Career
He spent his entire professional career with Real Sociedad, appearing in 427 official games for the club and scoring 32 goals. Born in Azpeitia, Gipuzkoa, Aranburu made his professional debuts aged 18, in the last round of 1996-1997 against Civil Defense Logroñés, courtesy of manager Javier Irureta. Aranburu was seriously injured during 2005-2006, and returned to major action only to see Real be relegated in the following season, the first time in 40 years.
He continued to be an important first-team member during the second division campaigns, appearing in 35 matches in 2009-2010 as the Txuriurdin returned to the top level after three years.
In 2010-2011 Aranburu was once again first-choice, partnering Diego Rivas in central defensive midfield in most of the games.