Born in Bilbao, Biscay, Gómez began his career with Santutxu FC in the Basque regional leagues, winning the Golden Ball for the category in February 2009.[2] After five years with the club he left, but stayed in the region after agreeing on a move to Segunda División B's Sestao River Club.[3]
On 17 October 2010, Gómez made his top-flight debut, coming on as a substitute for Gaizka Toquero in the 67th minute of a home match against Real Zaragoza (2–1 win); after only three minutes, however, he himself had to be replaced, being stretchered off after suffering a knee injury.[6]
Gómez contributed two goals as Athletic reached the final of the 2011–12 UEFA Europa League – totalling seven appearances in the competition – scoring against FC Schalke 04 (2–2 home draw, 6–4 on aggregate)[7] and Sporting CP (3–1 home victory, 4–3 aggregate win).[8] He was definitely promoted to the first team for 2012–13, being given the number 11 jersey. On 17 November 2012, he scored his first league goal of the campaign, in a 5–1 defeat at Real Madrid.[9]
In 2013–14, Gómez scored eight goals from only 18 appearances, helping the Lions finish fourth and qualify for the UEFA Champions League.[10] He also dealt with some injury problems during that season,[11] and missed the vast majority of 2015–16 due to a tendinitis ailment to his right knee.[12]
Alavés
On 31 July 2016, Gómez terminated his contract with Athletic[13] and signed a three-year deal with fellow league team Deportivo Alavés just hours later.[14] On 10 September he scored his first goal for the newly-promoted club, closing a 2–1 historic win against FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou.[15] He also started in the final of the Copa del Rey against the same opponent, which ended in a 3–1 loss.[16]
Gómez scored his first hat-trick as a professional on 4 December 2017, helping the visitors to a 3–2 away defeat of Girona FC after they trailed 2–0 with 20 minutes left.[17]
Return to Athletic
On 10 January 2019, Gómez rejoined Athletic Bilbao on a contract until June 2022.[18] He made his second debut for the club three days later, coming off the bench in a 2–0 home league victory over Sevilla FC.[19]
Gómez second spell at the San Mamés Stadium was again greatly undermined by physical problems.[20]
Gómez was known for his crossing ability and powerful shot. Additionally, he was a set piece specialist with above-average dribbling skills.[29][30][31]
^"Ibai Gomez Balón de Oro" [Ibai Gomez Golden Ball] (in Spanish). Santutxu FC. 24 February 2009. Archived from the original on 7 March 2012. Retrieved 4 June 2010.
^Ortiz de Lazcano, Javier (18 October 2010). "Ibai Gómez, de sueño a pesadilla" [Ibai Gómez, from dream to nightmare]. El Correo (in Spanish). Retrieved 8 December 2010.
^Callero, Borja Luis (10 September 2016). "Glorioso Matagigantes" [Glorious ["Glorioso" is the nickname of Alavés] Giantkiller]. Marca (in Spanish). Retrieved 11 September 2016.