Name: Xabi Prieto (full name: Xabier Prieto Argarate)

Nationality: Spain

Date of birth: 29 August 1983

Place of birth: San Sebastián (Donostia), Gipuzkoa, Basque Country, Spain

Primary position: Attacking midfielder / Right winger

Club career (major):

• Real Sociedad (2003–2018) — One-club man at senior level, coming through Real Sociedad's youth system (Zubieta). Debuted for the first team in 2003 and remained at the club until retirement in 2018.

Appearances and goals (approximate, club):

• Real Sociedad: ~543 competitive appearances, 90+ goals (includes La Liga, Segunda División, Copa del Rey and European competition).

Playing style and strengths:

• Technically gifted playmaker with excellent ball control and vision.
• Consistently accurate set-piece taker—penalties and free kicks.
• Versatile attacker able to play centrally or on the right wing, known for work rate and leadership.

Notable achievements:

• Key figure in Real Sociedad's promotion back to La Liga in 2010–11 (winning Segunda División in 2009–10 and contributing to their return).
• Club captain for several seasons and fan favorite for loyalty and consistent performances.
• Over 500 appearances for Real Sociedad, placing him among the club's most-capped players.

International career:

• Spain: Limited appearances at senior national team level (no major tournament involvement). Represented Spain at youth levels and appeared for regional Basque Country selections.

Retirement and post-playing:

• Retired from professional football in 2018 after leaving Real Sociedad.
• Since retirement he has been involved in football-related activities including media, club ambassadorial roles and local initiatives in the Basque Country.

Legacy: Xabi Prieto is widely regarded as a symbol of loyalty and identity for Real Sociedad—highly respected by supporters for spending his entire professional career at the club, his technical ability, set-piece proficiency and leadership.