Julen Aguinagalde facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Julen Aguinagalde |
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| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full name | Julen Aguinagalde Akizu | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 8 December 1982 Irun, Spain |
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| Nationality | Spanish | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Playing position | Pivot | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Club information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current club | Bidasoa Irún | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number | 13 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Senior clubs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1999–2006
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Bidasoa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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2006–2009
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Ademar | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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2009–2011
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Ciudad Real | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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2011–2013
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Atlético Madrid | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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2013–2020
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PGE Vive Kielce | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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2020–2022
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Bidasoa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| National team 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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2006–
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Spain | 105 | (485) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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| 1 National team caps and goals correct as of 15 June 2022 |
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Julen Aguinagalde Akizu (born December 8, 1982) is a Spanish former handball player. He was known for playing as a pivot, which is a key attacking and defensive position in handball. Julen played for the Spanish national team and many top clubs during his career.
Contents
Julen's Early Career in Handball
Julen Aguinagalde began his handball journey in his hometown of Irun, Spain. He joined the local club, Bidasoa Irún, as a young player.
Starting in the Top League
In 1999, when he was just 16 years old, Julen made his debut for Bidasoa's senior team. He played in the Liga ASOBAL, which is the highest handball league in Spain. He stayed with Bidasoa for seven years, gaining valuable experience.
Playing for Top Spanish Clubs
After his time with Bidasoa, Julen moved to other big clubs in Spain. These moves helped him become one of the best handball players in the world.
Time at Ademar León
In 2006, Julen joined Ademar León, another strong Spanish team.
- In 2007, his team reached the final of the EHF European League. They played against the German team HSV Hamburg but unfortunately lost.
- In 2008, Julen helped Ademar León win the Copa ASOBAL, a major Spanish cup competition.
Success with Ciudad Real
In 2009, Julen moved to BM Ciudad Real, a rival team in the league.
- He won the Spanish championship with Ciudad Real in 2010.
- He also won the Copa del Rey de Balonmano (King's Cup) in 2011 and 2012.
Playing for Atlético Madrid
From 2011 to 2013, Julen played for Atlético Madrid. This was another important step in his career, playing for one of Spain's most famous sports clubs.
International Achievements and Polish League
Julen Aguinagalde also had a very successful international career, representing Spain, and played for a top club in Poland.
Winning with Vive Kielce
In 2013, Julen moved to Poland to play for Vive Kielce. This was a very successful period for him.
- He won the Polish championship every year from 2014 to 2020.
- He also won the Polish Cup every year from 2019 to 2020.
- The biggest win came in 2016 when his team won the EHF Champions League. This is the most important club competition in European handball.
Medals with the Spanish National Team
Julen was a key player for the Spanish national team, winning many medals:
- Olympic Games:
- Bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021).
- World Championship:
- Gold medal at the 2013 World Championship in Spain.
- Bronze medal at the 2011 World Championship in Sweden.
- Bronze medal at the 2021 World Championship in Egypt.
- European Championship:
- Gold medal at the 2018 European Championship in Croatia.
- Gold medal at the 2020 European Championship (held in Sweden, Austria, Norway).
- Silver medal at the 2016 European Championship in Poland.
- Bronze medal at the 2014 European Championship in Denmark.
Return to Bidasoa and Retirement
In 2020, Julen Aguinagalde returned to his first club, Bidasoa Irún. He played there for two more years.
Life After Playing
Julen retired from playing handball in 2022. After retiring, he took on a new role at Bidasoa Irún as the Sporting Director. This means he helps manage the club's sports activities.
