José Ángel “Cuco” Ziganda is a Spanish football legend who played as a center-forward for top clubs like Athletic Bilbao and Osasuna before transitioning into management.
He scored 111 La Liga goals during his playing career and went on to coach both clubs he represented as a player. Known for his goal-scoring ability and tactical knowledge, Ziganda has carved out a successful career in Spanish football.
In this article, you will know Jose Angel Ziganda’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Jose Angel Ziganda’s Biography
| Full Name | José Ángel Ziganda Lakunza |
| Date of Birth | October 1, 1966 |
| Age | 59 |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Height | 185 cm (6 ft 1 in) |
| Weight | 77 kg (170 lb) |
| Turned Pro | 1987 |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
Early Career
Ziganda was born in Larraintzar, a small town in Navarre, Spain. He came through the youth system at CA Osasuna, his hometown club, and made his first-team debut on December 13, 1987, in a goalless home draw against CE Sabadell FC.
He quickly established himself as a reliable striker, becoming an undisputed starter from 1989 to 1991. During those seasons, he scored 11 La Liga goals each year, which caught the attention of Athletic Bilbao, one of Spain’s most prestigious clubs.
His performances at Osasuna showed his natural ability to find the back of the net and his physical presence in the penalty area.
Professional Career
Ziganda joined Athletic Bilbao at the start of the 1991-92 season and enjoyed his best years there.
He scored 17 goals in three separate campaigns, including a memorable hat-trick in a 5-4 away win at Albacete Balompié on May 26, 1993. Athletic finished fifth in La Liga in 1994, marking one of their strongest seasons during his time there.
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After seven years at Athletic, he returned to Osasuna in 1998 when Ismael Urzaiz took over his role at Bilbao. Back at his hometown club, he helped them achieve promotion to La Liga in 2000 and retired after one more top-flight season.
His career totals included 111 La Liga goals, 19 in Segunda División, nine in the UEFA Cup, and six in the Copa del Rey.
Jose Angel Ziganda’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Jose Angel Ziganda’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million. As a former professional footballer who played in La Liga for over a decade and a manager with multiple positions in Spanish football, he has earned income from both careers.
Contract
As the current manager of Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa since September 2025, Ziganda signed a contract to lead the second-division club.
Before this appointment, he managed SD Huesca from June 2022 until October 2023 and Real Oviedo from February 2020 to June 2022.
His managerial career has taken him through various levels of Spanish football, including a notable stint as Athletic Bilbao’s first-team manager from May 2017 to May 2018.
Each position came with different compensation packages based on the club’s financial situation and division level.
Career Stats
| Season | Club | League | Games | Goals | Assists |
| 1987-1988 | Osasuna | La Liga | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 1988-1989 | Osasuna | La Liga | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 1989-1990 | Osasuna | La Liga | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| 1990-1991 | Osasuna | La Liga | 37 | 11 | 0 |
| 1991-1992 | Athletic Bilbao | La Liga | 37 | 10 | 0 |
| 1992-1993 | Athletic Bilbao | La Liga | 36 | 17 | 0 |
| 1993-1994 | Athletic Bilbao | La Liga | 35 | 17 | 0 |
| 1994-1995 | Athletic Bilbao | La Liga | 37 | 3 | 0 |
| 1995-1996 | Athletic Bilbao | La Liga | 33 | 9 | 0 |
| 1996-1997 | Athletic Bilbao | La Liga | 42 | 17 | 0 |
| 1997-1998 | Athletic Bilbao | La Liga | 35 | 3 | 3 |
| 1998-1999 | Osasuna | Segunda División | 38 | 11 | 0 |
| 1999-2000 | Osasuna | Segunda División | 26 | 8 | 0 |
| 2000-2001 | Osasuna | La Liga | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 371 | 108 | 3 |
FAQs
1. How many goals did Jose Angel Ziganda score in his career?
Jose Angel Ziganda scored 111 goals in La Liga over 12 seasons playing for Osasuna and Athletic Bilbao. He also added 19 goals in Segunda División, nine in the UEFA Cup, and six in the Copa del Rey during his professional career.
2. Which clubs did Jose Angel Ziganda play for?
Ziganda played for CA Osasuna from 1987 to 1991 before joining Athletic Bilbao where he stayed until 1998. He returned to Osasuna for his final three seasons, helping them earn promotion to La Liga in 2000 before retiring in 2001.
3. What teams has Jose Angel Ziganda managed?
Ziganda has managed Osasuna, Xerez CD, Bilbao Athletic, Athletic Bilbao’s first team, Real Oviedo, SD Huesca, and currently manages Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa. His most prominent role was managing Athletic Bilbao in La Liga during the 2017-18 season.
4. Did Jose Angel Ziganda play for Spain’s national team?
Yes, Ziganda earned two caps for the Spain national team. His first appearance came on April 17, 1991, when he played four minutes in a 2-0 friendly loss against Romania in Cáceres. His international career was brief compared to his club success.
5. What is Jose Angel Ziganda’s nickname?
His nickname is “Cuco,” which he has been known by throughout his playing and managerial career. The nickname became synonymous with his identity in Spanish football, appearing alongside his official name in most references.
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