Athletic Bilbao, founded in 1898, stands as one of football’s most unique clubs with its celebrated Basque-only player policy, competing in Spain’s top flight throughout its history while winning eight Copa del Rey titles and maintaining its iconic red-and-white striped home shirts with black shorts that have become synonymous with Basque identity, complemented by either black, green or blue away kits, with legendary players like prolific goalscorer Telmo Zarra who holds the club’s scoring records, midfield genius José Ángel Iribar who became a Basque football icon, modern-era stars like striker Aritz Aduriz and defender Andoni Iraola, and current talents like Iñaki Williams, all embodying the club’s distinctive philosophy and deep connection to Basque culture that has made them one of world football’s most respected institutions.
