Athletic Club

Athletic Club, commonly known internationally as Athletic Bilbao, is a professional football club based in Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain. Founded in 1898, the club is one of Spain’s most historic and prestigious teams, known for its rich traditions, competitive spirit, and a unique player philosophy that sets it apart from the rest of European football.

Major Achievements

• La Liga Champions – 8 times (1929-30, 1930-31, 1933-34, 1935-36, 1942-43, 1955-56, 1982-83, 1983-84)
• Copa del Rey Winners – 23 times (second-most in history, after Barcelona)
• Supercopa de España Winners – 3 times (1984, 2015, 2021)
• UEFA Europa League Runners-up – 2011-12

Home Stadium

Athletic Club plays its home matches at the iconic San Mamés Stadium, often referred to as “La Catedral” of Spanish football. The stadium, with a capacity of 53,000, is known for its electrifying atmosphere, where passionate Basque supporters create an unforgettable matchday experience.

Club Identity & Unique Philosophy

Athletic Club follows a strict Basque-only player policy, meaning they only field players who are either born in the Basque Country or developed within Basque football academies. This philosophy, known as “Cantera Policy,” is a key part of the club’s identity and has helped maintain a strong cultural and regional connection with its supporters.

Despite this self-imposed restriction, Athletic has remained highly competitive in La Liga, consistently challenging for European qualification and domestic silverware.

Iconic Eras

• The Early Dominance (1920s-1930s): Athletic established itself as one of Spain’s premier teams, winning four La Liga titles and numerous Copa del Rey trophies.
• The 1980s Golden Era: Under Javier Clemente, Athletic won back-to-back La Liga titles (1982-83, 1983-84), along with the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España, marking one of the club’s most successful periods.
• The Modern Revival (2010-Present): In recent years, Athletic has continued to compete at a high level, reaching the 2012 Europa League final, winning the Supercopa de España in 2015 and 2021, and maintaining a strong presence in Spanish football.

Rivalries

• Basque Derby (vs. Real Sociedad): The fiercest rivalry in Basque football, filled with history and passionate support from both clubs.
• El Viejo Clásico (vs. Real Madrid): A historic clash between two of Spain’s oldest football clubs.
• Athletic vs. Barcelona: A rivalry built on Copa del Rey battles, as both clubs have frequently faced off in the final.

Legendary Players

• Telmo Zarra – Athletic’s all-time top scorer and a La Liga legend.
• José Ángel Iribar – One of Spain’s greatest goalkeepers and a club icon.
• Andoni Goikoetxea – A tough and commanding defender of the 1980s title-winning side.
• Julen Guerrero – A talented midfielder who became a club legend in the 1990s.
• Iker Muniain – A modern-era captain and symbol of the club’s Basque identity.

The Future of Athletic Club

Athletic Club remains one of the most respected and unique clubs in world football. With a commitment to developing homegrown talent, competing at the highest level in La Liga, and staying true to its Basque-only policy, the club continues to thrive as a symbol of tradition and success in Spanish football.