Ibai Gómez

Early years

Born in Bilbao, Biscay, Gómez began his career with Santutxu FC in the Basque regional leagues, winning the Golden Ball for the category in February 2009.^[2] After five years with the club he left, but stayed in the region after agreeing on a move to Segunda División B's Sestao River Club.^[3]

Athletic Bilbao

On 4 June 2010, after Sestao's relegation, Gómez moved straight into La Liga, joining Athletic Bilbao for two years^[4] with an option for a further one or two.^[5] He spent most of his first season with the reserves in the third tier.

On 17 October 2010, Gómez made his top-flight debut, coming on as a substitute for Gaizka Toquero in the 67th minute of a home match against Real Zaragoza (2–1 win); after only three minutes, however, he himself had to be replaced, being stretchered off after suffering a knee injury.^[6]

Gómez contributed two goals as Athletic reached the final of the 2011–12 UEFA Europa League – totalling seven appearances in the competition – scoring against FC Schalke 04 (2–2 home draw, 6–4 on aggregate)^[7] and Sporting CP (3–1 home victory, 4–3 aggregate win).^[8] He was definitely promoted to the first team for 2012–13, being given the number 11 jersey. On 17 November 2012, he scored his first league goal of the campaign, in a 5–1 defeat at Real Madrid.^[9]

In 2013–14, Gómez scored eight goals from only 18 appearances, helping the Lions finish fourth and qualify for the UEFA Champions League.^[10] He also dealt with some injury problems during that season,^[11] and missed the vast majority of 2015–16 due to a tendinitis ailment to his right knee.^[12]

Alavés

On 31 July 2016, Gómez terminated his contract with Athletic^[13] and signed a three-year deal with fellow top-division team Deportivo Alavés later that day.^[14] On 10 September he scored his first goal for the newly promoted club, closing a 2–1 historic win against FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou.^[15] He also started in the final of the Copa del Rey against the same opponent, which ended in a 3–1 loss.^[16]

Gómez scored his first hat-trick as a professional on 4 December 2017, helping the visitors to a 3–2 away defeat of Girona FC after they trailed 2–0 with 20 minutes left.^[17]

Return to Athletic

On 10 January 2019, Gómez rejoined Athletic Bilbao on a contract until June 2022.^[18] He made his second debut for the club three days later, coming off the bench in a 2–0 home league victory over Sevilla FC.^[19]

Gómez second spell at the San Mamés Stadium was again greatly undermined by physical problems.^[20]

Later career

Goméz moved abroad for the first time in his career in March 2022, with the 32-year-old signing with Foolad F.C. in the Persian Gulf Pro League.^[21][22][23] With his new team, he made four appearances in the AFC Champions League.^[24]

On 27 July 2022, Gómez returned to his homeland on a one-year contract at Primera Federación side Deportivo de La Coruña, with the option of a one-year extension.^[25] In November, however, he announced his retirement.^[26]