The main football field in Argixao, Zumarraga, was officially renamed Mitxel Badiola in an emotional ceremony held this Saturday afternoon. The event, a significant milestone in the history of the Urola K.E. club, was attended by club president Felipe Elgarresta, representatives from Real Sociedad, the mayors of Zumarraga and Urretxu, and numerous fans.
Felipe Elgarresta emphasized that the name change is not just a recognition of a career, but also a celebration of Mitxel's philosophy and values: commitment, closeness, and responsibility. Mitxel began his journey at Urola at the age of 14 in 1984, was part of the team that ascended to the 3rd division in the 1991-1992 season, and remains the club's all-time top scorer with 144 goals in 279 matches. He later served as a coach and sports coordinator.
The president highlighted that football fields are not merely spaces for playing matches but are stages for teaching coexistence, respect, and teamwork – values that Mitxel embodied. "Beyond your name, this field will carry your essence forever, Mitxel," he concluded.
Recognition also came from Real Sociedad, where Mitxel made significant contributions as a coordinator for the youth and junior categories. The municipalities of Zumarraga and Urretxu, represented by their mayors Mikel Serrano and Jon Luqui, also joined in the tribute.
Mitxel Badiola's family members, including his sister Nerea, widow Ilham Dhali, and son Akram, received the outpouring of affection with visible emotion.
During the same event, Urola honored its 22 founding members who are still active after 55 years: Joaquín Calvo, Juan Ignacio del Olmo, Manuel González, Fermín Lopetegui, Ovidio Pascual, María Ángeles Segura, Enrique Sáenz, Ángel Mari Manuel Herreros, Vicente Quevedo, Javier Segura, Iñaki Urdangarin, José Luis Balenciaga, José Ángel Irizar, José Lizarralde, Jesús Calvo, José Agustín Quevedo, José Mari Zaldua, José Mari Pérez, Luis Urdangarin, Antonio Aranzadi, Luis Ormazabal, and Francisco Pérez. The 16 members present at Argixao were presented with personalized Urola pennants and wooden keychains.
The first teams, both women's and men's, of Urola played the inaugural matches on the newly named Mitxel Badiola field. The women's team faced the Real Sociedad cadets, while the men's team played against the txuri-urdin club's juniors. In the men's match, Mitxel's son, Akram, and nephew, Oihan, also participated as players.
