César Azpilicueta

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Azpilicueta and the second or maternal family name is Tanco.
César Azpilicueta
Azpilicueta playing for Chelsea in 2022
Personal information
Full name César Azpilicueta Tanco[1]
Date of birth (1989-08-28) 28 August 1989 (age 35)[2]
Place of birth Zizur Mayor,[3] Spain
Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)[4]
Position(s) Defender
Team information
Current team
 Atlético Madrid
Number 3
Youth career
2001–2006 Osasuna Cantera
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2006–2007 Osasuna B 27 (1)
2007–2010 Osasuna 99 (0)
2010–2012 Marseille 47 (1)
2012–2023 Chelsea 349 (10)
2023– Atlético Madrid 30 (0)
International career‡
2005 Spain U16 3 (0)
2006 Spain U17 14 (0)
2007–2008 Spain U19 18 (2)
2009 Spain U20 5 (0)
2008–2011 Spain U21 19 (1)
2012 Spain U23 6 (0)
2013– Spain 44 (1)
Medal record
Men's football
Representing  Spain
UEFA European Under-19 Championship
Winner 2007 Austria
UEFA European Under-21 Championship
Winner 2011 Denmark
UEFA Nations League
Runner-up 2021 Italy
FIFA Confederations Cup
Runner-up 2013 Brazil
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:19, 22 September 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:33, 1 December 2022 (UTC)

César Azpilicueta Tanco (Spanish pronunciation: [aθpiliˈkweta],[5] born 28 August 1989) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a defender for La Liga club Atlético Madrid and the Spain national team.

A youth product of Osasuna, Azpilicueta spent three seasons in La Liga before switching to Marseille. In the summer of 2012 he moved to Chelsea, winning the Europa League in his first season and a domestic double two years later. He made over 500 appearances for the club and was sixth on their list of all-time appearances when he departed in 2023, with no other non-English person having played more times for them. Described as a Stamford Bridge 'legend',[6][7] he captained Chelsea to 2018–19 UEFA Europa League, 2020–21 UEFA Champions League and 2021 FIFA Club World Cup victories.

Azpilicueta earned 55 caps for Spain at youth level in all age groups, and represented the under-21s in two European Championships, winning the 2011 edition. He made his first appearance with the senior team in 2013 and was selected for 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions of the FIFA World Cup, as well as UEFA Euro 2016 and UEFA Euro 2020.

Club career

[edit]

Osasuna

[edit]

A product of hometown club CA Osasuna's youth system, he made his La Liga debut on 8 April 2007 in a 0–2 away loss against Real Madrid, while still registered with the reserve team;[8] he started his career as a forward then switched to midfielder[9] and, throughout both his club and international career (senior and youth), appeared in several positions, including centre-back and central midfielder.[10]

In 2007–08, due to injuries in the main squad, Azpilicueta established himself as a first-team regular at the age of just 18, albeit as a right-back. He went on to retain this position for the following season, appearing in all but two league games.

Marseille

[edit]
Azpilicueta playing for Marseille in 2010

On 21 June 2010, French club Olympique de Marseille confirmed an agreement had been reached with Osasuna for the transfer of Azpilicueta, in a four-year contract for €7 million.[11][12] A week later, the Navarrese confirmed the agreement, with the transfer fee possibly rising to as much as €9.5 million depending on appearances.[13] In his UEFA Champions League debut he scored the match's only goal in a group stage home match against Spartak Moscow, though in his own net.[14]

On 27 November 2010, in the early minutes of a 4–0 home win against Montpellier – which meant Marseille climbed to the top of the league – Azpilicueta ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.[15] He was sidelined for six months. On 13 May 2012, he scored his first and only Ligue 1 goal for Marseille in a 3–0 win over Auxerre.[16]

In August 2012, amid speculation of clubs showing interest in Azpilicueta, including Premier League club Chelsea, Marseille confirmed that he could leave, saying, "If Chelsea makes a fair offer for Azpi [Azpilicueta], we will let him leave."[17] Despite his loyalty to Marseille, the footballer said he was willing to leave if his "departure can help Marseille's finances".[18]

Chelsea

[edit]

2012–2013: Inaugural season and First Europa League title

[edit]

On 24 August 2012, Chelsea completed the signing of Azpilicueta for an undisclosed fee, reported as £7 million.[19][20] According to teammate and countryman Juan Mata, "He is a strong running right-back who has pace as well, so I think he is already a complete player."[21] Due to his surname being difficult for some speakers of English to pronounce, club fans gave him the mononymous nickname "Dave".[22]

Azpilicueta made his debut on 25 September 2012, starting in a 6–0 home win against Wolverhampton Wanderers in a League Cup tie.[23] He played his first Premier League game the following week, coming on as a substitute for Branislav Ivanović in a 4–1 success over Norwich City, also at Stamford Bridge.[24]

On 3 November 2012, Azpilicueta made his first league start, appearing against Swansea City in a 1–1 away draw.[25] He played 48 official contests in his first year with the Rafael Benítez-led side, including eight in the Blues' victorious campaign in the UEFA Europa League. In the final against Benfica, his 67th-minute handball led to Óscar Cardozo equalising through a penalty kick, in an eventual 2–1 win in Amsterdam.[26]

2013–2017: Two Premier League titles

[edit]
Azpilicueta playing for Chelsea in 2013

Azpilicueta scored his first competitive goal for Chelsea on 29 October 2013, netting the first in a 2–0 victory at Arsenal in the fourth round of the League Cup.[27] Following the arrival of new manager José Mourinho, he began appearing regularly as a left-back, taking the place of longtime incumbent Ashley Cole.[28][29] Mourinho said of him: "Azpilicueta is the kind of player I like a lot. I think a team with 11 Azpilicuetas would probably win the competition (Champions League) because football is not just about pure talent".[30] At the end of the season, he was voted the club's Players' Player of the Year.[31]

Azpilicueta playing for Chelsea in 2015

Before the start of the 2014–15 season, Cole was released and the club spent £15.8 million on Filipe Luís, but Azpilicueta began the season as first-choice left-back.[32] On 2 September 2014, he signed a new five-year contract with the club[33] and on 18 October, he was sent off in the first half of a 2–1 win at Crystal Palace for a foul on Mile Jedinak.[34]

Azpilicueta started as Chelsea won the League Cup on 1 March 2015. In the second half, he was injured in a collision with Tottenham Hotspur's Eric Dier, and had to leave the pitch for a bandage to be wrapped around his head.[35] The campaign ended with the additional conquest of the domestic league title, after a five-year wait.

On 2 August 2015, Azpilicueta featured for 69 minutes in the 1–0 FA Community Shield loss to Arsenal.[36] Nineteen days later, he scored the team's third goal in a 3–2 away win over West Bromwich Albion, for what was his first Premier League goal,[37] and he netted again in a 2–2 draw in the reverse fixture on 13 January 2016.[38]

Azpilicueta playing for Chelsea in 2017

Although Azpilicueta was initially used as a left-back under new coach Antonio Conte, after two consecutive league defeats the latter converted into a back-three formation, with the former playing as a centre-back in the following match against Hull City on 1 October 2016, which ended in a 2–0 away win.[39] On 13 December 2016, he signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract with Chelsea, running until 2020;[40] in his first appearance following the agreement he made his 200th competitive appearance for the club, in a 1–0 away victory over Sunderland.[41]

Azpilicueta played every minute of the season as his team won the domestic league, and scored in a 4–3 home win against Watford after the title was already won.[42]

2017–2020: FA Cup victory, second Europa League title and assuming captaincy

[edit]

In late July 2017, after the departure of John Terry, he was appointed vice-captain to Gary Cahill.[43] On 12 September that year, he scored his first Champions League goal, in a 6–0 group stage home win against Qarabağ FK.[44] On 19 May 2018, he won the FA Cup title after a 1–0 victory for Chelsea over Manchester United in the final.[45]

Azpilicueta signed a new deal in December 2018, lasting to 2022.[46] On 29 May 2019, he won his second Europa League with Chelsea after a 4–1 victory over Arsenal in the final at Baku Olympic Stadium.[47]

After Cahill left Chelsea, he was named club captain ahead of the 2019–20 season; he had already worn the armband on the pitch while the Englishman was out of the team, including in the Europa League final victory against Arsenal in Azerbaijan.[48] On 23 October 2019, he marked his 350th Chelsea appearance with a 1–0 group stage away win against Ajax in the Champions League.[49][50]

On 1 January 2020, Azpilicueta marked his 100th appearance as club captain with a goal and being named man of the match in the 1–1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion.[51] On 1 August, during the 2–1 defeat to Arsenal in the 2020 FA Cup Final, Azpilicueta conceded a penalty and was later injured, leading to his substitution.[52]

2020–21 season: Champions League triumph

[edit]

Azpilicueta became the 13th player in Chelsea's history to make 400 appearances, when he featured against Manchester City on 3 January 2021.[53] On 23 May, the final matchday of the league season, he was sent off for appearing to strike Aston Villa's Jack Grealish during a 1–2 defeat, but the three-game suspension was overturned on appeal.[54] Six days later, he captained the team to a 1–0 victory in the UEFA Champions League Final against Manchester City at the Estádio do Dragão, Porto, winning their first Champions League title in 9 years.[55][56]

On 28 August 2021, Azpilicueta reached a milestone as he became the fourth Chelsea player to reach 300 Premier League appearances after John Terry (492), Frank Lampard (429) and Petr Čech (333). He started against Liverpool in a 1–1 draw.[57][58]

2021–22 season: UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup titles

[edit]
Azpilicueta (right) and Al Hilal's Salem Al-Dawsari clashing during the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup

On 8 October 2021, Azpilicueta was one of five Chelsea players included in the final 30-man shortlist for the 2021 Ballon d'Or.[59]

On 12 February 2022, Azpilicueta lifted the trophy in the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup Final in their second FIFA Club World Cup Final, the first one being in 2012 when Chelsea lost to Corinthians.[60] With this trophy and the UEFA Super Cup secured shortly before, it meant he became the first and only Chelsea player to have won every major trophy at the club.[61]

2022–23 season: Appearance records and departure

[edit]

On 4 August 2022, he signed a new contract with Chelsea until 2024.[62]

On 1 January 2023, Azpilicueta played his 495th game for Chelsea, surpassing Petr Čech as the non-Englishman with the most appearances for the club.[63] On 21 January, he played his 500th match for the club, becoming only the sixth player (and first foreigner) in its history to reach that milestone.[64]

On 18 February, during a game between Chelsea and Southampton, Azpilicueta was knocked unconscious after being accidentally kicked in the head by Southampton's Sékou Mara. Mara was attempting an overhead kick late in the game when he missed the ball and connected with Azpilicueta instead. Azpilicueta was rushed to hospital after the incident after being stretchered off the pitch.[65]

On 6 July 2023, Azpilicueta announced his parting with Chelsea, marking the end of a decade-long association with the club.[66][67] His departure was confirmed via a video message he shared on social media, wherein he signed off as "Your captain Cesar Azpilicueta, aka 'Dave' ".[68]

Atlético Madrid

[edit]

Following the departure from Chelsea, Azpilicueta returned to La Liga after 13 years and joined Atlético Madrid by signing a one-year contract.[69] He made his debut for the club on 14 August, in a 3–1 league win over Granada.[70]

Having played a total amount of 34 games in his first season, he renewed his contract with the club for another year in June 2024.[71][72]

International career

[edit]

Youth

[edit]
Azpilicueta playing for Spain under-21s in 2011

In 2007, Azpilicueta helped the Spain under-19 team win the UEFA European Championship.[73] Shortly after he moved to the under-21s, being picked for the 2009 European Championships in Sweden where he started three matches in an eventual group stage exit.

On 11 May 2010, 20-year-old Azpilicueta was named by senior side manager Vicente del Bosque in a provisional list of 30 players, in view of the forthcoming edition of the FIFA World Cup. Eventually, he did not make the final cut.[74] A year later, after recovering from a long-term injury, he went to the European Under-21 Championship in Denmark, and won the tournament.[75][76]

Azpilicueta was picked for Spain's squad for the 2012 Summer Olympics, after missing out on selection for the UEFA Euro 2012 tournament.[77] Due to the presence of Álvaro Domínguez, he only appeared in the last group match, a 0–0 draw with Morocco at Old Trafford, as the national team exited in the group stage.[78]

Senior

[edit]

On 1 February 2013, Azpilicueta was named in the squad for the upcoming international friendly against Uruguay. The manager said of the selection: 'Azpilicueta is playing many games for Chelsea. He has a lot of energy, defends well and is always willing to attack. We have a lot of hope for him.[79] He made his debut five days later, playing the full 90 minutes in the 3–1 win in Doha, Qatar;[80] after the match, he said that it was his "dream to play for Spain" at the senior level.[81] Azpilicueta was selected to the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup tournament held in Brazil:[82] he started in the second group game against Tahiti which Spain won 10–0 in a record for the largest margin of victory in the competition,[83] and replaced Álvaro Arbeloa at half-time in the final against the hosts, in an eventual 3–0 loss.[84]

In June 2014, Azpilicueta was selected to represent Spain in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.[85] He was the starting right-back during the first two fixtures, against the Netherlands[86] and Chile, as the nation was eliminated at the group stage.[87]

Azpilicueta was also included in the 23-man squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia,[88] as well as the 24-man squad for UEFA Euro 2020.[89] At the latter, he scored his first senior international goal, his team's second of a 5–3 win against Croatia in the round of 16.[90]

Azpilicueta captained Spain for the first time in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Georgia on 5 September 2021.[91] He was included in Spain's 26-man squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, appearing twice at the tournament.[92]

Personal life

[edit]

Azpilicueta was born in Zizur Mayor, Navarre,[93] to Patxi Azpilicueta, a decorator and Charo Tanco, a primary school teacher.[94][95] Azpilicueta's older brother, Juan Pablo (born 1980), was also a footballer. A midfielder, he competed exclusively in lower-league football.[96][97] Since retiring, Juan Pablo has transitioned into management.[98] Most recently, he served as manager of CD Subiza in Spain's Tercera División.[99]

In June 2015, Azpilicueta married his long-term girlfriend Adriana Guerendiain.[100][101] Together, the couple have three children; two daughters and a son.[102] Adriana gave birth to the couple's first daughter, Martina, in March 2014.[103]

Since 2018, Azpilicueta has been a board member and co-owner of English non-league side Hashtag United, which plays in the Isthmian League Premier Division.[104][105] In 2020, Azpilicueta announced the formation of his own esports team, Falcons.[106] He is part-owner along with Jose Antonio Cacho and Jesus Rincon, both of whom are top players in Spain with millions of YouTube subscribers.

Azpilicueta is trilingual. He is fluent in Spanish, French,[107] and English. As of 2021, he was working to complete an online degree, an MBA in Business Management from the Berlin School of Business and Innovation.[108][109] In June 2023, Azpilicueta announced on his Instagram page that he had successfully completed a 4-day program and received a certificate in the business of entertainment, media and sports from Harvard Business School.[110][111]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of match played 22 September 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Osasuna B 2006–07[112] Segunda División B 24 1 — — — — 24 1
2007–08[113] 3 0 — — — — 3 0
Total 27 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 27 1
Osasuna 2006–07[112] La Liga 1 0 1 0 — 1[c] 0 — 3 0
2007–08[113] 29 0 0 0 — — — 29 0
2008–09[114] 36 0 2 0 — — — 38 0
2009–10[115] 33 0 5 0 — — — 38 0
Total 99 0 8 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 108 0
Marseille 2010–11[116] Ligue 1 15 0 0 0 1 1 4[d] 0 1[e] 0 21 1
2011–12[116] 30 1 3 0 3 0 8[d] 0 0 0 44 1
2012–13[116] 2 0 — — 1[f] 0 — 3 0
Total 47 1 3 0 4 1 13 0 1 0 68 2
Chelsea 2012–13[117] Premier League 27 0 5 0 5 0 9[g] 0 2[h] 0 48 0
2013–14[118] 29 0 2 0 3 1 10[d] 0 0 0 44 1
2014–15[119] 29 0 2 0 5 0 4[d] 0 — 40 0
2015–16[120] 37 2 3 0 0 0 8[d] 0 1[i] 0 49 2
2016–17[121] 38 1 6 0 3 1 — — 47 2
2017–18[122] 37 2 4 0 2 0 8[d] 1 1[i] 0 52 3
2018–19[123] 38 1 3 0 6 0 9[f] 0 1[i] 0 57 1
2019–20[124] 36 2 5 0 0 0 7[d] 2 1[j] 0 49 4
2020–21[125] 26 1 4 0 2 0 11[d] 0 — 43 1
2021–22[126] 27 1 4 1 4 0 9[d] 1 3[k] 0 47 3
2022–23[127] 25 0 1 0 1 0 5[d] 0 — 32 0
Total 349 10 39 1 31 2 80 4 9 0 508 17
Atlético Madrid 2023–24[128] La Liga 25 0 2 0 — 6[d] 0 1[l] 0 34 0
2024–25[129] 5 0 0 0 — 0 0 0 0 5 0
Total 30 0 2 0 0 0 6 0 1 0 39 0
Career total 547 12 52 1 35 3 99 4 11 0 744 20
  1. ^ Includes Copa del Rey, Coupe de France, FA Cup
  2. ^ Includes Coupe de la Ligue, Football League/EFL Cup
  3. ^ Appearance in UEFA Cup
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  5. ^ Appearance in Trophée des Champions
  6. ^ a b Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
  7. ^ One appearance in UEFA Champions League, eight in UEFA Europa League
  8. ^ Appearances in FIFA Club World Cup
  9. ^ a b c Appearance in FA Community Shield
  10. ^ Appearance in UEFA Super Cup
  11. ^ One appearance in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances in FIFA Club World Cup
  12. ^ Appearance in Supercopa de España

International

[edit]
As of match played 1 December 2022[130]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Spain 2013 4 0
2014 6 0
2015 2 0
2016 6 0
2017 2 0
2018 5 0
2019 0 0
2020 0 0
2021 11 1
2022 8 0
Total 44 1
As of match played 1 December 2022
Spain score listed first, score column indicates score after each Azpilicueta goal[130]
List of international goals scored by César Azpilicueta
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 28 June 2021 Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark 27  Croatia 2–1 5–3 (a.e.t.) UEFA Euro 2020

Honours

[edit]
Azpilicueta (standing right), André Ayew and Édouard Cissé celebrate winning the 2011 Trophée des Champions with Marseille.

Marseille

Chelsea

Spain U19

Spain U21

Spain

Individual

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009™: List of Players: Spain" (PDF). FIFA. 6 October 2009. p. 17. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 October 2009.
  2. ^ "Cesar Azpilicueta". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  3. ^ "Azpilicueta y su 'ADN rojillo'". Noticias de Navarra. 24 October 2020. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
  4. ^ "Cesar Azpilicueta". Chelsea F.C. Archived from the original on 24 June 2022. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  5. ^ "Video: Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta explains how to pronounce his name". Joe. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  6. ^ "Congratulations, Azpi". www.chelseafc.com. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
  7. ^ "Cesar Azpilicueta - a Chelsea legend". www.premierleague.com. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
  8. ^ "Real Madrid 2–0 Osasuna". ESPN Soccernet. 8 April 2007. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  9. ^ "César Azpilicueta, intentad atacar por la otra banda" [César Azpilicueta, try the other wing] (in Spanish). El Blog de los Trolacas. 20 February 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  10. ^ "Azpilicueta, el nuevo 'seguro' de Del Bosque" [Azpilicueta, Del Bosque's new 'insurance']. Ideal (in Spanish). 12 November 2014. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
  11. ^ "Accord de principe pour le transfert de César Azpilicueta" [Deal arranged for transfer of Azpilicueta] (in French). Olympique de Marseille. 21 June 2010. Retrieved 23 June 2010.
  12. ^ "OM: Azpilicueta et Modesto arrivent!" [OM: Azpilicueta and Modesto arrive!] (in French). Les Transferts. 22 June 2010. Archived from the original on 6 August 2018. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  13. ^ "Azpi pour 9.5 million euros?" [Azpi for 9.5 million euros?] (in French). Mercato 365. 28 June 2010. Archived from the original on 9 March 2012. Retrieved 28 June 2010.
  14. ^ "Spartak sucker punch downs Marseille". UEFA. 15 September 2010. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  15. ^ Marseille go top but pay high price Archived 29 November 2010 at the Wayback Machine; Soccerway, 27 November 2010
  16. ^ "Olympique Marseille 3–0 Auxerre". Goal.com. 13 May 2012.
  17. ^ Haond, Patrick (14 August 2012). "Marseille confirm need to sell". Sky Sports. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
  18. ^ "Azpilicueta open to Blues move". Sky Sports. 21 August 2012. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
  19. ^ "Azpilicueta signs". Chelsea F.C. 24 August 2012. Archived from the original on 30 August 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  20. ^ "Azpilicueta joins Chelsea". Sky Sports. 24 August 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  21. ^ "Di Matteo: Cesar offers options". Chelsea F.C. 24 August 2012. Archived from the original on 30 August 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  22. ^ Moore, Glenn (26 September 2014). "Cesar 'Dave' Azpilicueta shows the attitude to delight Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho". The Independent. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  23. ^ "Chelsea 6–0 Wolves". BBC Sport. 25 September 2012. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
  24. ^ Sanghera, Mandeep (6 October 2012). "Chelsea put their off-field troubles aside as they emphatically beat struggling Norwich to continue to set the Premier League pace". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 July 2017.
  25. ^ "Swansea City 1–1 Chelsea". ESPN FC. 3 November 2012. Retrieved 3 November 2012.
  26. ^ "Ivanović heads Chelsea to Europa League glory". UEFA. 15 May 2013. Retrieved 16 May 2013.
  27. ^ Magowan, Alistair (29 October 2013). "Arsenal 0–2 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  28. ^ Thompson, Peter (22 October 2013). "Schalke 0–3 Chelsea: Impressive Torres bags double". Goal.com. Retrieved 18 December 2013.
  29. ^ Lewis, Darren (12 November 2013). "Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta ready to keep sub standard Ashley Cole on the bench". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 18 December 2013.
  30. ^ "Premier League – Mourinho: A team of Azpilicuetas would win the Champions League". Eurosport. 26 February 2014. Archived from the original on 15 May 2014. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  31. ^ "Cesar Azpilicueta". Chelsea F.C. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  32. ^ Johnson, Simon (25 September 2014). "Jose Mourinho has taught me to put the collective first – Chelsea's Filipe Luis happy to play waiting game". London Evening Standard. Retrieved 19 October 2014.
  33. ^ "New contract for Azpilicueta". Chelsea F.C. 2 September 2014. Retrieved 2 September 2014.
  34. ^ Fifield, Dominic (18 October 2014). "Chelsea stay top after Cesc Fàbregas nets winner at Crystal Palace". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  35. ^ Steinberg, Jacob (1 March 2015). "Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur: Capital One Cup final – as it happened". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 March 2015.
  36. ^ Cryer, Andy (2 August 2015). "Arsenal 1–0 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  37. ^ Magowan, Alistair (23 August 2015). "West Bromwich Albion 2–3 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  38. ^ Henson, Mike (13 January 2016). "Chelsea 2–2 West Bromwich Albion". BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
  39. ^ Henson, Mike (1 October 2016). "Hull City 0–2 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
  40. ^ Fifield, Dominic (13 December 2016). "César Azpilicueta extends Chelsea stay but Terry's situation stays on hold". The Guardian. Retrieved 13 December 2016.
  41. ^ "Sunderland 0–1 Chelsea". Chelsea F.C. 14 December 2016. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  42. ^ Perrin, Charles (16 May 2017). "Chelsea star reflects on 'special moment' after Watford win". Daily Express. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
  43. ^ "Captain Cahill: Delighted, proud and excited". Chelsea F.C. 26 July 2017. Retrieved 26 July 2017.
  44. ^ Law, Matt (12 September 2017). "Chelsea 6 Qarabag 0: Davide Zappacosta marks full debut with goal as half-strength hosts run riot". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 12 September 2017.
  45. ^ "Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United: 2018 FA Cup final – as it happened". The Guardian. 19 May 2018.
  46. ^ de Menezes, Jack (4 December 2018). "Cesar Azpilicueta signs new four-year Chelsea deal to 'keep the club where it belongs'". The Independent. Retrieved 25 April 2021.
  47. ^ "Eden Hazard inspires Chelsea to win Europa League as they thrash sorry Arsenal". The Telegraph. 29 May 2019.
  48. ^ "Cesar Azpilicueta exclusive part one: Captaincy, Gary Cahill and youth international leadership". Chelsea F.C. 11 September 2019. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  49. ^ "🎥 "ONE OF THE BEST" | CESAR AZPILICUETA MAKES 350TH CHELSEA APPEARANCE!👏". Chelsea F.C. 23 October 2019. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  50. ^ @ChelseaFC (23 October 2019). "Tonight's game will be @CesarAzpi's 3️⃣5️⃣0️⃣th as a Blue! 👏 Go well, Azpi! #AJACHE" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 October 2019 – via Twitter.
  51. ^ "Set for @CesarAzpi's 100th start as Chelsea captain! 💯 #CFC #Chelsea". Instagram. 1 January 2020. Archived from the original on 26 December 2021. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
  52. ^ McNulty, Phil (1 August 2020). "Arsenal 2–1 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  53. ^ "Joining the 400 club". Chelsea F.C. 5 January 2021. Retrieved 25 April 2021.
  54. ^ Ouzia, Malik (25 May 2021). "Chelsea FC defender Cesar Azpilicueta has red card overturned after Jack Grealish clash". Evening Standard. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
  55. ^ McNulty, Phil (29 May 2021). "Manchester City 0–1 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
  56. ^ "Man. City 0-1 Chelsea: Havertz gives Blues second Champions League triumph". UEFA. 29 May 2021. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
  57. ^ "Thomas Tuchel says Reece James' red card 'spoiled' Liverpool v Chelsea". Optus Sport. 29 August 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  58. ^ "Azpi on adapting to the challenge and his pride at 300 games in 'the toughest league in the world'". Chelsea F.C. 29 August 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  59. ^ "Official: Azpilicueta, Kante, Jorginho, Mount & Lukaku Among Chelsea Players On 30-Man 2021 Ballon d'Or Shortlist". Sports Illustrated. 8 October 2021. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  60. ^ "Club World Cup: Champions League holders Chelsea become eighth European winners". 12 February 2022.
  61. ^ "Azpilicueta adds to impressive Chelsea trophy haul, with just one title eluding him". 13 February 2022.
  62. ^ "Azpilicueta commits to Chelsea". Chelsea FC. 4 August 2022.
  63. ^ "Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea Debrief: Azpilicueta breaks record in a game of two halves". Chelsea FC. 2 January 2023.
  64. ^ "Azpilicueta joins the 500 club". Chelsea FC. 21 January 2023.
  65. ^ "Azpilicueta 'speaking' in hospital after head injury". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  66. ^ "Cesar Azpilicueta: The Chelsea player who won it all". Chelsea FC. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
  67. ^ "Captain Azpilicueta confirms Chelsea departure". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
  68. ^ "Congratulations, Azpi". Chelsea FC. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
  69. ^ "Welcome, Azpilicueta!". Club Atlético de Madrid. 6 July 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
  70. ^ "Depay belter helps Atletico Madrid to LaLiga win over Granada". ESPN. 14 August 2023. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  71. ^ "César Azpilicueta renueva por una temporada". Club Atlético de Madrid (in Spanish). 30 June 2024. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  72. ^ Díaz, F.J. (30 June 2024). "Azpilicueta renueva por una temporada más". Diario AS (in Spanish). Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  73. ^ a b Huerta, Daniel; Ashby, Kevin (20 June 2009). "Azpilicueta out to prove a point". Retrieved 25 April 2021.
  74. ^ "Valdés, De Gea, Azpilicueta, Javi Martínez y Pedro entran en la preselección de 30" [Valdés, De Gea, Azpilicueta, Javi Martínez and Pedro make shortlist of 30]. Marca (in Spanish). 10 May 2010. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  75. ^ Gabilondo, Aritz (26 May 2011). "Sub-21: con Azpilicueta pero sin Busquets ni ningún madridista" [Under-21s: with Azpilicueta but without Busquets nor any Real Madrid player]. Diario AS (in Spanish). Retrieved 25 April 2021.
  76. ^ a b García, Miguel Ángel (24 March 2021). "¿Qué fue de los campeones sub 21 de España de 2011?" [What happened to Spain Under-21's 2011 champions?]. Marca (in Spanish). Retrieved 25 April 2021.
  77. ^ "Euro 2012 trio Mata, Alba & Martinez in Spain Olympic squad". BBC Sport. 5 July 2012. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  78. ^ "Spain 0–0 Morocco: La Roja fail to fire again to finish bottom of Olympics Group D". Goal.com. 1 August 2012. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  79. ^ "Azpilicueta called up by Spain". Chelsea F.C. 1 February 2013. Archived from the original on 3 February 2013. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  80. ^ "Azpilicueta impresses Spain boss Vicente del Bosque on debut". Sky Sports. 7 February 2013. Retrieved 7 February 2013.
  81. ^ "Cesar Azpilicueta happy after Spain debut". Sky Sports. 11 February 2013. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
  82. ^ Lara, Miguel Ángel (5 June 2013). "Azpilicueta: "España todavía tiene hambre"" [Azpilicueta: "Spain are still hungry"]. Marca (in Spanish). Retrieved 14 November 2013.
  83. ^ "Spain hit ten in record-smashing win". FIFA. 20 June 2013. Archived from the original on 5 November 2013. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
  84. ^ a b "Fred and Neymar claim Confeds for Brazil". FIFA. 30 June 2013. Archived from the original on 2 July 2013. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
  85. ^ "Spain World Cup 2014 squad". The Daily Telegraph. 2 June 2014. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
  86. ^ Ornstein, David (13 June 2014). "Spain 1–5 Netherlands". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
  87. ^ Ornstein, David (18 June 2014). "Spain 0–2 Chile". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
  88. ^ "Morata misses out on Spain's 23-man World Cup squad". Goal.com. 21 May 2018. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
  89. ^ Westwood, James (25 May 2021). "Real Madrid captain Ramos left out of Spain squad for Euro 2020 but Laporte included after France switch". Goal.com. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  90. ^ "Croatia 1-2 Spain". BBC Sport. 27 June 2021. Archived from the original on 28 June 2021.
  91. ^ "'It's a Great Memento' - César Azpilicueta Expresses Delight at Captaining Chelsea And Spain". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on 7 September 2021.
  92. ^ "2022 Spain Stats (World Cup)". fbref.com.
  93. ^ "Azpilicueta y su 'ADN rojillo'" (in Spanish). Noticias de Navarra. 24 October 2020. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  94. ^ Quixano, Jordi (24 August 2012). "Azpilicueta también es del Chelsea". El País (in Spanish). Retrieved 15 June 2021.
  95. ^ "Charo, la madre de César Azpilicueta: "Tenía ganas de que pasara las vacaciones con nosotros pero prefiero que vaya a la Eurocopa"". ondacero.es (in Spanish). 29 May 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2021.
  96. ^ "Entrevista en El Penalty a Juan Pablo Azpilicueta jugador del C.D. Tudelano" [El Penalty interview to Juan Pablo Azpilicueta C.D. Tudelano player] (in Spanish). iVoox. 28 November 2013. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
  97. ^ Astráin, Fermín (26 March 2014). "Juan Pablo Azpilicueta reapareció después de dos meses de baja" [Juan Pablo Azpilicueta reappeared after two months out]. Diario de Navarra (in Spanish). Retrieved 20 October 2015.
  98. ^ "Continuidad en los banquillos de Tercera". noticiasdenavarra.com (in Spanish). 26 May 2020. Retrieved 15 June 2021.
  99. ^ "Jorge Sola sustituye a Juan Pablo Azpilicueta". golsmedia.com (in Spanish). 24 March 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2021.
  100. ^ "Boda española en el Chelsea". elmundo.es (in Spanish). 28 May 2015. Retrieved 15 June 2021.
  101. ^ "César Azpilicueta y Adriana Guerendiain". elmundo.es (in Spanish). 28 May 2018.
  102. ^ "¿Quién es César Azpilicueta, el navarro que ha levantado la Copa de Europa como capitán del Chelsea?". diariodenavarra.es (in Spanish). 30 May 2021.
  103. ^ "Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta hoping to celebrate birth of his daughter with Champions League win in Paris". mirror.co.uk. 2 April 2014. Retrieved 15 June 2021.
  104. ^ Lane, Barnaby (14 November 2020). "Meet Hashtag United, the English semi-pro soccer team supported by 500,000 people on YouTube and part-owned by a Chelsea FC star". Insider Inc. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
  105. ^ "Media Watch: Chelsea's defensive display lauded by ex-Blues star, Cesar Azpilicueta gives half-time talk to non-league side, Maurizio Sarri linked with new coaching job". Chelsea F.C. 21 October 2020. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
  106. ^ "Chelsea 'boss' Cesar Azpilicueta lining up life after football with his own esports team". espn.com. 20 May 2020. Retrieved 15 June 2021.
  107. ^ "Cesar Azpilicueta happy to communicate in French with new signings Edoaurd Mendy and Thiago Silva". Sports Illustrated Fan Nation. 8 October 2020. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  108. ^ "Cesar Azpilicueta – assertive, ambitious and the epitome of Chelsea". theathletic.com. 8 September 2020.
  109. ^ "El método Azpilicueta ya está al servicio de la España de Luis Enrique". marca.com (in Spanish). 3 June 2021.
  110. ^ "Cesar Azpilicueta graduates from Harvard Business School (Pics)". Chelsea Universal. 6 June 2023. Archived from the original on 6 June 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  111. ^ "The Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports". Harvard University. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  112. ^ a b "Azpilicueta: Matches: 2006–07". BDFutbol. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  113. ^ a b "Azpilicueta: Matches: 2007–08". BDFutbol. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  114. ^ "Azpilicueta: Matches: 2008–09". BDFutbol. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  115. ^ "Azpilicueta: Matches: 2009–10". BDFutbol. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  116. ^ a b c "Cesar Azpilicueta" (in French). Olympique de Marseille. Archived from the original on 31 December 2017.
  117. ^ "Games played by Cesar Azpilicueta in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  118. ^ "Games played by Cesar Azpilicueta in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  119. ^ "Games played by Cesar Azpilicueta in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  120. ^ "Games played by Cesar Azpilicueta in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  121. ^ "Games played by Cesar Azpilicueta in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  122. ^ "Games played by Cesar Azpilicueta in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  123. ^ "Games played by Cesar Azpilicueta in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  124. ^ "Games played by Cesar Azpilicueta in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  125. ^ "Games played by Cesar Azpilicueta in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  126. ^ "Games played by Cesar Azpilicueta in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  127. ^ "Games played by Cesar Azpilicueta in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  128. ^ "Games played by Cesar Azpilicueta in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
  129. ^ "Games played by Cesar Azpilicueta in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  130. ^ a b "National football team player César Azpilicueta". EU-football.info. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  131. ^ a b César Azpilicueta at Soccerway
  132. ^ "César Azpilicueta: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 15 April 2018.
  133. ^ McNulty, Phil (19 May 2018). "Chelsea 1–0 Manchester United". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  134. ^ McNulty, Phil (27 May 2017). "Arsenal 2–1 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  135. ^ McNulty, Phil (1 August 2020). "Arsenal 2–1 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  136. ^ McNulty, Phil (15 May 2021). "Chelsea 0–1 Leicester City". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  137. ^ McNulty, Phil (14 May 2022). "Chelsea 0–0 Liverpool". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  138. ^ McNulty, Phil (1 March 2015). "Chelsea 2–0 Tottenham Hotspur". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  139. ^ McNulty, Phil (24 February 2019). "Chelsea 0–0 Manchester City". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  140. ^ McNulty, Phil (27 February 2022). "Chelsea 0–0 Liverpool". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  141. ^ McNulty, Phil (29 May 2021). "Manchester City 0–1 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  142. ^ McNulty, Phil (15 May 2013). "Benfica 1–2 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 19 October 2013.
  143. ^ Bevan, Chris (29 May 2019). "Chelsea 4–1 Arsenal". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  144. ^ Sterling, Mark (11 August 2021). "Chelsea 1–1 Villarreal". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  145. ^ "Chelsea 2–1 Palmeiras". BBC Sport. 12 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  146. ^ Emons, Michael (16 December 2012). "Corinthians 1–0 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 16 October 2013.
  147. ^ "France beat Spain to win Nations League". UEFA. 10 October 2021. Archived from the original on 7 October 2021. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
  148. ^ "Hazard wins Player of the Year". Chelsea F.C. 13 May 2014. Archived from the original on 15 May 2014. Retrieved 22 August 2016.
  149. ^ "UEFA Europa League Squad of the 2018/19 Season". UEFA. 30 May 2019. Retrieved 30 May 2019.
  150. ^ "UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season". UEFA. 31 May 2021. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to César Azpilicueta.
Sporting positions
Preceded by Chelsea F.C. captain
2019–2023 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=César_Azpilicueta&oldid=1254914836"