Club History and Identity
Athletic Bilbao, commonly known as just Athletic domestically and often as Athletic Bilbao or just Bilbao abroad, is a professional football club based in the city of Bilbao in the Basque Country, Spain. The club is famed for its strong cultural and historical identity, reflected in its nickname, Los Leones (The Lions). This name harks back to the San Mamés Church, named after Saint Mammes, an early Christian who was thrown to lions by the Romans. Saint Mammes pacified the lions and became a saint, linking the club’s identity to this powerful symbol.
The bilbao the team plays its home matches at the San Mamés Stadium. Athletic Bilbao’s home colours are red and white-striped shirts with black shorts, a classic and distinctive look that represents their storied past.
Athletic is one of the most successful clubs in La Liga history, having won the title eight times, making them the fourth most successful team in the league’s history. They have also enjoyed considerable success in the Copa del Rey, where they are second only to Barcelona, having claimed the trophy 24 times. This makes them the most successful Basque football club in terms of league and cup titles. Additionally, Athletic’s women’s team has also achieved prominence, securing five championships in the Primera División Femenina.
The club’s unique status extends beyond its on-field success. Athletic Bilbao is one of only three founding members of La Liga who have never been relegated from the top division since its inception in 1929. The other two are Real Madrid and Barcelona. Along with Osasuna, these clubs are the only professional teams in Spain that are founded and not structured as sports corporations. Instead, they are owned and operated by their members, which speaks to the club’s deep-rooted community connection.
Athletic’s primary rivals include Real Sociedad, with whom they contest the Basque derby, and Real Madrid, due to both sporting and political factors. Barcelona also forms part of their rivalries due to historical significance. Over the years, Athletic Bilbao has also faced off against Alavés, Eibar, and Osasuna in various Basque league derbies.
The club is renowned for its cantera policy, which focuses on nurturing young Basque talent. Athletic’s official policy mandates that players must be either native to or trained in football within the greater Basque Country, including Biscay, Gipuzkoa, Álava, and Navarre in Spain, as well as Lower Navarre, Soule, and Labourd in France. This policy has been in place since 1912 and has garnered both admiration and criticism. The club has been praised for its commitment to home-grown players and loyalty, although it does not extend this policy to coaching staff.
Despite the name ‘Athletic Club’ suggesting a multi-sport organisation, the club has focused solely on football in recent decades. Earlier, it had sections for other sports such as cycling, but these were discontinued during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s.
Team Performance and Statistics
Recent Results and Standings
Saturday, 31st August – Spanish La Liga
- Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday, 28th August – Spanish La Liga
- Athletic Bilbao 1-0 Valencia
Saturday, 24th August – Spanish La Liga
- Barcelona 2-1 Athletic Bilbao
Thursday, 15th August – Spanish La Liga
- Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Getafe
In the 2024 season, Athletic Bilbao has experienced a mixed bag of results. Their latest matches reflect a competitive spirit and a challenging season ahead. The close encounters against teams like Atletico Madrid and Barcelona highlight the high level of competition in La Liga.
Breakout Players to Watch
Oihan Sancet
Oihan Sancet is a young and talented midfielder who has quickly become a key player for Athletic Bilbao. Born in Pamplona, Navarre, Sancet joined Athletic Bilbao’s youth setup from CA Osasuna in 2015. His potential was recognized early on, and by June 2018, he was called up for pre-season with the first team.
Sancet made his senior debut with the reserves on 25 August 2018. Although he suffered a knee injury shortly after, he made a strong comeback. By the 2019–20 season, Sancet was part of the main squad and made a memorable debut in La Liga against FC Barcelona.
In January 2022, Sancet scored a hat-trick in a match against Osasuna, a significant milestone that marked him as a promising talent. His performances continued to impress, and in April 2024, he played a crucial role in the Copa del Rey final, scoring an equaliser and helping Athletic win the title via a penalty shootout.
Beñat Prados
Beñat Prados is a skilled defender known for his strong work ethic. Born in Pamplona, Navarre, Prados joined Athletic Bilbao’s youth setup in July 2015. He made his debut with the reserves in the 2018–19 season and was promoted to the first team in 2023.
Prados’s journey through the ranks has been marked by consistent performances. He had a notable debut in La Liga against Osasuna and has shown versatility by filling various defensive roles. His strong performances have earned him a spot in the first team, showcasing his potential and dedication.
Yeray
Yeray is a promising young defender with a lot of potential. Born in Barakaldo, Biscay, Yeray joined Athletic Bilbao’s youth setup at Lezama in 2008. His career has been characterized by rapid progression through the youth and reserve teams.
Yeray made his professional debut in 2015 and quickly became a regular starter. Despite facing health challenges, including a battle with testicular cancer, Yeray has shown resilience and determination. His contract extension in 2019 and subsequent performances underline his importance to the team.
Notable Matches and Competitions
Copa del Rey Win
The 2024 Copa del Rey final was a historic match for Athletic Bilbao. Played on 6 April 2024 at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, the final was contested between Athletic Bilbao and Mallorca. Mallorca was appearing in their first final since 2003, while Athletic was competing in their 40th final.
The match ended in a 1–1 draw after extra time. Athletic Bilbao triumphed 4–2 in the penalty shootout, securing their 24th Copa del Rey title. This victory ended a 40-year major trophy drought, marking a significant achievement in the club’s history.
Player Profiles and Transfers
Nico Williams
Nico Williams, a dynamic winger, joined Athletic Bilbao’s youth academy in 2013. He was promoted to the reserve team in 2020 and to the first team in 2021, where he quickly made an impact. His speed and dribbling skills have earned him recognition, and he debuted for Spain’s senior side in 2022.
Williams’s performances in the 2023–24 La Liga season were impressive, contributing significantly to the team’s success. His contract was extended until 2027, reflecting his importance to the club. Williams played a key role in the Copa del Rey final, providing the assist for Oihan Sancet’s goal and earning Man of the Match honours.
Iñaki Williams
Iñaki Williams has been a stalwart for Athletic Bilbao, making over 400 first-team appearances and setting a La Liga record with 251 consecutive games. Born to Ghanaian parents in Spain, Williams has represented both Spain and Ghana internationally.
Williams scored the winning goal in the 2020–21 Supercopa de España final and was instrumental in Athletic’s Copa del Rey win in 2024. His record-breaking appearances and contributions to the team’s success highlight his significance to Athletic Bilbao.
Coaching and Management
Ernesto Valverde is the current coach of Athletic Bilbao and has a rich history in Spanish football. His previous stints at Barcelona and Valencia have equipped him with a wealth of experience. Valverde’s coaching philosophy emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and a strong work ethic.
Valverde returned to Athletic Bilbao on 30 June 2022 for a third spell. In his second season, he led the club to their first major trophy in 40 years by winning the Copa del Rey. Under his guidance, Athletic bilbao also finished fifth in La Liga, marking their highest position in eight years.
Youth Development and Academy
Athletic Bilbao’s academy is renowned for its emphasis on developing young players from the Basque region. The club’s philosophy focuses on teamwork, discipline, and a strong work ethic. This approach has resulted in the production of several talented players who have progressed to the first team.
The academy’s success is a testament to Athletic Bilbao’s commitment to nurturing home-grown talent. This philosophy not only supports the club’s competitive edge but also reinforces its deep-rooted connection to the Basque Country.
Stadium and Facilities
San Mamés Stadium is the home ground of Athletic Bilbao, located in Bilbao, Spain. With a seating capacity of over 53,000, the stadium is known for its electric atmosphere. It boasts state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, making it one of the premier football venues in Spain.
The stadium’s modern design and vibrant atmosphere contribute significantly to Athletic Bilbao’s home advantage. It stands as a symbol of the club’s prestige and the passionate support of its fans.
Rivals and Derbies
Athletic Bilbao has a fierce rivalry with Real Madrid, one of the biggest clubs in the world. This rivalry is not only based on sporting competition but also on historical and political factors. Athletic’s rivalries extend to other Basque teams, particularly Real Sociedad, with whom they contest the Basque derby.
These rivalries add intensity and excitement to the game. Athletic Bilbao’s fixtures, reflecting the club’s deep connections to regional and national football.
Conclusion
Athletic Bilbao’s unique approach to football, with its strong emphasis on Basque talent and its unwavering commitment to its cultural values, sets it apart from the world of other football clubs. With a rich history, notable successes, and a deep connection to its community, Athletic Bilbao remains a prominent and cherished institution in Spanish football. As the club looks to the future, its dedication to nurturing young talent and maintaining its cultural identity will continue to be central to its ongoing success.
