Gabilondo was born in San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa. A product of Real Sociedad's youth system, he appeared sparingly for the first team in his first two seasons as a professional but went on to become an important element for the Basque club,[2] scoring five La Liga goals in 33 games in the 2003–04 campaign.[3]
In 2006, Gabilondo moved to local rivalsAthletic Bilbao on a free transfer,[4] producing roughly the same numbers in his first two seasons (59 matches and seven goals).[3] On 7 April 2007, he scored the game's only goal in a home win against Valencia CF.[5]
Gabilondo was used sparingly in 2008–09,[6] but the 30-year-old regained his importance the following year, netting three times during the season, two of those coming in 4–1 home victories over CD Tenerife and UD Almería[7][8]– his side finished eighth.
On 10 July 2012, aged 33, Gabilondo moved abroad for the first time in his career, signing for one year with an option for a further season with AEK Larnaca FC in the Cypriot First Division and rejoining his former Athletic teammate Ander Murillo.[17] He left shortly after, however, with injuries and recently becoming a father cited as the reasons.[18]
^Ortiz de Lazcano, Javier (16 January 2009). "El mejor Gabilondo" [The best Gabilondo]. El Correo (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 17 March 2018. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
^Ortí, Francisco (30 September 2011). "Gabilondo, zurda gran reserva" [Gabilondo, vintage ("reserva" also meaning "substitute" in Spanish) lefty] (in Spanish). Fútbol Primera. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
^"El Athletic, sin problemas" [Athletic, no problems]. El País (in Spanish). 11 November 2010. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
^Gondra, Aner (29 December 2011). "Esqueleto rojiblanco" [Red-and-white skeleton]. Deia (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 8 April 2013. Retrieved 11 November 2017.
^Zaballa, Carlos (29 December 2011). "Sin gol" [No goal]. Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). Retrieved 16 February 2013.