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Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao is a professional football club based in Bilbao, Spain. The club was founded in 1898 by a group of British and Basque students. It is one of the oldest football clubs in Spain and has a rich history and tradition.

Stadium

Athletic Bilbao plays its home matches at the San Mamés Stadium, also known as San Mamés Barria. The stadium was inaugurated in 2013 and has a seating capacity of over 53,000 spectators. It is known for its unique design and modern facilities.

Nickname and History

Athletic Bilbao is commonly known as "Los Leones" (The Lions) due to the club's strong ties to the Basque Country and its symbol, the lion. The club has a unique policy of only fielding players of Basque origin or those who have been developed in the Basque Country. This policy has been in place since the club's inception and is a source of pride for the fans.

The club's history is closely linked to the development of football in Spain. Athletic Bilbao was one of the founding members of La Liga, the top professional football league in Spain, and has been a consistent presence in the league since its establishment in 1929.

Notable Players

Athletic Bilbao has produced many talented players throughout its history. Some of the most notable players who have had the opportunity to play for the club include Telmo Zarra, who is the all-time leading goal scorer in La Liga, and Andoni Zubizarreta, one of the most successful Spanish goalkeepers of all time.

Top Strikers

Athletic Bilbao has had a number of top strikers who have made significant contributions to the team's success. Some of the notable strikers include Aritz Aduriz, who is the club's all-time leading goal scorer in European competitions, and Fernando Llorente, who had a successful spell at the club before moving to other top European clubs.

History of Achievements

Athletic Bilbao has a rich history of achievements. The club has won the Spanish league title on eight occasions, with the most recent triumph coming in the 1983-1984 season. They have also won the Copa del Rey, the premier domestic cup competition in Spain, on 23 occasions, making them the second most successful club in the competition's history.

In addition to domestic success, Athletic Bilbao has also had notable performances in European competitions. The club reached the final of the UEFA Europa League in the 2011-2012 season, narrowly losing to Atletico Madrid.

Participation in Competitions

Athletic Bilbao regularly participates in various competitions at both domestic and international levels. The club competes in La Liga, the top professional football league in Spain, and also takes part in the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Europa League, and other domestic and international tournaments.

For more information about the club's participation in specific competitions, you can visit the following links:

• La Liga
• Copa del Rey
• UEFA Europa League

Athletic Bilbao's commitment to its Basque identity and its unique player policy have made it a beloved and respected club in Spanish football. The team's passionate fans, known as "Los Leones," continue to support the club through thick and thin, making Athletic Bilbao a true symbol of Basque pride.