About Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao, officially known as Athletic Club, is one of the oldest and most historic football clubs in Spain. Founded in Bilbao in the Basque Country in 1898, the club emerged through the influence of British workers and Basque students returning from Britain, who introduced football to the region. Athletic was among the founding members of La Liga and is one of only a few clubs that have never been relegated from Spain’s top division. The club quickly became a major force in early Spanish football and built a strong identity connected to Basque culture and traditions.

One of Athletic Bilbao’s most distinctive characteristics is its long-standing player recruitment philosophy. The club traditionally fields players connected to the Basque region, either through birthplace or football development, making it one of the most unique institutions in world football. This approach has become central to the club’s identity and has helped create a strong relationship between the team and its supporters.

Throughout its history, Athletic Bilbao has achieved considerable success in domestic football, winning multiple league titles and Copa del Rey trophies. The club enjoyed particularly successful periods during the early decades of Spanish football and again in the 1980s. Playing home matches at San Mamés, known for its passionate atmosphere, Athletic remains one of Spain’s most respected clubs and continues to be admired for preserving its traditions while competing at the highest level.