Julen Lopetegui, born on August 28, 1966, in Asteasu, Spain, is a former professional football player and current soccer coach best known for his time with Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. His career in football began at a young age when he joined Real Sociedad's youth club. He quickly rose through the ranks and made his senior debut with Castilla in 1985.
It wasn't long before Lopetegui caught the attention of Real Madrid, joining the club in 1988. He also made his debut for Spain's national team in 1994, showcasing his skills as a talented goalkeeper. Lopetegui's career then took a turn towards coaching, starting in 2003 when he became an assistant to Spain's Under 17 national team.
Throughout his career, Lopetegui has earned numerous honors, both as a player and a manager. As a player, he was the runner-up of the 1985 FIFA World Youth Championships while representing Spain's Under 20 national team. As a manager, he achieved success by winning the UEFA European Under 21 Championship in 2013.
In 2018, Lopetegui was appointed as the head coach of Real Madrid, a prestigious role that showcased his leadership and tactical abilities. However, his time with the club was short-lived as he was replaced by Fernando Hierro as coach of Spain's national team to fulfill his three-year contract with Real Madrid.
Despite the ups and downs in his career, Lopetegui's passion for football and dedication to the sport have always shone through. His journey from player to coach has been filled with challenges and successes, shaping him into the respected figure he is today in the world of soccer.
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