Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao
Full name Athletic Club[1]
Nickname(s) Los Leones / Lehoiak
(The Lions)
Rojiblancos / Zuri-gorriak
(Red-Whites)
Short name ATH
Founded 1898 (1898)
Ground San Mamés
Capacity 53,289[2]
President Josu Urrutia
Manager Eduardo Berizzo
League La Liga
2017–18 La Liga, 16th
Website Club website

Athletic Club, also commonly known as Athletic Bilbao (Basque: Bilboko Athletic Kluba / Spanish: Athletic de Bilbao), is a professional football club, based in Bilbao, in the Basque Country.[3]

They are known as Los Leones (The Lions) because their stadium was built near a church called San Mamés (Saint Mammes). Mammes was an early Christian thrown to the lions by the Romans. Mammes pacified the lions and was later made a saint.

The club is one of three founding members of the Primera División that have never been relegated from the top division since its inception in 1929, the others being Real Madrid and Barcelona. Athletic have won La Liga on eight occasions, fourth most in the history of the league. In the table of Copa del Rey titles, Athletic is second only to Barcelona, having won it 24 times (per the team's official records; the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) recognizes 23 victories). The club also has one of the most successful women's teams in Spain, which has won five championships in the Primera División Femenina.

The club is known for its cantera policy of bringing young Basque players through the ranks, as well as recruiting players from other Basque clubs like Joseba Etxeberria and Javi Martínez. Athletic's official policy is signing professional players native to or trained in football in the greater Basque Country, which includes Biscay, Gipuzkoa, Álava and Navarre (in Spain); and Labourd, Soule and Lower Navarre (in France). Since 1912, Athletic has played exclusively with players meeting its own criteria to be deemed as Basque, and has been one of the most successful teams in La Liga. This can be seen as a unique case in European football; it has gained Athletic both admirers and critics. The club has been praised for promoting home grown players and club loyalty. The Basque rule does not apply to coaching staff however, with several examples of non-Basque managers both from Spain and abroad having coached the first team.

Athletic's main rivals are Real Sociedad, against whom it contests the Basque derby, and Real Madrid, due to sporting and political rivalry. At various points in the club's history, further Basque league derbies have been contested against Deportivo Alavés, Eibar and Osasuna. Athletic is one of only four professional clubs in Spain (the others being Osasuna, Real Madrid and Barcelona) that is not a sports corporation; it is owned and operated by its club members.

History

Bilbao FC, Athletic Club and Club Bizcaya

Athletic Club with the first Copa del Rey in 1903.

Football was introduced to Bilbao by two distinct groups with British connections; British workers and Basque students returning from schools in Britain. In the late 19th century, Bilbao was a leading industrial town and attracted many migrant workers, including miners from the north-east of England, and shipyard workers from Southampton, Portsmouth and Sunderland. They brought with them the game of football, and came together to form Bilbao Football Club. Meanwhile, sons of the Basque educated classes went to Britain to complete their studies, developed an interest in football and on their return began to arrange games with British workers. In 1898, students founded the Athletic Club, using the English spelling.

In 1901, a meeting held in the Café García established more formal rules and regulations. In 1902, the two clubs formed a combined team, known as Bizcaya, in the first Copa del Rey and won the competition. This led to the eventual merger of the two clubs as Athletic Club in 1903. In the same year, Basque students also formed Athletic Club Madrid which later evolved into Atlético Madrid. The club itself declares 1898 as its foundation date.

Copa del Rey

The team which won the 1911 Copa del Rey

The club featured prominently in early Copas del Rey. Following the inaugural win by Club Bizcaya, the newly formed Athletic Bilbao won it again in 1903. In 1904, they were declared winners after their opponents failed to turn up. In 1907, they revived the name Club Vizcaya after entering a combined team with Union Vizcaino. After a brief lull, they won again in 1911 and then three times in a row between 1914 and 1916. The star was Pichichi, who scored the first goal at the San Mamés stadium in 1913 and a hat-trick in the 1915 cup final. The La Liga top scorer award is named in his honour.

The first La Liga

Other Basque clubs such as Real Unión, Arenas Club de Getxo and Real Sociedad were also founding members of La Liga in 1928 and by 1930 they were joined by CD Alavés; five of the ten clubs in the Primera División were from the Basque Country. The saying "Con cantera y afición, no hace falta importación", translated as "With home-grown teams and supporters, there is no need for imports", made sense during these early days.

The Fred Pentland Era

1930-31 La Liga winner team

In 1921, a new British coach, Fred Pentland, arrived; In 1923, he led the club to victory in the Copa del Rey. He revolutionised the way Athletic played, favouring the short-passing game. In 1927, Pentland left Athletic but returned in 1929 and led the club to La Liga/Copa del Rey doubles in 1930 and 1931. The club won the Copa del Rey four times in a row between 1930 and 1933 and they were also La Liga runners-up in 1932 and 1933. In 1931, Athletic defeated Barcelona 12–1, the latter's worst-ever defeat.

The league title under Garbutt

Athletic's success under British coaches continued with William Garbutt. His first season in Spain was a massive success as he managed to win the Liga[4] that year. He had inherited a talented squad which included strikers Guillermo Gorostiza and Bata.

Garbutt promoted the young Ángel Zubieta to the first team, a player who at 17 years of age went on to become the youngest ever to play for the Spanish national team[4] at the time. In the final game of the season, the title was decided when Athletic defeated Oviedo 2–0 at home on 19 April 1936, winning the title just two points clear of Real Madrid.[4] In July 1936, football halted due to the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. The league did not restart until the 1939–40 season. Athletic Club did not win the title again until 1943 and by that time Garbutt had been exiled.[4]

Atlético Bilbao

Basque derby of 1944, Real Sociedad vs. 'Atlético' Bilbao in the Atotxa stadium.

In 1941, the club changed its name to Atlético Bilbao, following a decree issued by Franco. The same year Telmo Zarra made his debut. He went on to score 294 goals in all competitions for Atlético. His 38 goals in the 1950–51 season stood as a record for 60 years.

Telmo Zarra, the club's all-time leading goalscorer

In 1943, the club won a double and retained the Copa in both 1944 and 1945. During the early 1950s, the club featured the legendary forward line of Zarra, Panizo, Rafa Iriondo, Venancio and Agustín Gaínza. They helped the club win another Copa del Generalisimo in 1950. Coach Ferdinand Daučík led the team to another double in 1956 and to more Copa victories in 1955 and 1958. In 1956 the club also made their debut in the European Cup.

The 1960s were dominated by Real Madrid, and Atlético only had a single Copa del Rey win in 1969, although the decade saw the emergence of a club legend, José Ángel Iribar.

Important 1970s-era players Dani (L) and Iribar (R) along with coach Aguirre (C)

The 1970s were not much better, with only another single Copa del Rey win in 1973. In December 1976, before a game against Real Sociedad, Iribar and Sociedad captain Inaxio Kortabarria carried out the Ikurriña, the Basque flag, and placed it ceremonially on the centre-circle – this was the first public display of the flag since the death of Francisco Franco. In 1977, the club reached the final of the UEFA Cup, only losing on away goals to Juventus. By then the Franco regime also ended and the club reverted to using the name Athletic.

The Clemente years

In 1981, Javier Clemente became manager. He put together one of the most successful teams in the club's history. In 1983 the club won La Liga, and in 1984 they won a La Liga/Copa del Rey double. In 1985 and 1986, Athletic finished third and fourth respectively. Clemente's Athletic acquired notoriety for its aggressive style of play. The club has failed to win a major trophy since the success of the era. A succession of coaches that included José Ángel Iribar, Howard Kendall, Jupp Heynckes and Javier Irureta and even a returning Clemente failed to reproduce his success.

The Fernández Era

In 1998, coach Luis Fernández led the club to second in La Liga and UEFA Champions League qualification. Fernández benefited from the club adopting a more flexible approach to the cantera. In 1995, Athletic had signed Joseba Etxeberria from regional rivals Real Sociedad, causing considerable bad feeling between the two clubs.[5] Etxeberria was a prominent member of the 1997–98 squad, along with Rafael Alkorta and Julen Guerrero.

21st century

The club narrowly avoided relegation during the 2005–06 and 2006–07 seasons, the latter being the worst in the club's history. In the Copa del Rey, they reached their first final in 24 years, losing 4–1 to Barcelona.[6]

Athletic Bilbao fans in Bucharest before the Europa League final

Prior to the 2011–12 season, Athletic's new president, former player Josu Urrutia, brought in coach Marcelo Bielsa;[7][8] Athletic advanced to their first European final since 1977, losing 3–0 to Spanish rivals Atlético Madrid on 9 May in the 2012 UEFA Europa League Final at the Arena Națională in Bucharest.[9] They also reached the 2012 Copa del Rey Final, losing again to Barcelona.[10]

After star midfielder Javi Martínez moved to FC Bayern Munich, Athletic were eliminated from the 2012–13 Europa League group stage, and were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Basque club Eibar of the third tier. Relegation was a threat until the end of the season, and the final league game at the "old" San Mamés ended in defeat to Levante. Athletic would soon move to a new stadium, albeit in a partially completed state. Bielsa promoted young French defender Aymeric Laporte into the side, while striker Fernando Llorente completed a free transfer to Juventus.[11][12]

'old' San Mamés in 2007
The 'new' San Mamés in a partially completed state in 2013

After Bielsa, Ernesto Valverde returned for a second spell as manager, and he signed or brought through several new players as Athletic came fourth in the league, meaning a UEFA Champions League campaign. Ander Herrera transferred to Manchester United for €36 million deal at the end of the season.[13][14]

Athletic had a triumphant first full-capacity match in the new San Mamés as they defeated Napoli to qualify for the Champions League group stage,[15] however they could only finish 3rd in the group.[16] Athletic reached the 2015 Copa del Rey Final, but once again lost to Barcelona, 3–1.[17]

In the first leg of the 2015 Supercopa de España at San Mamés, Athletic defeated Barcelona 4–0, with Aritz Aduriz scoring a hat-trick. In the return leg at Camp Nou, Athletic hung on with a 1–1 draw to win their first trophy since 1984.[18][19] Aduriz finished with 36 goals in all competitions. Athletic advanced to the quarter-finals in the Europa League where they were only defeated on penalties by the holders and eventual repeat winners Sevilla FC.

Ernesto Valverde left his position at the end of the 2016–17 season after four years.[20] It was confirmed that his successor would be former player José Ángel Ziganda, moving up from Bilbao Athletic.[21] On 29 November the club suffered a shock defeat to SD Formentera in the domestic cup.[22][23] At the conclusion of a poor season overall, Ziganda was dismissed and Eduardo Berizzo took over.

Club colours

Athletic's 1921 Copa del Rey team

Athletic began playing in an improvised white kit, but in the 1902–03 season, the club's first official strip became half-blue, half-white shirts similar to those worn by Blackburn Rovers, which were donated by Juan Moser. Later, a young student from Bilbao named Juan Elorduy, who was spending Christmas 1909 in London, was charged by the club to buy 25 new shirts, but was unable to find enough. Waiting for the ship back to Bilbao and empty handed, Elorduy realised that the colours of the local team Southampton matched the colours of the City of Bilbao, and bought 50 shirts to take with him. Upon arriving in Bilbao, the club's directors decided almost immediately to change the team's strip to the new colours, and since 1910, Athletic Club have played in red and white stripes. Of the 50 shirts bought by Elorduy, half were then sent to Atlético Madrid, which had originally begun as a youth branch of Athletic. Before the switch from blue and white to red and white, only one other team wore red and white, Sporting de Gijón, since 1905.[24][25]

Athletic centenary logo

Athletic were one of the last major clubs who did not have the logo of an official sponsor emblazoned on their kit. In the UEFA Cup and the Copa del Rey of 2004–05, the shirt sported the word "Euskadi" in green in exchange for hundreds of thousands of euros from the Basque Government[26] (Red, white and green are the Basque colours). This policy was changed in 2008, when Athletic made a deal with the Biscay-based Petronor oil company[27] to wear their logo in exchange for over €2 million. In 2011, Athletic revealed a new away kit that was inspired by the Basque flag. The Kutxabank logo now adorns the front of Athletic's kits.

Between 2001 and 2009 Athletic also manufactured their own playing kit, under the brand 100% Athletic and utilising the small design from their centenary celebrations as a manufacturer's logo.

Shield

1903 AC crest

Athletic's shield has incorporated the escutcheons of Bilbao and Biscay. From the shield of Bilbao, it takes the bridge and the church of San Anton, and the wolves from the powerful Haro family, who were lords of Biscay and founders of Bilbao in 1300. From the shield of Biscay it takes Guernica's tree and the cross of San Andrés. Its first documentary record dates from 1922.

1913 flag

Among its history, the shield of the club has been developing and changing in form. So, the first official shield was a blue circle with the letters A and C in the middle. The second one was from 1910, that was a red and white flag with a white square in the left side, in which there are the initials of the club. The third one, from 1913, was also a red and white flag, but in this case surrounding a platoon (this is similar to the Real Sociedad crest still in use today).

1922 shield

The first version of the actual shield is from 1922, it still was a really simple version that was changing of form with the years until having three different versions. Finally, in 1941 the first version of the current shield was created, but the name "Atlético Bilbao" was used when Generalissimo Francisco Franco outlawed all non-Spanish names during his fascist reign. In 1970, the club added colors to the shield and recovered the original English "Athletic Club" name. In 2008, the shape of the shield was slightly altered and a new "Athletic Club" typeface was introduced.

Players

Current squad

As of 17 August 2018[28]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Position Player
1 Spain GK Álex Remiro
2 Romania DF Cristian Ganea
3 Spain DF Unai Núñez
4 Spain DF Iñigo Martínez
5 Spain DF Yeray Álvarez
6 Spain DF Mikel San José
7 Spain MF Beñat Etxebarria
8 Spain MF Ander Iturraspe (2nd captain)
9 Spain FW Iñaki Williams
10 Spain MF Iker Muniain (3rd captain)
11 Spain MF Iñigo Córdoba
12 Spain DF Yuri Berchiche
13 Spain GK Iago Herrerín
No. Position Player
14 Spain MF Markel Susaeta (captain)
15 Spain DF Iñigo Lekue
16 Spain MF Dani García
17 Spain MF Mikel Rico
18 Spain MF Óscar de Marcos
20 Spain FW Aritz Aduriz
21 Spain MF Ander Capa
22 Spain MF Raúl García
23 Spain MF Unai López
24 Spain DF Mikel Balenziaga
25 Spain GK Unai Simón
30 Spain FW Gorka Guruzeta
31 Spain MF Peru Nolaskoain

Reserve team

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Position Player
26 Spain GK Hodei Oleaga
34 Spain MF Oihan Sancet

Out on loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Position Player
— Cameroon GK Christophe Atangana (at Leioa until 30 June 2019)
— Spain DF Xabier Etxeita (at Huesca until 30 June 2019)
— Spain DF Andoni López (at Almería until 30 June 2019)
No. Position Player
— Spain MF Mikel Vesga (at Leganés until 30 June 2019)
— Spain FW Sabin Merino (at Leganés until 30 June 2019)

Presidency

The current board is chaired by Josu Urrutia, consultant by profession, whose candidacy was successful during the election in July 2011, succeeding the previous president, Fernando García Macua.[29] There were a total of 22,176 votes, which accounted for 65.49% share of the voting members, reaching the maximum participation of the history of the Athletic. Urrutia was the winner with 12,057 votes (54.36%), while García Macua garnered 9,796 (44.17%). 165 (0.74%) members voted blank and 158 (0.71%) remaining votes were considered invalid.[30]

In March 2015, Urrutia was re-elected to serve another four-year term after being the only candidate to stand.[31]

The board of the Athletic Club is composed of the following directors:[32][33]

  • President: Josu Urrutia.
  • Vice-President: José Ángel Corres.
  • Secretary: Javier Aldazabal.
  • Vice-Secretary: Jon Muñoz.
  • Treasurer: Izaskun Larrieta.
  • Accountant: Alberto Uribe-Echevarria.
  • Board members: Ramón Alkorta, Genar Andrinua, Juan Arana, Elaia Gangoiti, Jokin Garatea, Izaskun Kortajarena, Yolanda Lázaro, Borja López, Laura Martínez, Silvia Muriel, Ignacio Palacios-Huerta.
  • Managing Director: Jon Berasategi.
  • General Secretary: Juan Ignacio Añibarro.
  • Sports Director: José María Amorrortu.

Managers

[34][35]

Dates Name
1910–11 England Mr. Shepherd
1914–16 England Billy Barnes
1916–19 No coach
1920 – May 1921 England Billy Barnes
May 1921 – 1 December 1921 England Mr. Burton
3 December 1921 – 20 March 1922 Spain Juan Arzuaga
22 March 1922 – 30 June 1925 England Fred Pentland
1 July 1925 – 30 June 1926 England Ralph Kirby
1 July 1926 – 30 June 1928 Hungary Lippo Hertzka
1 July 1928 – 30 June 1929 Spain Máximo Royo
1 July 1929 – 30 June 1933 England Fred Pentland
1 July 1933 – 28 August 1935 Spain Patricio Caicedo
28 August 1935 – 15 January 1936 Spain José María Olabarría
15 January 1936 – 30 June 1936 England William Garbutt
1938 – 10 November 1939 Spain Pedro Birichinaga
15 November 1939 – 30 June 1940 Spain Roberto Etxebarria
1 July 1940 – 10 November 1947 Spain Juan Urkizu
11 November 1947 – 30 June 1949 England Harry Bagge
1 July 1949 – 30 June 1952 Spain José Iraragorri
1 July 1952 – 30 June 1954 Spain Antonio Barrios
1 July 1954 – 30 June 1957 Czechoslovakia Ferdinand Daučík
1 July 1957 – 30 June 1958 Spain Baltasar Albéniz
Dates Name
1 July 1958 – 20 December 1960 Brazil Martim Francisco
20 December 1960 – 30 June 1962 Spain Juan Antonio Ipiña
1 July 1962 – 30 June 1963 Spain Ángel Zubieta
1 July 1963 – 30 June 1964 Spain Juan Otxoantezana
1 July 1964 – 30 June 1965 Spain Antonio Barrios
1 July 1965 – 25 October 1968 Spain Agustín Gaínza
25 October 1968 – 30 June 1969 Spain Rafael Iriondo
1 July 1969 – 15 November 1971 England Ronnie Allen
15 November 1971 – 30 June 1972 Spain Salvador Artigas
1 July 1972 – 30 June 1974 Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Milorad Pavić
1 July 1974 – 30 June 1976 Spain Rafael Iriondo
1 Ju1y 1976 – 30 June 1979 Spain Koldo Aguirre
1 July 1979 – 15 September 1980 Austria Helmut Senekowitsch
15 September 1980 – 30 June 1981 Spain Iñaki Sáez
1 July 1981 – 20 January 1986 Spain Javier Clemente
20 January 1986 – 30 June 1986 Spain Iñaki Sáez
1 July 1986 – 30 June 1987 Spain José Ángel Iribar
1 July 1987 – 12 November 1989 England Howard Kendall
13 November 1989 – 30 June 1990 Spain Txetxu Rojo
1 July 1990 – 17 March 1991 Spain Javier Clemente
17 March 1991 – 25 February 1992 Spain Iñaki Sáez
25 February 1992 – 30 June 1992 Spain Jesús Aranguren
Dates Name
1 July 1992 – 30 June 1994 Germany Jupp Heynckes
1 July 1994 – 19 March 1995 Spain Javier Irureta
20 March 1995 – 30 June 1995 Spain José María Amorrortu
1 July 1995 – 17 March 1996 Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Dragoslav Stepanović
18 March 1996 – 30 June 1996 Spain José María Amorrortu
1 July 1996 – 30 June 2000 France Luis Fernández
1 July 2000 – 30 June 2001 Spain Txetxu Rojo
1 July 2001 – 30 June 2003 Germany Jupp Heynckes
1 July 2003 – 30 June 2005 Spain Ernesto Valverde
1 July 2005 – 31 October 2005 Spain José Luis Mendilibar
31 October 2005 – 30 June 2006 Spain Javier Clemente
1 July 2006 – 27 November 2006 Spain Félix Sarriugarte
28 November 2006 – 18 June 2007 Spain Mané
1 July 2007 – 30 June 2011 Spain Joaquín Caparrós
7 July 2011 – 30 June 2013 Argentina Marcelo Bielsa
1 July 2013 – 25 May 2017 Spain Ernesto Valverde
25 May 2017 - 22 May 2018 Spain José Ángel Ziganda
31 May 2018 – Argentina Eduardo Berizzo

Kit evolution

1903 1910 1913 1950 1970 1982 1996 2004 2015

Shirt sponsors and manufacturers

Period[36] Kit manufacturer[36] Shirt sponsor[36]
1982–1990 Adidas None
1990–1999 Kappa
1999–2001 Adidas
2001–2008 100% Athletic
2008–2009 Petronor
2009–2013 Umbro
2013–2015 Nike[nb 1]
2015–2017 Kutxabank
2017–2023 New Balance[38]
  1. ↑ The English-based kit manufacturer Umbro took responsibility for supplying the team in 2009, having agreed to a long-term contract which expires in 2017.[37] However, since Nike sold subsidiary Umbro, the kits were manufactured by Nike from season 2013–14 onwards.

Honours

Domestic

Women's football

Results

Season League Cup[41] Europe Other Comp. Top scorer[42]
Div Pos P W D L F A Pts Name(s) Goals
2013–14 1D 4th 38 20 10 9 66 39 70 QF Aritz Aduriz 18
2014–15 1D 7th 38 15 10 13 42 41 55 RU Champions League GS Europa League R32 Aritz Aduriz 26
2015–16 1D 5th 38 18 8 12 58 45 62 QF Europa League QF Supercopa de España W Aritz Aduriz 36
2016–17 1D 7th 38 19 6 13 53 43 63 R16 Europa League R32 Aritz Aduriz 24
2017–18 1D 16th 38 10 13 15 41 49 43 R32 Europa League R16 Aritz Aduriz 20

Pos. = Position; Pl. = Match played; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Lost; GS = Goal Scored; GA = Goal Against; Pts = Points
Colors: Gold = winner; Silver = runner-up; Cyan = ongoing

Champion Runner-up Champions League classified Europa League classified Zarra Trophy

Statistics and records

Statistics

Institutional information:

  • Associates: 44,560
  • Official fans groups: 452.
  • Budget: €95,879,400 (2016–17 season).
  • TV income: €71,000,000 (2016–17 season)

Best positions

  • Seasons in La Liga: all.[43]
  • Best position in La Liga: 1st (8 times)
  • Worst position in La Liga: 17th (once).
  • Historical position in the ranking of La Liga: 5th[44]
  • Best position in UEFA Champions League / European Cup: Quarter Final (1957)
  • Best position in UEFA Europa League / UEFA Cup: Runner-up (1977, 2012)
  • Entries in UEFA competitions: 32 (until 2017–18 season)
5 Participations in the UEFA Champions League / European Cup
18 Participations in the UEFA Europa League / UEFA Cup
2 Participations in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup
6 Participations in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup
1 Participations in the UEFA Intertoto Cup

Goals records

  • Most goals scored in one match home: Athletic 12 – Barcelona 1 (1930–31).
  • Most goals scored in one match away: Osasuna 1 – Athletic 8 (1958–59).
  • Most goals scored in one match in Copa del Rey: Athletic 12 – Celta Vigo 1 (1946–47)
  • Most goals scored in one match in European competitions: Belgium Standard Liège 1 – Athletic 7 (2004–05).

Players records

Records

  • Together with Real Madrid and Barcelona, Athletic is one of only three teams to have contested all editions of La Liga, without ever having been relegated.[53]
  • In the 1929–30 season, finished the league unbeaten after 18 games.[53]
  • Has the record for the biggest win in La Liga (12–1 to Barcelona, in 1931).[53]
  • Has the record for the biggest win in Copa del Rey (12–1 to Celta Vigo, in 1947).[53]
  • Has the record for the biggest win away to Real Madrid (0–6 in Santiago Bernabéu), Barcelona (0–6 in Camp Nou), Espanyol (1–5) and Osasuna (1–8).[53]
  • Telmo Zarra is the only player in the history of La Liga to be top scorer six times.[53]
  • Zarra is the top scorer in the history of Copa del Rey (81 goals).[53]
  • Gaínza has the record of most goals scored in a single La Liga match (8 goals).[53]
  • Zarra holds the record for most goals in a Copa del Rey final (4 goals).[53]

Stadium information

Panoramic view of San Mames stadium.

San Mames

  • Name: San Mamés
  • Nickname: La Catedral (The Cathedral)
  • City: Bilbao
  • Opened: September 2013
  • Capacity: 53,289[2]
  • Beginning construction: 25 May 2010.
  • End construction (partial): September 2013.
  • End construction (total): August 2014.
  • Pitch size: 105 m × 68 m (344 ft × 223 ft)
  • Sports Facilities: Lezama

Lezama Facilities

The Lezama Facilities is the complex where all of the categories of Athletic train. It was opened in the 1971–72 season, under the presidency of Felix Oráa. At present, facilities include, inter alia, five natural grass fields, a gymnasium, a pediment, a medical center and a residence for young players. Lezama has undergone remodeling since 1995 under the presidency of José María Arrate with the construction of new roads and parking entry and exit able to absorb the large number of vehicles that come every day, and a platform cover bringing greater convenience to fans attending the matches of the youth teams and other youth football teams.

These facilities are located in the municipality of Lezama, approximately ten miles from Bilbao.

Future

The Board has given the green light to the so-called "Lezama Master Plan", which was founded with the purpose of modernizing the structures of both the youth teams and first team. The "Plan" is the result of a rigorous study of the basic needs for the future of the Athletic Club. The work will take place over the course of two to three years and its budget is around €12 million. The Club is committed to consolidate its cantera structure, which is the basis for the future of the Club and in this regard Lezama will be expanded to classrooms for youth work in the lower categories and create an audiovisual department.

See also

References

  1. ↑ ".: Athletic Club - Official Site". Athletic-club.eus. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  2. 1 2 "UEFA EURO 2020 Evaluation Report" (PDF). Uefa.com. Retrieved 2017-01-23.
  3. ↑ "Official name". Athletic-club.net. Archived from the original on 13 June 2010. Retrieved 3 December 2009.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Edgerton, Paul. (2009). William Garbutt. The father of Italian football. Cheltenham, England: Sportsbooks Ltd. pp. 117–124. ISBN 978-1899807826.
  5. ↑ Ball, Phil (2001). Morbo: the story of Spanish football (p.37). WSC Books Limited. ISBN 9780954013462.
  6. ↑ "El Barça se corona por aplastamiento" [Barça crowned in a crushing] (in Spanish). Marca. 13 May 2009. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  7. ↑ Josu Urrutia confirma a Marcelo Bielsa como su entrenador si es presidente (Josu Urrutia confirms Marcelo Bielsa as his manager if he is president); Cadena SER, 30 June 2011 (in Spanish)
  8. ↑ Bielsa: "Hay una proporción adecuada entre esfuerzo y creatividad" (Bielsa: "The proportion between effort and creativity is just right"); Marca, 7 July 2011 (in Spanish)
  9. ↑ Atkin, John (9 May 2012). "Falcao at double as Atlético march to title". UEFA.com. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  10. ↑ "Barcelona end Guardiola era with Copa del Rey win over Athletic Bilbao". The Guardian. 26 May 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  11. ↑ "Fernando Llorente to hold talks with Juventus, Athletic Bilbao confirm". The Guardian. 3 January 2013. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  12. ↑ "Llorente unveiled as a Juve player". Football España. 2 July 2013. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  13. ↑ "Herrera pays release clause". athletic-club.net (Athletic Bilbao). 26 June 2014. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  14. ↑ "Club statement on Ander Herrera". Manchester United F.C. 26 June 2014. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  15. ↑ "Aduriz relishing Athletic's group stage adventure". UEFA.com. 28 August 2014. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  16. ↑ "San José shows way for Athletic at Shakhtar". UEFA.com. 25 November 2014. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  17. ↑ "Lionel Messi stars as Barcelona win Copa Del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao". Eurosport. 30 May 2015. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  18. ↑ "Barcelona thrashed 4–0 by Bilbao". BBC Sport. 14 August 2015. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
  19. ↑ "Barcelona lose Spanish Super Cup to Athletic Bilbao". BBC Sport. 17 August 2015. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
  20. ↑ "Ernesto Valverde will not continue as premier team coach". official website. Athletic Bilbao. 23 May 2017. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  21. ↑ "José Ángel Ziganda, Athletic Club's new manager". official website. Athletic Bilbao. 24 May 2017. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
  22. ↑ "Goodbye to the cup". Athletic Bilbao. 29 November 2017. Retrieved 30 November 2017.
  23. ↑ "Formentera loss plunges Athletic into crisis". Marca. 30 November 2017. Retrieved 30 November 2017.
  24. ↑ Agiriano, Jon. "Los Colores del Siglo". Canalathletic.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 28 February 2011.
  25. ↑ "Camisetas Inglesas (In Spanish)" (PDF). Athletic Club. Retrieved 28 February 2011.
  26. ↑ La estrenan mañana Archived 20 June 2007 at the Wayback Machine., Deia daily, 30 November 2004.
  27. ↑ El Athletic firma con Petronor un acuerdo para lucir publicidad en su camiseta por 2 millones de euros, Europa Press, 29 July 2008.
  28. ↑ "Athletic Club - 2018-19". Athletic Club. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
  29. ↑ "Presidents history". Athletic Bilbao. Retrieved 24 September 2017.
  30. ↑ "Josu Urrutia, new president". Athletic Bilbao. 7 July 2011. Retrieved 24 September 2017.
  31. ↑ "Urrutia será proclamado presidente el próximo 20 de marzo" [Urrutia to be proclaimed president the next 20 March] (in Spanish). El Correo. 8 March 2015. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
  32. ↑ "Current directors". Athletic Bilbao. Retrieved 24 September 2017.
  33. ↑ "Institutional information". Athletic Bilbao. Retrieved 24 September 2017.
  34. ↑ "Coaches summary". Athletic Bilbao. Retrieved 24 September 2017.
  35. ↑ "Athletic Club: Managers". BD Futbol. Retrieved 24 September 2017.
  36. 1 2 3 "Wayback Machine" (PDF). 5 December 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 December 2010. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  37. ↑ "Acuerdo con Umbro". Athletic-club.net. Retrieved 10 March 2012.
  38. ↑ "Agreement between Athletic and New Balance". official website. Athletic Bilbao. 22 May 2017. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
  39. ↑ "Spain – Cup 1902". Rsssf.com. 2000-09-15. Retrieved 2017-01-23.
  40. ↑ "La FEF no reconocerá al Barça la Liga del año 37" [The FEF will not recognize Barça's League in 1937]. Diario AS (in Spanish). 3 April 2009. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  41. ↑ "Spanish Cup Winners". Rsssf.com. Archived from the original on 2 January 2010. Retrieved 3 December 2009.
  42. ↑ Goals scored in all competitions.
  43. ↑ "Classic club: Athletic Bilbao". FIFA. Archived from the original on 15 September 2011. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  44. ↑ Ranking of La Liga
  45. 1 2 "Muniain se cita con la historia" [Muniain has an appointment with history]. Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). 30 July 2009. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  46. 1 2 "Iker Muniain, con 16 años, se convierte en el segundo jugador más joven en debutar con el Athletic" [Iker Muniain, 16, becomes the second youngest player to debut with Athletic]. Europa Press (in Spanish). 31 July 2009. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  47. 1 2 "Iker Muniain, el jugador más joven en debutar con el Athletic" [Iker Muniain, the youngest player to debut for Athletic]. El Correo (in Spanish). 20 July 2009. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  48. ↑ "Los 15 jugadores más veteranos de la Liga: Valerón estará en la lista" [The 15 most veteran players of the League: Valerón will be on the list]. El Confidencial (in Spanish). 23 June 2015. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  49. ↑ "Aduriz, el jugador más veterano en marcar con el Athletic en Liga" [Aduriz, the oldest player to score with Athletic in the League] (in Spanish). Marca. 10 December 2017. Retrieved 20 May 2018.
  50. ↑ "Iñigo Martínez signing". Athletic Bilbao. 30 January 2018. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
  51. ↑ "Athletic Bilbao sign Inigo Martinez to replace Aymeric Laporte". Goal.com. 30 January 2018. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  52. ↑ "Kepa Arrizabalaga: Chelsea sign Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper in world record deal". BBC Sport. 8 August 2018. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
  53. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Athletic Club Records". Athletic-club.net. Retrieved 12 May 2015.

Notes

  1. ↑ The number of Copa wins Athletic Club have been credited with is disputed. The 1902 Copa de la Coronación was won by Club Bizcaya, a team made up of players from Athletic Club and Bilbao FC. In 1903 these two clubs merged as Athletic Club. The 1902 cup is on display in the Athletic museum[39] and the club includes it in its own honours list. However LFP and RFEF official statistics do not regard this as an official edition of the Copa del Rey won by Athletic.[40]
  2. ↑ Cup awarded automatically as the club won both the Copa del Rey and La Liga.
  3. ↑ The "Eva Duarte Cup" competition was the predecessor of the current "Spanish Supercup", with the league champion meeting the winner of the "Copa del Rey".
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