Defiantly Local: How Athletic Club Thrives With a Unique Identity

Identity Over Imports – Inside Athletic Club’s Proud Success

In the modern football era of billion-euro transfers and global scouting networks, Athletic Club Bilbao stand apart.

They are one of Spain’s most decorated teams, with 8 La Liga titles, 24 Copa del Rey trophies, and zero relegations since the league began in 1929. But beyond accolades, what truly defines them is a century-old policy: they only field players from the Basque Country.

“Even people who don’t like football in Bilbao still care about Athletic,” says local journalist Benat Gutierrez.

A Club Like No Other

Athletic Club—often known simply as Athletic—are fiercely Basque in identity.

Their Cantera policy, in place since 1912, allows only players who were either:

• Born in the Basque region, or

• Trained at a Basque academy

  to represent the club.

This applies to both the men’s and women’s teams, making them a true outlier in global football.

“It’s not just about the football,” says lifelong fan Gaizka Atxa. “It’s about the sense of community and belonging.”

Who Qualifies as ‘Basque’?

Athletic celebrated winning the Copa del Rey on their barge ‘La Gabarra’ by sailing down the Nervion river, which passes through the centre of Bilbao

Athletic’s recruitment is limited to the seven provinces of the historical Basque Country:

• Biscay, Gipuzkoa, Alava, Navarre (Spain)

• Labourd, Soule, Lower Navarre (France)

“It creates a personal connection,” says Atxa. “You hear people say: ‘My cousin went to school with Unai Simón’, or ‘I know someone who built Iñaki Williams’ house’.”

Winning Without Compromise

Despite their narrow recruitment pool, Athletic are thriving:

• In 2024, they ended a 40-year wait for silverware, winning the Copa del Rey.

• In 2025, they finished 4th in La Liga, qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in 11 years.

“It showed we can still compete with the best,” says Atxa. “Over a million people celebrated with the players on a river barge. It was emotional.”

Built From the Ground Up

Athletic celebrated winning a 24th Copa del Rey in 2024 – their first since 1984

Athletic’s success is no accident. The club invests heavily in youth development:

• Works with 180+ grassroots clubs across the Basque Country

• Provides coaching support, tech, education and long-term relationships

“The philosophy is restrictive, but we believe in it,” says sporting director Mikel Gonzalez.

“It keeps our bond with the community strong.”

Tight Bonds, Stronger Teams

Limiting transfers results in greater team chemistry.

“You can’t just sell 10 and buy 10 like other clubs,” Gutierrez explains.

“Our players often grew up together. They’ve played against or alongside each other since childhood.”

This cohesion, combined with a shared culture, gives them a mental edge—even against technically superior opponents.

“That unity makes up for any lack of flair,” adds journalist Janire Fragua.

“There’s a competitiveness that comes from belonging—to a region, a culture, a club.”

Tradition Under Pressure?

Only Barcelona (31) have won the Copa del Rey more times than Athletic (24)

Modern football has tempted many clubs to abandon traditions in the chase for trophies. Not Athletic.

“There’s been debate,” Fragua admits. “But even in tough seasons, we’ve never abandoned our values.”

“To us, it’s about more than winning two or three extra games,” says fan Aitor Salinas-Armendariz.

“It’s about who we are.”

A Global Outlier With Local Roots

In a football world driven by foreign investors and international marketing, Athletic Club remain proudly local—and increasingly admired for it.

“Being the odd one out gives us global relevance,” says Gutierrez.

For Athletic, success isn’t just found in trophies, but in loyalty, identity, and a shared story—one that binds fans and players through Basque blood, pride, and passion.