“I don’t actually know how lucky I am to live here” Ander Barrenetxea says as he looks out over San Sebastián. He has only just turned 22 but if there is one thing that Barrenetxea knows for sure, it’s that he never wants to leave this place, this city where he has lived his entire life.
We are standing up by Monte Igueldo, from where you can see San Sebastián in all its glory including its remarkable beaches. “The football tournaments at the beach, the rides in amusement park up here at Monte Igueldo” Barrene says as he thinks back to an idyllic childhood. Asked for his favourite spot in the city, he replies: “Honestly I’d say where we are right now. I spent so much of my childhood here, in this amusement park. It was incredible.”
Born into a sporting family, his mother a celebrated basketball coach, in a football-mad city it was natural that Barrenetxea found his passion in sport. His love for his home city also extends to the local football club. Asked who his biggest idol was growing up, the answer comes quickly; not Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo, but local hero Xabi Prieto. His first football jersey was a Real Sociedad shirt with Griezmann on the back. Best Champions League memory, sitting at a friend's house aged 12, watching the Frenchman score a bicycle kick against Lyon.
Real Sociedad is the only club that has ever existed for Barrenetxea. He had one dream growing up – to play for La Real. Aged 12 he got the chance to join the club's youngest team. “I remember the first training session like it was yesterday, it’s something I will never forget. Playing for La Real, it’s something I can’t explain.”
At the age of 16, something remarkable happened. Barrenetxea started the season playing with his peers, but things were becoming too easy for him at that level. They moved him up to play with the club’s C team but that was no stretch either, then he was called up to play with Spain’s Under-18 national team, being the youngest in the squad. He returned to San Sebastián to a call he had not expected; not the chance to step up to the club’s B team but to progress directly to the first team.
Not even 17, he made his first-team debut and became the first player born in the 21st century to feature in La Liga. “It all happened so quickly. I wasn’t really aware of what I was doing. Now I see players who are 16 and I say ‘Wow, these guys are really young’ but I didn’t realise what I was doing. One day I was with my friends in the youth team, the next day I was with my idols in the first team.”
An incredibly big jump for any 16-year-old, but Barrenetxea says that the players, his heroes, made the leap feel small. “They make you feel at home, that you’re with lifelong friends, that you’ve known them for a long time and that makes it easier for you to relax.”
Soon he would be more than a youth team player who once in a while got a few minutes with the first team, graduating to become someone who would be recognised by everyone in San Sebastián. Still just 17, he scored his first goal in a 3-1 home win against Real Madrid in May 2019. “I didn’t believe it. When I saw the ball go in, I didn’t know what to do. I was so happy.”
By the time the season came to an end he had featured for six different teams; the U18s for club and country, the C team, the B team, the Basque U18 selection and La Real's first team, and all by the age of 17. The impression he had made was so great that when the new season came around, Barrenetxea was a first-team regular.
But though his progress so far had been smooth and rapid, and while his Instagram posts now regularly included the tag “a dream” in the captions, things would soon take a turn for the worse. A succession of injury problems threatened to derail his career before it had began and in 2022, at the age of 20, a hamstring injury kept him out for almost six months, forcing him to fly to Finland for surgery. “You start to think about a lot of things and the worst case scenario, because you know that you will be out for some time. You don’t know how you will even be able to come back.”
Barrenetxea found returning to San Sebastián helped him rediscover his equanimity. “My parents kept me calm, they helped me not to worry too much. When you go through difficult times, being at home liberates you in many ways; my friends and family were always supporting me.” One moment in particular stands out – a session at Zubieta he was required to attend even though he was unable to be part of the training session. Reluctant to go, he finally agreed and the reception he received from coaches and players, with hugs and support, meant everything. “In the end, this is what helps you stay positive. It makes you want to work and come back as soon as possible.”
Back to full fitness this season, he has recaptured his best form. So impressive has he been that one of his childhood heroes, and the club’s big star, Mikel Oyarzabal, has had to change position, because the left wing that used to be his domain is now dominated by Barrenetxea. The 22-year-old is enjoying every moment, almost pinching himself to make sure it’s all really true. “Playing in the Champions League here at Anoeta is a dream,” he said. “The first game when the anthem came on, I didn’t know how to act, it was just incredible.”
Against Benfica he left the pitch in tears, this time tears of joy, scoring his first goal in the competition and leading La Real to a 3-1 win after an outrageous performance. Just 12 months earlier he had be wondering if he would ever make it back; now the entire stadium was on its feet chanting his name. “You wonder if people are still going to believe in you, because at first everyone was happy with me, but then I had my ups and downs, so I didn’t know how they would react. But it was crazy that night, they thanked me as if I was their own child. It was a moment that I will never forget.”
The love between Real Sociedad and Barrenetxea is mutual and almost unique in football today. A recent contract renewal tied him to La Real for six more years. At the age of 22 and at a point when clubs all over Europe are starting to show an interest, that is quite the statement. But money and fame do not interest him. He just smiles, shakes his head then looks around at the beauty of San Sebastián. “My dream was to play here and be a footballer for La Real. I am really happy. I want to be here forever.”
“I don’t actually know how lucky I am to live here” Ander Barrenetxea says as he looks out over San Sebastián. He has only just turned 22 but if there is one thing that Barrenetxea knows for sure, it’s that he never wants to leave this place, this city where he has lived his entire life.
We are standing up by Monte Igueldo, from where you can see San Sebastián in all its glory including its remarkable beaches. “The football tournaments at the beach, the rides in amusement park up here at Monte Igueldo” Barrene says as he thinks back to an idyllic childhood. Asked for his favourite spot in the city, he replies: “Honestly I’d say where we are right now. I spent so much of my childhood here, in this amusement park. It was incredible.”
Born into a sporting family, his mother a celebrated basketball coach, in a football-mad city it was natural that Barrenetxea found his passion in sport. His love for his home city also extends to the local football club. Asked who his biggest idol was growing up, the answer comes quickly; not Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo, but local hero Xabi Prieto. His first football jersey was a Real Sociedad shirt with Griezmann on the back. Best Champions League memory, sitting at a friend's house aged 12, watching the Frenchman score a bicycle kick against Lyon.
Real Sociedad is the only club that has ever existed for Barrenetxea. He had one dream growing up – to play for La Real. Aged 12 he got the chance to join the club's youngest team. “I remember the first training session like it was yesterday, it’s something I will never forget. Playing for La Real, it’s something I can’t explain.”
At the age of 16, something remarkable happened. Barrenetxea started the season playing with his peers, but things were becoming too easy for him at that level. They moved him up to play with the club’s C team but that was no stretch either, then he was called up to play with Spain’s Under-18 national team, being the youngest in the squad. He returned to San Sebastián to a call he had not expected; not the chance to step up to the club’s B team but to progress directly to the first team.
Not even 17, he made his first-team debut and became the first player born in the 21st century to feature in La Liga. “It all happened so quickly. I wasn’t really aware of what I was doing. Now I see players who are 16 and I say ‘Wow, these guys are really young’ but I didn’t realise what I was doing. One day I was with my friends in the youth team, the next day I was with my idols in the first team.”
An incredibly big jump for any 16-year-old, but Barrenetxea says that the players, his heroes, made the leap feel small. “They make you feel at home, that you’re with lifelong friends, that you’ve known them for a long time and that makes it easier for you to relax.”
Soon he would be more than a youth team player who once in a while got a few minutes with the first team, graduating to become someone who would be recognised by everyone in San Sebastián. Still just 17, he scored his first goal in a 3-1 home win against Real Madrid in May 2019. “I didn’t believe it. When I saw the ball go in, I didn’t know what to do. I was so happy.”
By the time the season came to an end he had featured for six different teams; the U18s for club and country, the C team, the B team, the Basque U18 selection and La Real's first team, and all by the age of 17. The impression he had made was so great that when the new season came around, Barrenetxea was a first-team regular.
But though his progress so far had been smooth and rapid, and while his Instagram posts now regularly included the tag “a dream” in the captions, things would soon take a turn for the worse. A succession of injury problems threatened to derail his career before it had began and in 2022, at the age of 20, a hamstring injury kept him out for almost six months, forcing him to fly to Finland for surgery. “You start to think about a lot of things and the worst case scenario, because you know that you will be out for some time. You don’t know how you will even be able to come back.”
Barrenetxea found returning to San Sebastián helped him rediscover his equanimity. “My parents kept me calm, they helped me not to worry too much. When you go through difficult times, being at home liberates you in many ways; my friends and family were always supporting me.” One moment in particular stands out – a session at Zubieta he was required to attend even though he was unable to be part of the training session. Reluctant to go, he finally agreed and the reception he received from coaches and players, with hugs and support, meant everything. “In the end, this is what helps you stay positive. It makes you want to work and come back as soon as possible.”
Back to full fitness this season, he has recaptured his best form. So impressive has he been that one of his childhood heroes, and the club’s big star, Mikel Oyarzabal, has had to change position, because the left wing that used to be his domain is now dominated by Barrenetxea. The 22-year-old is enjoying every moment, almost pinching himself to make sure it’s all really true. “Playing in the Champions League here at Anoeta is a dream,” he said. “The first game when the anthem came on, I didn’t know how to act, it was just incredible.”
Against Benfica he left the pitch in tears, this time tears of joy, scoring his first goal in the competition and leading La Real to a 3-1 win after an outrageous performance. Just 12 months earlier he had be wondering if he would ever make it back; now the entire stadium was on its feet chanting his name. “You wonder if people are still going to believe in you, because at first everyone was happy with me, but then I had my ups and downs, so I didn’t know how they would react. But it was crazy that night, they thanked me as if I was their own child. It was a moment that I will never forget.”
The love between Real Sociedad and Barrenetxea is mutual and almost unique in football today. A recent contract renewal tied him to La Real for six more years. At the age of 22 and at a point when clubs all over Europe are starting to show an interest, that is quite the statement. But money and fame do not interest him. He just smiles, shakes his head then looks around at the beauty of San Sebastián. “My dream was to play here and be a footballer for La Real. I am really happy. I want to be here forever.”
“I don’t actually know how lucky I am to live here” Ander Barrenetxea says as he looks out over San Sebastián. He has only just turned 22 but if there is one thing that Barrenetxea knows for sure, it’s that he never wants to leave this place, this city where he has lived his entire life.
We are standing up by Monte Igueldo, from where you can see San Sebastián in all its glory including its remarkable beaches. “The football tournaments at the beach, the rides in amusement park up here at Monte Igueldo” Barrene says as he thinks back to an idyllic childhood. Asked for his favourite spot in the city, he replies: “Honestly I’d say where we are right now. I spent so much of my childhood here, in this amusement park. It was incredible.”
Born into a sporting family, his mother a celebrated basketball coach, in a football-mad city it was natural that Barrenetxea found his passion in sport. His love for his home city also extends to the local football club. Asked who his biggest idol was growing up, the answer comes quickly; not Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo, but local hero Xabi Prieto. His first football jersey was a Real Sociedad shirt with Griezmann on the back. Best Champions League memory, sitting at a friend's house aged 12, watching the Frenchman score a bicycle kick against Lyon.
Real Sociedad is the only club that has ever existed for Barrenetxea. He had one dream growing up – to play for La Real. Aged 12 he got the chance to join the club's youngest team. “I remember the first training session like it was yesterday, it’s something I will never forget. Playing for La Real, it’s something I can’t explain.”
At the age of 16, something remarkable happened. Barrenetxea started the season playing with his peers, but things were becoming too easy for him at that level. They moved him up to play with the club’s C team but that was no stretch either, then he was called up to play with Spain’s Under-18 national team, being the youngest in the squad. He returned to San Sebastián to a call he had not expected; not the chance to step up to the club’s B team but to progress directly to the first team.
Not even 17, he made his first-team debut and became the first player born in the 21st century to feature in La Liga. “It all happened so quickly. I wasn’t really aware of what I was doing. Now I see players who are 16 and I say ‘Wow, these guys are really young’ but I didn’t realise what I was doing. One day I was with my friends in the youth team, the next day I was with my idols in the first team.”
An incredibly big jump for any 16-year-old, but Barrenetxea says that the players, his heroes, made the leap feel small. “They make you feel at home, that you’re with lifelong friends, that you’ve known them for a long time and that makes it easier for you to relax.”
Soon he would be more than a youth team player who once in a while got a few minutes with the first team, graduating to become someone who would be recognised by everyone in San Sebastián. Still just 17, he scored his first goal in a 3-1 home win against Real Madrid in May 2019. “I didn’t believe it. When I saw the ball go in, I didn’t know what to do. I was so happy.”
By the time the season came to an end he had featured for six different teams; the U18s for club and country, the C team, the B team, the Basque U18 selection and La Real's first team, and all by the age of 17. The impression he had made was so great that when the new season came around, Barrenetxea was a first-team regular.
But though his progress so far had been smooth and rapid, and while his Instagram posts now regularly included the tag “a dream” in the captions, things would soon take a turn for the worse. A succession of injury problems threatened to derail his career before it had began and in 2022, at the age of 20, a hamstring injury kept him out for almost six months, forcing him to fly to Finland for surgery. “You start to think about a lot of things and the worst case scenario, because you know that you will be out for some time. You don’t know how you will even be able to come back.”
Barrenetxea found returning to San Sebastián helped him rediscover his equanimity. “My parents kept me calm, they helped me not to worry too much. When you go through difficult times, being at home liberates you in many ways; my friends and family were always supporting me.” One moment in particular stands out – a session at Zubieta he was required to attend even though he was unable to be part of the training session. Reluctant to go, he finally agreed and the reception he received from coaches and players, with hugs and support, meant everything. “In the end, this is what helps you stay positive. It makes you want to work and come back as soon as possible.”
Back to full fitness this season, he has recaptured his best form. So impressive has he been that one of his childhood heroes, and the club’s big star, Mikel Oyarzabal, has had to change position, because the left wing that used to be his domain is now dominated by Barrenetxea. The 22-year-old is enjoying every moment, almost pinching himself to make sure it’s all really true. “Playing in the Champions League here at Anoeta is a dream,” he said. “The first game when the anthem came on, I didn’t know how to act, it was just incredible.”
Against Benfica he left the pitch in tears, this time tears of joy, scoring his first goal in the competition and leading La Real to a 3-1 win after an outrageous performance. Just 12 months earlier he had be wondering if he would ever make it back; now the entire stadium was on its feet chanting his name. “You wonder if people are still going to believe in you, because at first everyone was happy with me, but then I had my ups and downs, so I didn’t know how they would react. But it was crazy that night, they thanked me as if I was their own child. It was a moment that I will never forget.”
The love between Real Sociedad and Barrenetxea is mutual and almost unique in football today. A recent contract renewal tied him to La Real for six more years. At the age of 22 and at a point when clubs all over Europe are starting to show an interest, that is quite the statement. But money and fame do not interest him. He just smiles, shakes his head then looks around at the beauty of San Sebastián. “My dream was to play here and be a footballer for La Real. I am really happy. I want to be here forever.”
“I don’t actually know how lucky I am to live here” Ander Barrenetxea says as he looks out over San Sebastián. He has only just turned 22 but if there is one thing that Barrenetxea knows for sure, it’s that he never wants to leave this place, this city where he has lived his entire life.
We are standing up by Monte Igueldo, from where you can see San Sebastián in all its glory including its remarkable beaches. “The football tournaments at the beach, the rides in amusement park up here at Monte Igueldo” Barrene says as he thinks back to an idyllic childhood. Asked for his favourite spot in the city, he replies: “Honestly I’d say where we are right now. I spent so much of my childhood here, in this amusement park. It was incredible.”
Born into a sporting family, his mother a celebrated basketball coach, in a football-mad city it was natural that Barrenetxea found his passion in sport. His love for his home city also extends to the local football club. Asked who his biggest idol was growing up, the answer comes quickly; not Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo, but local hero Xabi Prieto. His first football jersey was a Real Sociedad shirt with Griezmann on the back. Best Champions League memory, sitting at a friend's house aged 12, watching the Frenchman score a bicycle kick against Lyon.
Real Sociedad is the only club that has ever existed for Barrenetxea. He had one dream growing up – to play for La Real. Aged 12 he got the chance to join the club's youngest team. “I remember the first training session like it was yesterday, it’s something I will never forget. Playing for La Real, it’s something I can’t explain.”
At the age of 16, something remarkable happened. Barrenetxea started the season playing with his peers, but things were becoming too easy for him at that level. They moved him up to play with the club’s C team but that was no stretch either, then he was called up to play with Spain’s Under-18 national team, being the youngest in the squad. He returned to San Sebastián to a call he had not expected; not the chance to step up to the club’s B team but to progress directly to the first team.
Not even 17, he made his first-team debut and became the first player born in the 21st century to feature in La Liga. “It all happened so quickly. I wasn’t really aware of what I was doing. Now I see players who are 16 and I say ‘Wow, these guys are really young’ but I didn’t realise what I was doing. One day I was with my friends in the youth team, the next day I was with my idols in the first team.”
An incredibly big jump for any 16-year-old, but Barrenetxea says that the players, his heroes, made the leap feel small. “They make you feel at home, that you’re with lifelong friends, that you’ve known them for a long time and that makes it easier for you to relax.”
Soon he would be more than a youth team player who once in a while got a few minutes with the first team, graduating to become someone who would be recognised by everyone in San Sebastián. Still just 17, he scored his first goal in a 3-1 home win against Real Madrid in May 2019. “I didn’t believe it. When I saw the ball go in, I didn’t know what to do. I was so happy.”
By the time the season came to an end he had featured for six different teams; the U18s for club and country, the C team, the B team, the Basque U18 selection and La Real's first team, and all by the age of 17. The impression he had made was so great that when the new season came around, Barrenetxea was a first-team regular.
But though his progress so far had been smooth and rapid, and while his Instagram posts now regularly included the tag “a dream” in the captions, things would soon take a turn for the worse. A succession of injury problems threatened to derail his career before it had began and in 2022, at the age of 20, a hamstring injury kept him out for almost six months, forcing him to fly to Finland for surgery. “You start to think about a lot of things and the worst case scenario, because you know that you will be out for some time. You don’t know how you will even be able to come back.”
Barrenetxea found returning to San Sebastián helped him rediscover his equanimity. “My parents kept me calm, they helped me not to worry too much. When you go through difficult times, being at home liberates you in many ways; my friends and family were always supporting me.” One moment in particular stands out – a session at Zubieta he was required to attend even though he was unable to be part of the training session. Reluctant to go, he finally agreed and the reception he received from coaches and players, with hugs and support, meant everything. “In the end, this is what helps you stay positive. It makes you want to work and come back as soon as possible.”
Back to full fitness this season, he has recaptured his best form. So impressive has he been that one of his childhood heroes, and the club’s big star, Mikel Oyarzabal, has had to change position, because the left wing that used to be his domain is now dominated by Barrenetxea. The 22-year-old is enjoying every moment, almost pinching himself to make sure it’s all really true. “Playing in the Champions League here at Anoeta is a dream,” he said. “The first game when the anthem came on, I didn’t know how to act, it was just incredible.”
Against Benfica he left the pitch in tears, this time tears of joy, scoring his first goal in the competition and leading La Real to a 3-1 win after an outrageous performance. Just 12 months earlier he had be wondering if he would ever make it back; now the entire stadium was on its feet chanting his name. “You wonder if people are still going to believe in you, because at first everyone was happy with me, but then I had my ups and downs, so I didn’t know how they would react. But it was crazy that night, they thanked me as if I was their own child. It was a moment that I will never forget.”
The love between Real Sociedad and Barrenetxea is mutual and almost unique in football today. A recent contract renewal tied him to La Real for six more years. At the age of 22 and at a point when clubs all over Europe are starting to show an interest, that is quite the statement. But money and fame do not interest him. He just smiles, shakes his head then looks around at the beauty of San Sebastián. “My dream was to play here and be a footballer for La Real. I am really happy. I want to be here forever.”
“I don’t actually know how lucky I am to live here” Ander Barrenetxea says as he looks out over San Sebastián. He has only just turned 22 but if there is one thing that Barrenetxea knows for sure, it’s that he never wants to leave this place, this city where he has lived his entire life.
We are standing up by Monte Igueldo, from where you can see San Sebastián in all its glory including its remarkable beaches. “The football tournaments at the beach, the rides in amusement park up here at Monte Igueldo” Barrene says as he thinks back to an idyllic childhood. Asked for his favourite spot in the city, he replies: “Honestly I’d say where we are right now. I spent so much of my childhood here, in this amusement park. It was incredible.”
Born into a sporting family, his mother a celebrated basketball coach, in a football-mad city it was natural that Barrenetxea found his passion in sport. His love for his home city also extends to the local football club. Asked who his biggest idol was growing up, the answer comes quickly; not Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo, but local hero Xabi Prieto. His first football jersey was a Real Sociedad shirt with Griezmann on the back. Best Champions League memory, sitting at a friend's house aged 12, watching the Frenchman score a bicycle kick against Lyon.
Real Sociedad is the only club that has ever existed for Barrenetxea. He had one dream growing up – to play for La Real. Aged 12 he got the chance to join the club's youngest team. “I remember the first training session like it was yesterday, it’s something I will never forget. Playing for La Real, it’s something I can’t explain.”
At the age of 16, something remarkable happened. Barrenetxea started the season playing with his peers, but things were becoming too easy for him at that level. They moved him up to play with the club’s C team but that was no stretch either, then he was called up to play with Spain’s Under-18 national team, being the youngest in the squad. He returned to San Sebastián to a call he had not expected; not the chance to step up to the club’s B team but to progress directly to the first team.
Not even 17, he made his first-team debut and became the first player born in the 21st century to feature in La Liga. “It all happened so quickly. I wasn’t really aware of what I was doing. Now I see players who are 16 and I say ‘Wow, these guys are really young’ but I didn’t realise what I was doing. One day I was with my friends in the youth team, the next day I was with my idols in the first team.”
An incredibly big jump for any 16-year-old, but Barrenetxea says that the players, his heroes, made the leap feel small. “They make you feel at home, that you’re with lifelong friends, that you’ve known them for a long time and that makes it easier for you to relax.”
Soon he would be more than a youth team player who once in a while got a few minutes with the first team, graduating to become someone who would be recognised by everyone in San Sebastián. Still just 17, he scored his first goal in a 3-1 home win against Real Madrid in May 2019. “I didn’t believe it. When I saw the ball go in, I didn’t know what to do. I was so happy.”
By the time the season came to an end he had featured for six different teams; the U18s for club and country, the C team, the B team, the Basque U18 selection and La Real's first team, and all by the age of 17. The impression he had made was so great that when the new season came around, Barrenetxea was a first-team regular.
But though his progress so far had been smooth and rapid, and while his Instagram posts now regularly included the tag “a dream” in the captions, things would soon take a turn for the worse. A succession of injury problems threatened to derail his career before it had began and in 2022, at the age of 20, a hamstring injury kept him out for almost six months, forcing him to fly to Finland for surgery. “You start to think about a lot of things and the worst case scenario, because you know that you will be out for some time. You don’t know how you will even be able to come back.”
Barrenetxea found returning to San Sebastián helped him rediscover his equanimity. “My parents kept me calm, they helped me not to worry too much. When you go through difficult times, being at home liberates you in many ways; my friends and family were always supporting me.” One moment in particular stands out – a session at Zubieta he was required to attend even though he was unable to be part of the training session. Reluctant to go, he finally agreed and the reception he received from coaches and players, with hugs and support, meant everything. “In the end, this is what helps you stay positive. It makes you want to work and come back as soon as possible.”
Back to full fitness this season, he has recaptured his best form. So impressive has he been that one of his childhood heroes, and the club’s big star, Mikel Oyarzabal, has had to change position, because the left wing that used to be his domain is now dominated by Barrenetxea. The 22-year-old is enjoying every moment, almost pinching himself to make sure it’s all really true. “Playing in the Champions League here at Anoeta is a dream,” he said. “The first game when the anthem came on, I didn’t know how to act, it was just incredible.”
Against Benfica he left the pitch in tears, this time tears of joy, scoring his first goal in the competition and leading La Real to a 3-1 win after an outrageous performance. Just 12 months earlier he had be wondering if he would ever make it back; now the entire stadium was on its feet chanting his name. “You wonder if people are still going to believe in you, because at first everyone was happy with me, but then I had my ups and downs, so I didn’t know how they would react. But it was crazy that night, they thanked me as if I was their own child. It was a moment that I will never forget.”
The love between Real Sociedad and Barrenetxea is mutual and almost unique in football today. A recent contract renewal tied him to La Real for six more years. At the age of 22 and at a point when clubs all over Europe are starting to show an interest, that is quite the statement. But money and fame do not interest him. He just smiles, shakes his head then looks around at the beauty of San Sebastián. “My dream was to play here and be a footballer for La Real. I am really happy. I want to be here forever.”
“I don’t actually know how lucky I am to live here” Ander Barrenetxea says as he looks out over San Sebastián. He has only just turned 22 but if there is one thing that Barrenetxea knows for sure, it’s that he never wants to leave this place, this city where he has lived his entire life.
We are standing up by Monte Igueldo, from where you can see San Sebastián in all its glory including its remarkable beaches. “The football tournaments at the beach, the rides in amusement park up here at Monte Igueldo” Barrene says as he thinks back to an idyllic childhood. Asked for his favourite spot in the city, he replies: “Honestly I’d say where we are right now. I spent so much of my childhood here, in this amusement park. It was incredible.”
Born into a sporting family, his mother a celebrated basketball coach, in a football-mad city it was natural that Barrenetxea found his passion in sport. His love for his home city also extends to the local football club. Asked who his biggest idol was growing up, the answer comes quickly; not Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo, but local hero Xabi Prieto. His first football jersey was a Real Sociedad shirt with Griezmann on the back. Best Champions League memory, sitting at a friend's house aged 12, watching the Frenchman score a bicycle kick against Lyon.
Real Sociedad is the only club that has ever existed for Barrenetxea. He had one dream growing up – to play for La Real. Aged 12 he got the chance to join the club's youngest team. “I remember the first training session like it was yesterday, it’s something I will never forget. Playing for La Real, it’s something I can’t explain.”
At the age of 16, something remarkable happened. Barrenetxea started the season playing with his peers, but things were becoming too easy for him at that level. They moved him up to play with the club’s C team but that was no stretch either, then he was called up to play with Spain’s Under-18 national team, being the youngest in the squad. He returned to San Sebastián to a call he had not expected; not the chance to step up to the club’s B team but to progress directly to the first team.
Not even 17, he made his first-team debut and became the first player born in the 21st century to feature in La Liga. “It all happened so quickly. I wasn’t really aware of what I was doing. Now I see players who are 16 and I say ‘Wow, these guys are really young’ but I didn’t realise what I was doing. One day I was with my friends in the youth team, the next day I was with my idols in the first team.”
An incredibly big jump for any 16-year-old, but Barrenetxea says that the players, his heroes, made the leap feel small. “They make you feel at home, that you’re with lifelong friends, that you’ve known them for a long time and that makes it easier for you to relax.”
Soon he would be more than a youth team player who once in a while got a few minutes with the first team, graduating to become someone who would be recognised by everyone in San Sebastián. Still just 17, he scored his first goal in a 3-1 home win against Real Madrid in May 2019. “I didn’t believe it. When I saw the ball go in, I didn’t know what to do. I was so happy.”
By the time the season came to an end he had featured for six different teams; the U18s for club and country, the C team, the B team, the Basque U18 selection and La Real's first team, and all by the age of 17. The impression he had made was so great that when the new season came around, Barrenetxea was a first-team regular.
But though his progress so far had been smooth and rapid, and while his Instagram posts now regularly included the tag “a dream” in the captions, things would soon take a turn for the worse. A succession of injury problems threatened to derail his career before it had began and in 2022, at the age of 20, a hamstring injury kept him out for almost six months, forcing him to fly to Finland for surgery. “You start to think about a lot of things and the worst case scenario, because you know that you will be out for some time. You don’t know how you will even be able to come back.”
Barrenetxea found returning to San Sebastián helped him rediscover his equanimity. “My parents kept me calm, they helped me not to worry too much. When you go through difficult times, being at home liberates you in many ways; my friends and family were always supporting me.” One moment in particular stands out – a session at Zubieta he was required to attend even though he was unable to be part of the training session. Reluctant to go, he finally agreed and the reception he received from coaches and players, with hugs and support, meant everything. “In the end, this is what helps you stay positive. It makes you want to work and come back as soon as possible.”
Back to full fitness this season, he has recaptured his best form. So impressive has he been that one of his childhood heroes, and the club’s big star, Mikel Oyarzabal, has had to change position, because the left wing that used to be his domain is now dominated by Barrenetxea. The 22-year-old is enjoying every moment, almost pinching himself to make sure it’s all really true. “Playing in the Champions League here at Anoeta is a dream,” he said. “The first game when the anthem came on, I didn’t know how to act, it was just incredible.”
Against Benfica he left the pitch in tears, this time tears of joy, scoring his first goal in the competition and leading La Real to a 3-1 win after an outrageous performance. Just 12 months earlier he had be wondering if he would ever make it back; now the entire stadium was on its feet chanting his name. “You wonder if people are still going to believe in you, because at first everyone was happy with me, but then I had my ups and downs, so I didn’t know how they would react. But it was crazy that night, they thanked me as if I was their own child. It was a moment that I will never forget.”
The love between Real Sociedad and Barrenetxea is mutual and almost unique in football today. A recent contract renewal tied him to La Real for six more years. At the age of 22 and at a point when clubs all over Europe are starting to show an interest, that is quite the statement. But money and fame do not interest him. He just smiles, shakes his head then looks around at the beauty of San Sebastián. “My dream was to play here and be a footballer for La Real. I am really happy. I want to be here forever.”
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