Kepa Arrizabalaga: Bio, Career, Summary, Stats, Trophies and News

Kepa Arrizabalaga Family and Early Life

Kepa’s roots trace back to the small coastal town of Ondarroa in Spain’s Basque Country, where he grew up in a tight-knit family. While not much detail is known about his parents' lives, except that his father, Andoni Arrizabalaga, was a professional goalkeeper for Athletic Bilbao, which undoubtedly had an influence on inspiring Kepa’s early interest in the sport. His early passion for football led him to join Athletic Bilbao’s prestigious Lezama academy at age 10. This marked the beginning of a rigorous development journey, with Kepa balancing school and training while idolizing legendary Basque goalkeepers like Andoni Zubizarreta.

His progression through Athletic’s youth ranks wasn’t seamless. A pubalgia injury in 2013 temporarily halted his momentum, but loan spells at Segunda División sides CD Ponferradina and Real Valladolid hardened his resilience. By 2016, he returned to Bilbao as a first-team contender, replacing the departed Gorka Iraizoz. These formative years instilled in him the discipline and work ethic that later defined his career.

Playing Style and Strengths

Kepa’s playing style blends traditional shot-stopping with modern sweeper-keeper flair. Standing at 1.89 meters, he excels in one-on-one situations, using his quick reflexes and agility to pull off acrobatic saves. Former goalkeeper Manuel Almunia once praised his “strong feet” and ability to play out from the back, a trait that made him indispensable under possession-oriented managers like Maurizio Sarri and Graham Potter.

However, his career has also been marred by inconsistency. High-profile errors, particularly during Frank Lampard’s tenure at Chelsea, saw him temporarily lose his starting spot to Edouard Mendy. Critics highlight his occasional lapses in decision-making, such as misjudging crosses or overcommitting to early dives. Yet, when confident, Kepa’s distribution and command of the penalty area remain elite, as evidenced by his 89.4% save percentage under Thomas Tuchel during Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League campaign.

His quick thinking and reflexes were on full display during his time at Chelsea, notably when he trapped Harry Kane offside in a critical match. Kepa’s performances in high-stakes situations, such as the 2021 UEFA Champions League final and the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup semi-final, highlight his ability to deliver when it matters most.

Kepa Arrizabalaga Net Worth

Kepa Arrizabalaga net worth is estimated at $20 million to $28 million, although some sources might report 3x of that. All this financial success is primarily accumulated through his contracts at Athletic Bilbao, Chelsea, and endorsement deals with brands like Adidas. His record-breaking €80 million transfer to Chelsea in 2018 included a seven-year contract worth £150,000 weekly, making him one of the highest-paid goalkeepers globally at the time. While exact figures for his Bournemouth loan remain undisclosed, industry reports suggest his current earnings align with top-tier Championship players. His financial success is also evident in his lifestyle, which includes luxury cars and a comfortable living situation. These figures place him among the highest-paid goalkeepers, reflecting his skill and the significant investments made by his clubs.

Kepa Arrizabalaga Salary

These figures may vary slightly depending on the source, but they highlight Kepa’s financial standing in football. His contract with Chelsea, expiring on June 30, 2025, is worth an estimated £23.4 million, ensuring his financial stability even during loan spells like his current one at AFC Bournemouth. The discrepancies in reported salaries reflect the complexity of football contracts, which often include bonuses and performance-related pay, but Kepa Arrizabalaga salary remains substantial. Here’s a detailed table of Kepa’s salary over recent years, based on available data:

Note - Figures are approximate and based on reported estimates from Chelsea FC financial disclosures and other sources.

Kepa Arrizabalaga Partner

Kepa Arrizabalaga is in a relationship with Andrea Perez, who also attends his games and events on a regular basis. The two have been together for several years and have maintained their private life away from the public eye. Although little is available in the public domain regarding their relationship, it is clear to see that Andrea is important to Kepa and grounds him despite the intense pressures of his profession. They have been spotted together at various events and also during holidays, showing the strong bond between them.

Although they maintain their space, their relationship has been one that has brought stability to Kepa, especially during tough moments. There are no indications of any changes in their relationship status until June 2025, which means they are still committed. Kepa's fixity of purpose in respect of football and his reserved character result in a lack of information about his private life, but his relationship appears to be a steady factor in his fame life.

Kepa Arrizabalaga Career

Kepa’s career is a tale of great rises and big setbacks. After debuting for Athletic Bilbao in 2016, he became La Liga’s most promising young goalkeeper, earning his €80 million move to Chelsea two years later. While he initially thrived under Sarri, winning the 2019 Europa League, his form dipped post-2020, leading to loan moves to Real Madrid and Bournemouth. Internationally, he’s earned 13 caps for Spain, featuring in their 2023 UEFA Nations League triumph.

Club Career

At Chelsea, he experienced both highs, like winning the UEFA Champions League in 2021, and lows, including periods as a backup goalkeeper. His loan spell at Real Madrid in 2023-24 was highly successful, contributing to their La Liga and Champions League triumphs, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level. Currently, he is on loan at AFC Bournemouth, where he continues to ply his trade in the Premier League, maintaining his relevance in top-tier football.

International Career

Internationally, Kepa has represented Spain since 2017, accumulating 13 caps and establishing himself as a key player for the national team. His career stats reflect his consistency, alongside his international contributions. Kepa’s journey is marked by adaptability, navigating the challenges of being a high-profile transfer and proving his worth through trophies and performances, making him a respected figure in football. Here are detailed tables of Kepa’s International career statistics:

Kepa Arrizabalaga’s Awards and Achievements

Throughout his career, Kepa has achieved significant success, winning major trophies with both Chelsea and Real Madrid. His role in these victories, particularly during high-stakes matches, showcases his ability to perform on the biggest stages. While he hasn’t won many individual awards, his team successes speak volumes about his impact as a goalkeeper. Kepa’s achievements are a reflection of his consistency and ability to deliver when it matters most, solidifying his reputation in football. His trophy cabinet is impressive, reflecting his contributions to successful teams. Here's a list: