Athletic Club, commonly referred to as simply Athletic Bilbao, is one of the oldest and most unique football clubs in Spain. Founded in 1898, the club hails from the city of Bilbao in the Basque Country. They play their home games at the San Mamés Stadium, also known as La Catedral – a sacred place for football fans in Spain.

What really sets Athletic apart is their policy: the club only field players born or trained in the Basque Country. This is rare in modern football, where clubs often scout worldwide. Despite this self-imposed restriction, Athletic has always remained competitive and has a deep cultural significance for the region.

Athletic is one of only three clubs, along with Real Madrid and Barcelona, ​​to have never been relegated from the Spanish top flight. They have won multiple La Liga titles and Copa del Rey trophies, and are known for their hard work, team spirit and strong bond with their fans.