Ibai Gómez


Ibai Gómez Pérez is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for Athletic Bilbao mainly as a left winger.

Club career

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. After five years with the club he left, but stayed in the region after agreeing on a move to third division's Sestao River Club.

Athletic Bilbao

On 4 June 2010, after Sestao's relegation, Gómez moved straight into La Liga, joining Athletic Bilbao for two years with an option for a further one or two. He spent most of his first season with the reserves, in the third level.
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 ; after only three minutes, however, he himself had to be replaced, being stretchered off after suffering a knee injury.
Gómez contributed with two goals as Athletic reached the 2011–12 UEFA Europa League final – totalling seven appearances in the competition – scoring against FC Schalke 04 and Sporting Clube de Portugal. 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 1–5 loss at Real Madrid.
In 2013–14, Gómez scored eight goals from only 18 appearances, helping the Lions finish fourth and qualify to the UEFA Champions League. He also dealt with some injury problems during that season, and missed the vast majority of 2015–16 due to a tendinitis ailment to his right knee.

Alavés

On 31 July 2016, Gómez terminated his contract with Athletic and signed a three-year deal with fellow league team Deportivo Alavés just hours later. On 10 September he scored his first goal for the newly-promoted club, netting the second in a 2–1 historic win against FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou. He also started in the final of the Copa del Rey against the same opponent, which ended in a 1–3 defeat.
Gómez scored his first hat-trick as a professional on 4 December 2017, helping the visitors to a 3–2 away win over Girona FC after they trailed 0–2 with 20 minutes left.

Return to Athletic

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

Style of play

Gómez is known for his crossing ability and powerful shot. Additionally, he is a set piece specialist with above-average dribbling skills.

Career statistics

Club

Honours

Athletic Bilbao
Alavés