Asier del Horno

Athletic Bilbao

Born in Gallarta, Biscay, del Horno began his career at Athletic Bilbao in 1999, where his combative tackling and strength in the air saw him rise through the ranks as a left-footed central defender. However, his pace and ability to contribute to the attack led to him being switched to the flank. Del Horno made his first-team debut in the 2000–01 opener at the age of 19, and finished his first season at the San Mamés Stadium with 14 La Liga games to help the Basques finish in 12th position.

Chelsea

In June 2005, del Horno moved to Chelsea for a fee of £8 million. He won the only league championship of his career with the Blues, as part of the squad that claimed the Premier League title. During his spell at Stamford Bridge, del Horno played 34 official matches and scored once, against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane in a 2–0 victory on 27 August 2005. The following 22 February, late into the first half of a UEFA Champions League round-of-16 clash at home against FC Barcelona, he received a straight red card for a foul on Lionel Messi, as his team went on to lose the match 2–1 and the tie 3–2.

Valencia

On 21 July 2006, del Horno returned to Spain to sign for Valencia CF on a six-year contract worth €8 million, seen as a natural replacement for Amedeo Carboni who had retired at 41. Following surgery on his injured Achilles heel, which kept him off the pitches for most of the season, he made his debut for his new team on 3 March…

Del Horno made his Spain debut on 3 September 2004, against Scotland. Two months later, he scored the winner in a 1–0 friendly with England played in Madrid. An ankle injury forced del Horno to withdraw from the 23-man squad named by Luis Aragonés for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. Medical staff in the Royal Spanish Football Federation alleged that Chelsea had prior knowledge of the former's injury, but allowed him to continue playing; subsequently, his vacant position was controversially filled in by naturalised Argentinian Mariano Pernía, of Getafe CF. Del Horno also represented the Basque Country regional team.

Club

International goals

Scores and results list Spain's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Del Horno goal.

Chelsea

Premier League: 2005–06 FA Community Shield: 2005