A special meeting between Pepe Claramunt and ‘Chopo’ Iribar in the final season at  Mestalla

Valencia CF faced Athletic Club in Matchday 9 of LALIGA EA SPORTS 2026–27. Spanish football legends Pepe Claramunt and José Ángel “Chopo” Iribar were the stars of the commemorative poster for the match, during the final season at Valencia’s iconic stadium.

On the one hand, Claramunt has undoubtedly been one of the most important players in Valencia CF’s history. A Valencian, captain, international player, undisputed starter, and one of the finest midfielders to play for the Mestalla side, as well as in Spanish and international football. He wore the Valencia shirt for twelve seasons, playing almost 450 matches and scoring 90 goals. During that time, he won the Copa del Rey in 1967 and the spectacular league title in the 1970–71 season.

“It has been a very special meeting; it had been a long time since I last saw him. He was like a brother to me in football, and our friendship has lasted a lifetime. Having him here is a special reason for me to come. He was the best goalkeeper in the world and the person who has helped me the most in football,” Claramunt said.

At international level, he made his debut for the Spanish senior national team at just 22 years old. Such was his ability that he became the first Valencian player to captain La Roja. He made 23 appearances and scored four goals. Furthermore, 2026 is being celebrated as the “Year of Claramunt” to mark the 80th anniversary of his birth.

On the other hand, Iribar was one of Spain’s greatest goalkeepers of his era (1962–1980). He played for Athletic Club for 18 seasons, making 614 official appearances and becoming the player with the most matches played for Los Leones (The Lions). At international level, he won the 1964 European Championship with Spain.

“It has been a pleasure to come to Mestalla. I have been here many times. During my playing days, it was a very difficult stadium to win at. Claramunt and I were opponents on the pitch, teammates in the national team, and we developed a great friendship. He has always had a very good relationship with the Basques,” Iribar explained.