola's contract with Athletic Bilbao concluded.

November 2016: Retirement Announcement

On 17 November 2016, Iraola announced his retirement from professional football.

June 2018: Appointed Manager of AEK Larnaca

On 18 June 2018, Iraola was appointed manager of Cypriot club AEK Larnaca.

2018: Began Managing Career

In 2018, Iraola began his managerial career and won the Cypriot Super Cup with AEK Larnaca.

July 2019: Replaced Borja Jiménez at Mirandés

In July 2019, Iraola replaced Borja Jiménez as manager of Mirandés.

July 2020: Departure from Mirandés

On 21 July 2020, Iraola left Mirandés as his contract expired.

August 2020: Took over Rayo Vallecano

In August 2020, Iraola took over as manager of Rayo Vallecano.

July 2021: Contract Extension with Rayo Vallecano

On 6 July 2021, after achieving promotion in the playoffs, Iraola extended his contract with Rayo Vallecano until 2022.

2022: Led Rayo Vallecano to Copa del Rey Semi-Final

In 2022, Iraola led Rayo Vallecano to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.

February 2023: Approached by Leeds United

In February 2023, Iraola was approached by Leeds United but was not given permission to leave Rayo Vallecano.

June 2023: Appointed Manager of Bournemouth

On 19 June 2023, Iraola was appointed manager of Bournemouth.

2023: Appointed Bournemouth Manager

In 2023, Iraola was appointed as the manager of Premier League side Bournemouth.

May 2024: Contract Extension with Bournemouth

On 13 May 2024, Iraola extended his contract with Bournemouth until 2026.

2025: Led Bournemouth to Highest League Finish

In 2025, Iraola guided Bournemouth to their highest league finish in history, also achieving a first-ever qualification for European football.

April 2026: Defeated Arsenal

On 11 April 2026, Iraola achieved a 2–1 away defeat of leaders Arsenal.

May 2026: Possible candidate to take over at Liverpool

Following Arne Slot's dismissal as Liverpool manager in May 2026, media sources described Iraola as the favourite to take over at the club.

2026: Contract Extended

In May 2024, Iraola extended his contract with Bournemouth until 2026.

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