Manuel González Etura (21 February 1933 â 18 March 2026) was a Spanish footballer who played as a defensive midfielder.
Born in Sestao, Biscay, Etura spent 13 seasons in La Liga with Athletic Bilbao after signing in summer 1953 from neighbouring CD Getxo. He only totalled 16 games in his first three years, his debut coming on 12 December 1954 in a 3âÂÂ0 home win against Hércules CF.
During his tenure at the San Mamés Stadium, Etura appeared in 247 matches in all competitions, scoring three goals. His first in the league came on 27 September 1959, but in a 3âÂÂ2 away loss to Granada CF.
Etura won four titles with his main club, included the 1955âÂÂ56 national championship to which he contributed nine appearances. In the final of the 1958 Copa del GeneralÃÂsimo, he marked Real Madrid superstar Alfredo Di Stéfano in the 2âÂÂ0 victory at the Bernabéu.
Etura retired in 1967 aged 34, following a spell in the Segunda División with SD Indautxu.
Etura became a widower at the age of 38. He began working before his retirement, and later was a sales representative in his native region.
On 18 March 2026, Etura died at 93.
Athletic Bilbao