Emilio Izaguirre

Motagua

Izaguirre began his career at F.C. Motagua in the Honduran League. He made his league debut on 20 March 2004 in the 3–0 victory over Universidad in Danlí. On 22 July 2008, he had a 17-day trial with English Championship outfit Ipswich Town, but was unable to play in any matches, having not received international clearance from Motagua. He therefore failed to win a contract and the move fell through. The following April, he was close to a move to Belgium's RSC Anderlecht. In July 2010, it was reported that Toronto FC of Major League Soccer were interested in signing Izaguirre to a designated player contract, after two stand out performances in the CONCACAF Champions League against the Canadian side, but this move did not happen either.

Celtic

Izaguirre agreed a four-year contract with Scottish Premier League side Celtic on 18 August 2010, subject to receiving a work permit. He signed for a £650,000 fee and was given the number 3 shirt. He made his SPL debut in a 1–0 victory at Motherwell on 29 August, giving a solid performance that drew plaudits from Celtic manager Neil Lennon and Motherwell counterpart Craig Brown. On 19 September, Izaguirre set up Anthony Stokes for the winning goal in a 2–1 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. On 30 October, he scored his first Celtic goal against St Johnstone, where he intercepted a back pass then flicked the ball over St Johnstone centre back Dave MacKay, before slotting a goal under the goalkeeper. The game…

Izaguirre was part of the national team in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands. He made his senior debut for Honduras in a January 2007 friendly match against Denmark. He has represented his country in 17 FIFA World Cup qualification matches and played at the 2007 and 2009 UNCAF Nations Cups as well as at the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He was named in the Honduras squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, playing two games against Chile and Spain. He also played at the 2014 World Cup and the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Club

As of match played 22 October 2021

International

As of 11 October 2020

Scores and results list Honduras's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Izaguirre goal.

Izaguirre is known to live a modest lifestyle and is a Christian. Emilio maintained a close and enduring relationship for over 20 years with the late renowned Honduran pastor Mario Tomas Barahona whom he regarded as mentor. Pastro Barahona served at the Mi Vina Church in Tegucigalpa, which Emilio has attended since the age of 15. He has remained committed to his Christian faith throughout his life.[1]