[7][8][9] In 1986, Zubizarreta signed with Barcelona for a record for a player in the position €1.7 million,[10][11] quickly removing established Urruti from the starting lineup and rarely missing a match afterwards – for example, only four over the Catalans' four consecutive league wins.

[12] After the 1993–94 UEFA Champions League, where Barça lost 4–0 to AC Milan in the final, Zubizarreta was deemed surplus to requirements[13] and finished his career at Valencia, still playing at a high level.

[23] Zubizarreta represented the nation in four consecutive FIFA World Cups: 1986,[24] 1990, 1994 and 1998 – his last competition, where he scored an own goal in a 3–2 group stage loss against Nigeria[25]– also appearing, always as a starter, at UEFA Euro 1988 and 1996.

He was highly consistent, level-headed and effective, with an excellent positional sense above all things, and he favoured an efficient rather than spectacular style although he was also capable of producing decisive saves due to his good shot-stopping abilities.

He also stood out for his intelligence, composure and charismatic leadership in goal, which enabled him to organise his back-line and inspire a sense of calm and confidence in his defenders; he was also known for his work-rate and longevity, as well as his ability to rush off his line.