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Kepa Arrizabalaga

Kepa Arrizabalaga Revuelta is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Arsenal and the Spain national team.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kepa Arrizabalaga Revuelta is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Arsenal and the Spain national team. He came through Athletic Bilbao's youth system, became the world's most expensive goalkeeper when he joined Chelsea in 2018, and has since played on loan at Real Madrid and Bournemouth before moving to Arsenal in 2025.

Early life and youth career

Kepa Arrizabalaga was born in Ondarroa in Spain's Basque Country and joined Athletic Bilbao's academy at a young age. He developed through the club's youth and reserve sides before moving into senior football.

Club career

Kepa Arrizabalaga began his senior career with loan spells at Ponferradina and Real Valladolid before becoming a regular at Athletic Bilbao. In August 2018, he transferred to Chelsea for €80 million, a world record for a goalkeeper. During his time at Chelsea, he won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. He spent the 2023–24 season on loan at Real Madrid and the 2024–25 season on loan at Bournemouth before joining Arsenal in July 2025.

International career

Kepa represented Spain at youth level before making his senior debut in 2017. He has been part of Spain's senior squad and won the 2023 UEFA Nations League.

Honours and records

Kepa Arrizabalaga’s transfer to Chelsea in 2018 set a world record fee for a goalkeeper. He won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea. Internationally, he was part of the Spain squad that won the 2023 UEFA Nations League.

Key facts

  • Joined Athletic Bilbao's academy at age 10 and progressed through its youth and reserve teams.
  • Transferred to Chelsea in August 2018 for €80 million, a record fee for a goalkeeper.
  • Won major trophies with Chelsea, including the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
  • Spent the 2023–24 season on loan at Real Madrid and the 2024–25 season on loan at Bournemouth.
  • Joined Arsenal in July 2025.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Kepa Arrizabalaga?
He is a Spanish professional football goalkeeper who plays for Arsenal and the Spain national team.
What position does Kepa Arrizabalaga play?
He plays as a goalkeeper.
Which club did Kepa Arrizabalaga join for a record fee?
He joined Chelsea in 2018 for €80 million, a record fee for a goalkeeper.
Which clubs has Kepa Arrizabalaga played for?
His senior club career includes Athletic Bilbao, Chelsea, Real Madrid (loan), Bournemouth (loan), and Arsenal.
Has Kepa Arrizabalaga played for Spain?
Yes. He made his senior debut for Spain in 2017 and has also played at youth level.
Where was Kepa Arrizabalaga born?
He was born in Ondarroa, in the Basque Country of Spain.

References

  1. Arsenal FChttps://www.arsenal.com/men/players/kepa-arrizabalaga
    Supports: Current club, transfer from Chelsea in July 2025, youth career, senior Spain debut, major honours, Bournemouth loan.
  2. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kepa_Arrizabalaga
    Supports: Date and place of birth, Athletic Bilbao development, loan spells, Chelsea transfer fee, and career timeline.
  3. Real Madrid CFhttps://www.realmadrid.com/en-US/football/first-team/players/kepa-arrizabalaga
    Supports: Player bio, date and place of birth, previous clubs, and honours listed by the club.
  4. UEFAhttps://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/250039900--kepa-arrizabalaga/
    Supports: Player identity, position, birth date, and competition profile.
  5. Premier Leaguehttps://www.premierleague.com/en/players/109745/kepa-arrizabalaga/overview
    Supports: Nationality, birth date, position, and Premier League appearance statistics.