Juan Ugarte

Juan Ugarte Aiestarán (born 7 November 1982) is a Spanish retired footballer who played as a striker.

Born in San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Ugarte was brought up in local giants Real Sociedad's youth system, but only appeared once for the first team during his two-year spell as a senior. Released in 2002, he would also be very unfortunate at Basque neighbours SD Eibar – one game played in the second division.

In the following years, Ugarte played with third level sides Real Unión and Barakaldo CF, also in his native region. In early 2004, after an unsuccessful trial at Wycombe Wanderers, he moved to Dorchester Town until he was acquired by Wrexham, scoring his first goal for the latter in the Football League Trophy quarter-final tie against local rivals Chester City (he finished the year as that competition's top scorer, notably netting in the final against Southend United (2–0)).

With the Welsh, Ugarte continued to score regularly, but this was not enough to avoid relegation to Football League Two, after the club had suffered a ten-point deduction for entering administration. On 5 March 2005, he put five past Hartlepool United in a 6–4 away win.

Ugarte then joined another team in the Football League One, Crewe Alexandra, but injuries prevented him from ever starting a game for them, also continuing to affect him during two loan returns to Wrexham. Despite his condition, the Dragons re-signed him in November 2006, but he could only appear in three official games over the course of two seasons, retiring at not yet 26.

Ugarte was best friends with Xabi Alonso (one year his senior), who also emerged through Real Sociedad's youth ranks. He went on to successfully represent Liverpool, Real Madrid and the Spain national team.

Wrexham

• Football League Trophy: 2004–05