César Azpilicueta has become a top-level defender thanks to his professionalism, dedication, and drive to improve. His physical condition and talent for always choosing the right option have made him an indispensable asset for all his coaches.
After progressing through Osasuna’s youth ranks, César made his La Liga debut at the Santiago Bernabéu at just 17 years old. He quickly established himself as one of the Navarrese team’s best assets, and his progression led him to Olympique de Marseille in the summer of 2010.
With the French club, he won his first professional titles. However, in between, he suffered the bitter side of football. In November 2010, he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. After six months out, he returned stronger than ever. His growth caught the attention of Chelsea, the reigning European champions, who signed him in 2012. In his first season, César lifted his first European title as a Blue, the Europa League.
Mourinho’s arrival marked a turning point. The Portuguese moved the Navarrese native from right back to left back, and the result convinced him. Mourinho publicly praised him with an eloquent phrase: “With eleven ‘Azpilicuetas’ we could win the Champions League.” Furthermore, he was voted by his teammates as Chelsea’s most outstanding player of the 2013-14 season (ahead of Hazard, Cech, and the rest of the starting defenders—Terry, Cahill, and Ivanovic). From September 2013 to September 2014, César only received one yellow card. A clear example of how intensity and effectiveness should not be at odds with sportsmanship. After winning the Premier League in 2014-15, he shone in the 2015-16 Champions League, César making 57 successful defensive actions (including tackles and interceptions). No other player in the competition has matched that tally.
He was also among the eight nominees for Premier League Player of the Year in 2016-17, a season in which he won the Premier League title alongside his Chelsea teammates. In 2019, he was named first-team captain, beginning a brilliant period that would see him lift the Champions League trophy with Chelsea in 2021 and win the Club World Cup in 2022.
He has played at every level of the Spanish national team: 60 matches in the youth teams (crowned by the 2007 Under-19 Euro and 2011 Under-21 Euro titles) and more than 40 with the senior team to date, including the World Cups in Brazil and Russia, as well as the 2016 and 2020 European Championships, where he reached the semi-finals, and the 2013 Confederations Cup.
In July 2023, César Azpilicueta decided to end his time in London and accept a new challenge at Atlético Madrid. The Navarrese native returns to La Liga, more than a decade after moving to France, to play for the red-and-white team. His new manager, Diego Pablo Simeone, appreciates the experience, versatility, and competitive nature that led him to captain Chelsea, where he won every title possible.
After two years with Atlético Madrid, César is embarking on a new chapter in Spanish football with Sevilla FC. He is approaching this new experience with the professionalism and dedication that have always characterised the Navarran player.
Grounded in his work on the pitch and enhanced through his social media, César Azpilicueta’s image conveys closeness and commitment. His reliability and elegance have made him an ally of brands like Roger Dubuis. In 2020, his passion for video games and his desire to become an entrepreneur led him to launch Falcons, his own eSports club, in addition to other business initiatives that have made him a leading figure.
Career as a player
- 2006-07. Osasuna Promesas
- Debut with Osasuna first team in Spanish League. 8th of april in 2007 (Santiago Bernabéu). Days before he played with Osasuna first team at Spanish Cup.
- 2007-10. Osasuna
- Europe champion U-19 with Spanish Team in 2007.
- He played 100 games with Osasuna before his 21 birthday. He got over Iñigo Larrainzar as younger player that play 100 games before 21.
- 2010-12. Olympique Marsella
- Season 2010-2011:
- France Supercup and Ligue 1 Cup runner-up.
- Ligue 1 runner-up.
- Champions League debut on 15th september 2010. (at 21 years old)
- Europe champion U-21 with Spanish Team (2011).
- Season 2011-2012:
- France Supercup and Ligue 1 Cup runner-up.
- He played 68 games with Olympique Marsella.
- Season 2010-2011:
- 2012-2023. Chelsea F.C.
- Season 2012-13:
- UEFA Europa League champion.
- Debut with Spanish Team on 6th of february 2013. A match against Uruguay in Doha.
- Season 2013-14:
- Champions League semifinalist.
- Season 2014-15:
- Premier League and Capital One Cup Champion.
- Season 2015-16:
- He’ ve played 180 official games with Chelsea (3 goals and 19 assists).
- He’ve reached 16 games with Spanish Team during France Eurocup.
- Season 2016-17:
- Premier League Champion.
- Two goals and seven assists in 47 competitive matches. He has played every minute of the league competition (the fourth outfield player in Premier League history to do so in the season they are crowned champions).
- Season 2017-18:
- FA Cup Champion.
- He played 52 matches, his record in a season
- Season 2018-19:
- Europa League Champion.
- Season 20-21:
- Champions League Champion.
- Season 21-22:
- European Supercup Champion.
- Club World Cup Champion.
- Season 2012-13:
- 2023-2025 . Atlético de Madrid
- 2025-present. Sevilla FC
Other awards
- Golden lineup in ‘Futbol Draft’ 2008, 2009 and 2010.
- Silver lineup in ‘Futbol Draft’ 2007.
- Chelsea player of the year (season 2013-2014).
- Ballon d’Or nominee (2021).
- Globe Soccer award nominee (2021).
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