 Born in Asua, Biscay, Echeberría signed for Athletic Bilbao in 1961 at the age of 21 from Basque Country neighbours CD Basconia, at that time still not the club's farm team.He made his first-team – and La Liga – debut on 10 September 1961 in a 1–2 away loss against Sevilla FC, and finished his debut season with 29 league appearances (out of a possible 30) as his team finished fifth.In the following years, Echeberría would be part of a legendary Athletic defense that also featured José Ángel Iribar in goal, Jesús Aranguren and Iñaki Sáez, helping the "Lions" to the 1969 Copa del Rey and appearing in more than 300 official games with his main club.