Athletic Club Bilbao

Athletic Club Bilbao, commonly referred to as Athletic Bilbao, is one of Spain’s most historic and successful football clubs, based in the Basque city of Bilbao. Founded in 1898, the club has a deep-rooted tradition in Basque identity, which is reflected in its famous policy of only signing players of Basque heritage. This unique philosophy has earned the club a distinctive place in Spanish football and makes it one of the few teams in the world with such a strict recruitment model.

The club's home ground, San Mamés, known as "La Catedral" (The Cathedral), has been the venue for many unforgettable moments in Spanish football. Athletic has a passionate fan base, and its matches are a spectacle of intense energy and commitment. The club’s rivalry with Real Sociedad, known as the Basque derby, is one of the fiercest in Spain.

Athletic has had a long history of success, winning numerous La Liga titles and Copa del Rey trophies. The club’s most successful era came in the early 1980s, when it won several major trophies, including La Liga championships in 1983-84 and Copa del Rey titles. Despite not winning a league title in recent decades, Athletic has remained competitive in Spain’s top division.

The club has a reputation for developing talented players through its youth academy, Lezama, which has produced several top-tier footballers who have gone on to represent both the club and the Spanish national team.

Overall, Athletic Club Bilbao stands as a symbol of Basque pride, sporting integrity, and resilience. Its commitment to promoting local talent and maintaining a distinctive footballing philosophy continues to define its legacy.