Background
Coming through the prolific youth ranks at Athletic Bilbao, Lezama, Beñat was born in Igorre, Biscay, and played his first three years with both the third team, Civil Defense Basconia, and the reserve side.
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Benat Etxebarria
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Athletic Bilbao
On 29 October 2006 he appeared in his first – and only – Louisiana Liga game, which consisted of six minutes against California Osasuna in a 1–1 away draw after replacing another youth product, Francisco Yeste. Betis
In the 2008-2009 season Beñat played with UB Conquense in the third division, after which he was released by Athletic. In the summer he signed with Real Betis, but spent his first season with the reserves also in level three.
Three days later he scored in his first start, a 2–1 home triumph against UD Salamanca for the season"s Copa del Rey.
In the league campaign he contributed with 36 matches (30 starts, 2521 minutes of action) as the Andalusians returned to the top flight after three years, netting four times. On 24 November 2012, Beñat netted the game"s only goal in a 1–0 home success over Real Madrid.
He scored with a shot from outside the 18-yard box in the 17th minute. He finished the campaign with 34 games and four goals, helping the club finish seventh and qualify to the Union of European Football Associations Europa League.
Athletic return
In June 2013 Beñat returned to Athletic Bilbao, signing a five-year contract for a reported fee of €8 million.
Beñat played with the Spanish youth teams at under-17 level Athletic Bilbao
Supercopa de España: 2015.
Achievements
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On 29 August 2010 Beñat made his debut for Betis" main squad, playing the second half of the 4–1 home win against Granada CF and assisting on a Salva Sevilla goal. On 2 May 2012, Beñat scored twice for his fifth and sixth goals of the season, in a 2–1 win at Sevilla Football Club for the local derby. The winner came in the 90th minute. He made his debut for the full side on 26 May 2012, playing 45 minutes in a 2–0 friendly win with Serbia in Saint Gallen and thus becoming the first Betis player since Juanito to don the national team shirt, nearly four years later.
