Joselu Berenguer: The Journey from Osasuna to Athletic Bilbao Glory
Joselu Berenguer's professional football career is a testament to persistence and precision. Born in Pamplona, Navarre, Berenguer rose through the ranks of his hometown club to become a pivotal figure in one of Spain's most historic footballing institutions. His path has taken him from the lower divisions of Spanish football to the high-pressure environments of Italy's Serie A and the pinnacle of La Liga.
Key Facts
- Youth Development: Graduated from the CA Osasuna youth setup.
- Major Honors: Winner of the 2021 Supercopa de España and the 2024 Copa del Rey.
- Career Milestone: Scored the winning penalty in the 2024 Copa del Rey final.
- International Experience: Spent three seasons with Italian side Torino.
- Current Status: Under contract with Athletic Bilbao until June 2027.
Early Career and Rise at CA Osasuna
Berenguer began his senior journey with the CA Osasuna reserves during the 2013–14 campaign in the Tercera División (the fourth tier of the Spanish football league system). His transition to professional football occurred on September 10, 2014, when he made his debut in the Copa del Rey against Deportivo Alavés.
His ascent continued into the 2014–15 season, marking his Segunda División (second division) debut in January 2015. Berenguer's impact grew rapidly; he scored his first professional goal on August 30, 2015, against CD Mirandés. By the end of that campaign, he had made 39 appearances and scored three goals, helping Osasuna secure promotion to La Liga.
Berenguer finally reached the top flight of Spanish football on September 22, 2016, debuting against RCD Espanyol. He later secured his first La Liga goal on April 5, 2017, in a victory over Deportivo Alavés.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Italian Chapter: Torino
In July 2017, Berenguer moved to Italy, signing with Torino for a fee of €5.5 million, with an additional €1 million in bonuses. The transfer included a specific clause: Torino would receive an extra €1.5 million if Berenguer were ever sold to Athletic Bilbao. This clause was a result of the tense relationship between Osasuna and Athletic Bilbao, fueled by accusations that the latter had poached a youth player.
Triumph and Resilience at Athletic Bilbao
On October 2, 2020, Berenguer joined Athletic Bilbao on a four-year deal. His arrival coincided with immediate success, as he earned a winner's medal in the 2021 Supercopa de España. He further cemented his value by scoring an extra-time winner against Levante UD to propel the "Lions" to the 2021 Copa del Rey Final.
Despite a strong start with eight league goals in his first season at San Mamés, Berenguer faced a challenging period in the following campaign. He struggled to find the net and faced competition for his wing position from the emerging teenage talent Nico Williams. However, he proved his reliability in February 2022, scoring a dramatic late winner against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals after coming on as a substitute.
The pinnacle of his career arrived on April 6, 2024. Berenguer scored the decisive winning penalty in the Copa del Rey final shootout against Mallorca. This victory granted Athletic Bilbao their 24th title in the competition and ended a major trophy drought lasting forty years. Following the expiry of his previous deal, he signed a new contract on July 7, 2024, extending his stay until June 2027.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Career Summary Table
| Club | Period | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| CA Osasuna | 2013–2017 | Promotion to La Liga |
| Torino | 2017–2020 | Experience in Italian Serie A |
| Athletic Bilbao | 2020–Present | 2024 Copa del Rey Winner |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Joselu Berenguer win the Copa del Rey?
Berenguer won the Copa del Rey on April 6, 2024, after scoring the winning penalty in the shootout against Mallorca.
How much did Torino pay for Berenguer?
Torino purchased Berenguer for €5.5 million, with an additional €1 million available in bonuses.
Which club did Berenguer start his professional career with?
He began his professional career with CA Osasuna, having graduated from their youth setup.
What is the significance of the 2024 Copa del Rey win for Athletic Bilbao?
The victory was historic as it marked the club's 24th title in the competition and ended a forty-year drought of major trophies.
Until when is Berenguer's current contract with Athletic Bilbao valid?
His current contract, signed in July 2024, is valid until June 2027.