Ángel María Villar

Villar was born in Bilbao, Biscay, and emerged through the youth ranks of local Athletic Bilbao, going on to make his senior debut in amateur football on loan, after which he returned in 1971. He was an undisputed starter in nine of his ten seasons with the Basque side, helping them to two Copa del Rey finals and winning the 1973 edition. In March 1974, during a 0–0 La Liga home draw against FC Barcelona, Villar elbowed opposing superstar Johan Cruyff, as the Dutch was subject to severe man-marking by several Athletic players. He eventually received a four-match ban for his actions, but the pair later reconciled, and Villar retired seven years later with 361 competitive appearances for his main club.

Villar played 22 times for Spain, scoring three goals. His debut came on 17 October 1973 in a 0–0 friendly with Turkey, in Istanbul. On 9 December 1979, his last cap, Villar helped the nation to qualify for UEFA Euro 1980, scoring in a 3–1 win in Cyprus. He did not participate, however, in any major international tournament. Villar also represented the unofficial Basque Country team.

Villar's niece, María Villar Galaz, was kidnapped and murdered in Toluca, Mexico in September 2016.

Athletic Bilbao

Copa del Rey: 1972–73; runner-up: 1976–77 UEFA Cup runner-up: 1976–77