Athletic

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.