After starting out with Osasuna, he went on to play 11 years in La Liga with Athletic Bilbao,[3] appearing in a total of 318 competitive matches and scoring 13 goals.

Born in Pamplona, Orbaiz began his career at hometown's CA Osasuna,[2] exclusively playing in the second division with the team and contributing with 29 appearances and one goal in his final season as the Navarrese returned to La Liga after a six-year absence.

[8] In late August 2011, after another season of regular use by manager Joaquín Caparrós – 26 games, 1,675 minutes – as Athletic once again qualified for the Europa League, 32-year-old Orbaiz was loaned to Olympiacos F.C.

[9] He won the domestic double and was able to realise his ambition to play in the UEFA Champions League, making four group stage appearances.

[3] Orbaiz was released by Bilbao afterwards, signing for one season with FC Rubin Kazan and reuniting with compatriot and former Olympiacos teammate Iván Marcano.