Txiki Begiristain Bio: Salary, Net Worth, Age, Wife, Children, Height, Next Jobs, Stats

Biography

Aitor “Txiki” Begiristain Mujika, born on August 12, 1964, in Olaberria, Spain, is a former professional footballer and influential football administrator.

As a player, he was a skilled left winger who made his mark at Real Sociedad, Barcelona, and Deportivo de La Coruña. During his time with Barcelona’s legendary Dream Team, he won four La Liga titles and played a pivotal role in their 1992 European Cup triumph. He also earned 22 caps for the Spanish national team.

Following his retirement, Begiristain transitioned into football management, serving as Barcelona’s director of football from 2003 to 2010. During this period, he played a crucial role in the club’s success under President Joan Laporta.

In 2012, he took on the same role at Manchester City, helping shape the club into a dominant force in English football. He oversaw multiple Premier League titles and their historic 2022-23 treble. After over a decade of success, Begiristain announced his departure from Manchester City in 2024, leaving behind a lasting legacy in football administration.

Description:	Spanish former footballer
Txiki Begiristain
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Aitor Begiristain Mujika
Stage Name:	Txiki Begiristain
Born:	12 August 1964 (age 60 years old)
Place of Birth:	Olaberria, Spain
Nationality:	Spanish
Education:	N/A
Height:	1.72 m
Parents:	Mr. and Mrs. Begiristain
Siblings:	N/A
Spouse:	Not Married
Girlfriend • Partner:	Not Dating
Children:	N/A
Occupation:	Former Footballer
Net Worth:	$1.5 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Aitor “Txiki” Begiristain was born on August 12, 1964, in Olaberria, a small town in the Gipuzkoa province of the Basque Country, Spain. Growing up in this culturally rich region, he was immersed in the distinct Basque heritage, known for its unique language, Euskara, and strong identity.

While details about his linguistic background are not widely documented, his upbringing in the Basque Country likely exposed him to the language and traditions of his people.

Begiristain has kept his personal life private, and there is little publicly available information about his parents or siblings. However, he was raised in a supportive environment that nurtured his passion for football, a sport deeply ingrained in Basque culture. His religious beliefs or practices have not been publicly discussed, though the Basque Country has historically been predominantly Catholic.

His formal education remains undocumented, mainly because he focused on football from a young age. Like many aspiring athletes, he balanced his studies with his development in the sport, ultimately joining the youth academy of Real Sociedad, where he began his professional journey.

Career

Txiki Begiristain began his professional football journey as a left winger, rising through the youth ranks of Real Sociedad, a club deeply connected to Basque football culture. He made his senior debut in 1982 and played a crucial role in the club’s success throughout the 1980s, including winning the Copa del Rey in 1987.

His impressive performances earned him a move to FC Barcelona in 1988, where he became an essential part of Johan Cruyff’s legendary “Dream Team.” During his time at the club, he helped Barcelona secure four consecutive La Liga titles (1991–1994) and, most notably, their first-ever European Cup victory in 1992.

After leaving Barcelona, Begiristain briefly played in Japan with Urawa Red Diamonds before concluding his playing career at Deportivo de La Coruña in 1999. On the international stage, he represented Spain, earning 22 caps and scoring 4 goals between 1988 and 1994.

Following his retirement, Begiristain seamlessly transitioned into football administration, achieving even greater recognition for his strategic leadership. In 2003, he was appointed as Barcelona’s director of football under president Joan Laporta. He played a vital role in building the squad defining the club’s dominance in the late 2000s.

Working alongside sporting director Sandro Rosell and later with manager Frank Rijkaard, he was instrumental in recruiting key players like Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto’o while supporting the emergence of Lionel Messi from the club’s youth academy. His efforts contributed to multiple La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League victories (2006 and 2009).

In 2012, Begiristain joined Manchester City as director of football, where he played a transformative role in turning the club into a European powerhouse. He spearheaded the appointment of Pep Guardiola as manager in 2016 and shaped the club’s recruitment strategy, bringing in world-class talents like Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, and Erling Haaland.

Under his tenure, Manchester City won multiple Premier League titles and domestic cups and secured their first-ever UEFA Champions League triumph in 2023, completing a historic continental treble.

Begiristain’s strategic vision, meticulous planning, and eye for talent have solidified his reputation as one of football’s most influential administrators. In October 2024, he announced his decision to step down from his role at Manchester City at the end of the 2024-25 season, marking the conclusion of an era that shaped the club’s golden age.

Personal Life

Aitor “Txiki” Begiristain, born on August 12, 1964, is 60 years old today. He stands at 1.72 meters (5 feet 8 inches) tall and has maintained a private personal life despite his prominent career in football.

Details about his marital status, spouse, or children are not widely documented, as he has deliberately kept his family life away from public attention. No publicly available information regarding any marriages or relationships reflects his preference for privacy. Similarly, whether he has children remains unconfirmed, as he has primarily been recognized for his professional contributions to football.

Throughout his career, Begiristain has been known for his impact on clubs like Barcelona and Manchester City, with his achievements in football management taking precedence over details about his personal life.

Net Worth

Txiki Begiristain‘s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million, based on various online sources. However, such estimates should be taken with caution, as they may not be officially verified and can vary depending on the source.

His wealth is primarily attributed to his successful career as a professional footballer, playing for clubs like Real Sociedad, Barcelona, and Deportivo de La Coruña, as well as his long tenure as a director of football at Barcelona and Manchester City, where he played a key role in their respective successes.