%2c_Bestanddeelnr_929-1073_(escalza).jpg) Escalza in 1977 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Javier Escalza Ellakuria | ||
| Date of birth | (1952-12-10)10 December 1952 | ||
| Place of birth | Arrankudiaga,Spain | ||
| Date of death | 16 November 2007(2007-11-16) (aged 54) | ||
| Place of death | Getxo, Spain | ||
| Height | 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in) | ||
| Position | Defender | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1970–1971 | Villosa | ||
| 1972–1973 | Barakaldo | 24 | (1) |
| 1973–1980 | Athletic Bilbao | 162 | (0) |
| 1980–1983 | Español | 92 | (2) |
| 1983–1984 | Sabadell | ||
| 1984–1987 | Sestao | 37 | (0) |
| International career | |||
| 1978 | Spain | 1 | (0) |
| Managerial career | |||
| 1989–1993 | Basconia | ||
| 1994–1995 | Cacereño | ||
| 1996 | Amurrio | ||
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Javier Escalza Ellakuria (10 December 1952 – 16 November 2007) was a Spanishfootballer who played as adefender.
Born inArrankudiaga,Biscay, Escalza began playing with amateursCD Villosa, returning to organized football only two years later withBarakaldo CF inSegunda División. In the following summer, aged 21, he joinedBasque giantsAthletic Bilbao, making hisLa Liga debut on 27 April 1974 in a 0–1 away loss againstUD Las Palmas, his only appearance ofthe season.
From there onwards, Escalza became an undisputed starter for theLions:[1] in the1976–77 campaign he played 51 official games as the team finished in third position in the league andreached theUEFA Cupfinal, losing on theaway goals rule toJuventus FC.
Escalza left Athletic in June 1980, having appeared in 207 matches all competitions comprised (one goal in theCopa del Rey).[2] He subsequently joined fellow top level sideRCD Español, being first-choice over the course of three seasons, and finished his career at the age of nearly 36 after one year withCE Sabadell FC and three withSestao Sport Club (two seasons inSegunda División B, another two in the second level).
Escalza won onecap withSpain, on 8 November 1978 in a 0–1 loss withFrance. Additionally, he played three times with theBasque Country regional team.
Escalza died on 16 November 2007 inGetxo, less than one month before celebrating his 55th birthday.[2]