Athletic Club, commonly referred to as Athletic Bilbao, is a professional football club based in Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain. Nicknamed “Los Leones” (The Lions), the club’s stadium, San Mamés, is named after Saint Mammes, a Christian figure associated with pacifying lions. Athletic is historically one of Spain’s most successful clubs, with eight La Liga titles and 24 Copa del Rey trophies, the latter being second only to Barcelona. Athletic is renowned for its unique “cantera” policy, recruiting players only from the Basque Country, which includes regions in both Spain and France. This approach has cultivated a deep sense of club loyalty and pride. Athletic is one of only three clubs, along with Real Madrid and Barcelona, to have never been relegated from La Liga since its inception in 1929. The club’s main rivals are Real Sociedad, with whom they contest the Basque derby, and Real Madrid.
Team Information
Full Name
Athletic Club
Nickname(s)
Lehoiak (The Lions), Zuri-gorriak (The Red and Whites)
