Aitor Paredes

In February 2020, Aitor Paredes was promoted from Athletic Bilbao's youth academy to Bilbao Athletic, the club's reserve team. This promotion allowed Paredes to gain valuable experience by playing against seasoned professionals in Spain’s Segunda División B. His subsequent performances reinforced the club’s belief in his potential as a future first-team player. Overcoming challenging matches in this competitive league was crucial for his development, providing the platform to refine his skills, gain confidence, and prepare for the eventual transition to La Liga.

Aitor Paredes was recognized as one of the most promising young talents emerging from Athletic Bilbao's storied academy in January 2021. This recognition was due to his outstanding performances for Bilbao Athletic and his potential to break into the first team. His technical abilities, tactical awareness, and defensive skills were lauded by coaches and analysts alike. Such accolades were indicative of his growing reputation within the club, suggesting that he was a player to watch for the future, and emphasizing the club’s focus on developing local talent.

On August 23, 2021, Aitor Paredes had the honor of captaining Bilbao Athletic, marking a notable milestone in his young career. As captain, Paredes's leadership and influence on the pitch were on full display, demonstrating his ability to inspire and lead his teammates. His captaining role within the reserve team highlighted the leadership qualities that the club valued, cementing his role as a pivotal figure in the team's dynamics and setting the stage for his future contributions to Athletic Bilbao's first team.

In December 2021, Aitor Paredes began training with Athletic Bilbao's first team, marking a significant step in his athletic career. By joining the first team, Paredes showed that his hard work in the youth ranks was paying off. Training with seasoned professionals provided Paredes with the opportunity to learn and adapt to the demands of top-flight football. The coaching staff's decision to include him in these sessions was based on his excellent performances and potential. This move was pivotal in his development, preparing him for future challenges at the highest level.

In recognition of his impressive performances and potential, Aitor Paredes was awarded the Young Player Award by Athletic Bilbao in April 2022. This award highlighted his contributions to the team and recognized his development as an important player within the club. The accolade not only acknowledged his past performances but also signaled the club's confidence in his future as a key player. Receiving such an award is an important achievement for any young player, boosting morale and providing additional motivation to continue improving.

Aitor Paredes took an important step in his career by playing his first professional match in the Copa del Rey on September 25, 2022. Representing Athletic Bilbao, he performed admirably, earning recognition for his defensive abilities and showcasing the potential that the club had seen in him. His involvement in cup matches was part of his gradual introduction to high-level competition, providing him with valuable experience and setting him up for future responsibilities in more critical fixtures. This appearance highlighted the beginning of his formal professional journey.

Aitor Paredes made his much-anticipated debut in La Liga playing for Athletic Bilbao in a match against Getafe CF on March 18, 2023. Paredes, who had been a standout in the club's youth and reserve teams, was finally given the opportunity to showcase his talents on the bigger stage. His performance was noted for demonstrating composure and skill, contributing significantly to the team's defensive efforts during the match. This debut marked a significant milestone in Paredes's professional career, setting the stage for his future contributions to the team and his potential impact on Spanish football.

On May 11, 2023, Athletic Bilbao announced that Aitor Paredes had signed a contract extension with the club, solidifying his commitment to remain with the team for multiple years. The new contract is a testament to the club's belief in Paredes's potential and his role in their future plans. Paredes, a homegrown talent from Bilbao's renowned academy, expressed his excitement and gratitude towards the club for believing in his abilities. This new deal reflects Athletic Bilbao's strategy of nurturing and retaining local talent, a cornerstone of their footballing philosophy.

On August 30, 2023, Aitor Paredes scored his first goal for Athletic Bilbao in an important league match. The goal came at a crucial time, helping secure a vital win for the team. Known for his defensive prowess, Paredes's ability to find the back of the net showcased his versatility and potential. This landmark moment underscored his development as a player who can contribute in multiple phases of the game and further cemented his place in the first team. The event was celebrated by fans and highlighted in sports media as a key moment in his career.