Where does Athletic Club play?

Athletic plays at San Mamés, nicknamed 'The Cathedral', a modern 53,289-capacity stadium inaugurated in 2013 that replaced the historic temple of Basque football. The new ground maintains the intimidating atmosphere that made the old San Mamés legendary.

What is Athletic's history?

Founded in 1898, Athletic Club is one of only three clubs never to have been relegated in Spain, alongside Real Madrid and Barcelona. This unbroken top-flight presence since La Liga's inception represents an extraordinary achievement.

What are Athletic's main achievements?

The Lions have won 8 Spanish championships, 23 Copa del Rey titles (2nd in the all-time rankings) and 3 Spanish Super Cups, forming a prestigious trophy cabinet. Their success is remarkable given their self-imposed recruitment restrictions.

What is the Cantera policy?

Athletic only recruits Basque players (born in the Basque Country or trained at Basque clubs), a unique philosophy that defines the club's identity and pride. This policy has been maintained throughout the club's history despite pressures to abandon it.

Who are Athletic's legends?

Players like Telmo Zarra, José Ángel Iribar, Julen Guerrero, Andoni Zubizarreta and Iker Muniain are icons of the Basque club. More recently, Aymeric Laporte and Kepa Arrizabalaga emerged from the academy before moving to England.

Why the 'Lions' nickname?

The club is nicknamed the 'Lions' in reference to courage and pride, values embodied by the Basque players who defend the red and white colors. The lion symbol represents the fierce, uncompromising spirit of the team.

Who are Athletic's rivals?

The main rival is Real Sociedad in the Basque derby, one of Spain's most passionate fixtures, opposing the two great cities of the Basque Country. These encounters transcend football and represent regional pride.

San Mamés, nicknamed 'The Cathedral', is Athletic's legendary stadium, renowned for its intimidating atmosphere and unconditional supporter backing. The ground has hosted major matches including the 1982 World Cup and Euro 2020 games.

What are Athletic's colors?

The traditional colors are red and white, worn on a vertically striped shirt that symbolizes Basque identity and pride. The distinctive design has remained virtually unchanged throughout the club's history.

How to follow Athletic live?

Find all Athletic Bilbao matches live on FootballAudit with lineups, live statistics and comprehensive analysis of the Basque Lions in La Liga and European competitions.

Athletic

Athletic Club (ATH)

Overview

Athletic Club Bilbao stands as a unique institution in world football. Based in the Basque Country, the Lions implement a singular philosophy by only recruiting Basque players. Athletic plays at San Mamés and embodies the values of identity, pride and tradition of the Basque people. Discover all the latest news about Athletic Bilbao on FootballAudit.

The club has maintained an unbroken presence in Spain's top flight since the league's inception, never having been relegated - a feat shared only with Real Madrid and Barcelona. This remarkable consistency demonstrates the effectiveness of their unique Cantera policy, which restricts recruitment to players of Basque origin. Athletic's approach creates a powerful sense of identity and connection between the team and its passionate supporters.

San Mamés, nicknamed 'The Cathedral', provides one of the most intimidating atmospheres in European football. The modern stadium, inaugurated in 2013, replaced the historic ground while maintaining the fierce spirit that has made it a fortress. The Lions compete fiercely in La Liga and regularly challenge for European qualification, proving that their distinctive philosophy can compete with the biggest budgets in Spanish football.

Latest news

News

British clubs face defining Champions League night as City travel to the Bernabeu and Newcastle seek redemption in Germany

12/10/2025

Three English sides are in action on a pivotal matchday six, with Manchester City facing Real Madrid in a repeat of last season's dramatic playoff tie...

FAQ

General Information

Founded: 1898

Stadium: San Mamés

Official Website: www.athletic-club.eus