Arsenal back-up goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was able to play for a new national team this week despite already holding 13 caps for Spain.

Arrizabalaga, 32, started his career with Athletic Club, where his impressive performances earned him a big-money move to Premier League giants Chelsea back in 2018.

At the time, the Blues parted ways with €80 million to sign the Spaniard, a transfer fee that, to this date, is still the highest ever paid for a goalkeeper.

However, the 32-year-old struggled during his time at Stamford Bridge and spent time on loan at Real Madrid and Bournemouth before joining Arsenal in 2025, where he is currently David Raya’s backup.

Kepa Arrizabalaga Played for New National Team Despite 13 Caps for Spain

With his club minutes limited, his chances with the Spanish national team have also evaporated, having been overlooked for the likes of Raya, Unai Simon and Joan Garcia – his last international cap came back in 2023.

Despite having played for Spain, however, Arrizabalaga was called up to the Basque Country squad for their friendly against Venezuela at Athletic Club’s San Mames Stadium on Saturday (14 November).

The Basque Country, officially called Euskadi, is an autonomous community situated in northern Spain. The region is home to clubs such as Athletic Club, Real Sociedad, CA Osasuna, Deportivo Alaves and SD Eibar.

Meanwhile, stars such as Mikel Merino, Mikel Oyarzabal, Martin Zubimendi, Xabi Alonso, Mikel Arteta and Aritz Aduriz have also hailed from the Basque Country.

During the Basque Country’s friendly match against Venezuela, Athletic Club star Mikel Jauregizar netted in the 27th minute to secure a 1-0 victory. Arsenal star Kepa played 45 minutes in the game, making his debut for the side.

Why Kepa Arrizabalaga Was Available for the Basque Country Despite Spain Caps

FIFA rules state that players cannot switch national teams after they've played three competitive fixtures. So why was Arrizabalaga – on 13 Spain caps – able to play for the Basque Country?

Quite simply, the goalkeeper was able to play for the Basque Country as they are currently not recognised by FIFA. Therefore, this was not an official match, in the eyes of football's governing body.

In a recent statement, the Basque Football Federation revealed that a process has been revived to secure official international status for the Basque National Team.

Parts of the lengthy statement read: “The Basque Football Federation (EFF-FVF) has relaunched the process to achieve official international status for the Basque National Team—covering both men’s and women’s squads.

“To this end, it has contacted the Higher Sports Council and has also informed the Royal Spanish Football Federation about this initiative. The legal framework the Federation seeks to utilise is based on Article 48.2 of Law 39/2022 on Sport (dated December 30).

“This provision allows sports federations from autonomous communities to participate directly at the international level, provided that the relevant international governing body permits it, and that the sports disciplines or specialities in question are historically and socially rooted within the respective autonomous community.”

Current Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola is another familiar name who played for both Spain and the Basque Country football team.