Aitor Ruibal: The Versatile Asset of Real Betis

Last Sunday, in a match against Getafe, Aitor Ruibal received heartfelt recognition from the Betis fans for his commitment, effort, and remarkable adaptability on the pitch. Renowned for his chameleon-like ability to play in various positions, he has become the ideal utility player for coach Pellegrini. Returning to an attacking role after temporarily filling in as a right-back due to Bellerín’s injury, the versatile Catalan player netted his first league brace for Betis, confirming that, despite his adaptability, he retains the instincts of the striker that the club initially aimed to bolster their youth team. This move has undoubtedly proven to be one of the club’s most beneficial decisions in recent years.

Aitor joined Betis Deportivo from L’Hospitalet after establishing himself as a prolific scorer in Catalonia’s youth football system. His impressive performance with the Betis reserves earned him a chance with the first team during Setién’s tenure. However, it was through three successive loan spells—briefly at Cartagena during a promotion phase, followed by stints at Rayo Majadahonda in Segunda, and finally at Leganés in La Liga under coaches Pellegrino, Cembranos, and notably Javier Aguirre—that he honed his character on the field, developed his adaptability, and cultivated the mindset necessary for success at the elite level. This success is now evident in his contributions to the Betis squad.

After returning from his loan to Leganés in the summer of 2020, Ruibal earned Pellegrini’s trust during an outstanding preseason, demonstrating exceptional physical fitness and a keen sense for goal-scoring. In fact, the team’s first victory during the atypical COVID-affected season came against Almería, with goals from Bartra and Ruibal—the only two players from that squad still under Pellegrini’s management. The coach decisively ruled out any transfer options for the versatile Catalan player, integrating him into his squad and starting a successful chapter that, more than five years later, continues to flourish.

Throughout this period, Ruibal has played various roles including right-back, left-back, winger on both flanks, second striker, and center forward. He has scored a total of 13 goals for the Trece Barras team, including his recent brace against Getafe, marking his first in LaLiga as a Betis player and his second across all competitions, with the first coming in November 2022 against Helsinki in the Europa League. Aitor has risen to the status of one of the team’s captains, embodying values of tolerance and freedom of thought alongside teammates like Bellerín and former associate Borja Iglesias. He is a mature player whose influence on the team grows stronger each day.

Ruibal is just four matches shy of reaching 200 appearances for Betis, second only to Bartra in the current squad. At 29 years old, with a contract extending until June 30, 2028, the ‘Buffalo’ is enjoying his sixth full season with the club. His career has been built on immense dedication to the team and a passionate fanbase, which expressed their appreciation for his efforts with a memorable ovation last Sunday at La Cartuja. Constructing a competitive team requires integrating diverse players with varying profiles and characteristics, but every squad needs individuals like Ruibal—self-made players who honor their profession every time they step onto the pitch.