Athletic Club’s Basque-Only Player Policy Explained

Bilbao, the capital of Spain’s Basque Country, has a deeply idiosyncratic culture. It is a part of Spain, yet completely unique. Unsurprisingly, this bleeds into their football as well. As a beacon for the Basque people, Athletic Bilbao have come to fly the region’s flag in Spain.

One of the most singular facets of the club is their ‘Basque-only’ player policy. It’s an aspect of the club that operates both in the realm of identity and economy with multifaceted repercussions in each.

You can also follow Tifo Football elsewhere:

Podcasts | iTunes

Podcasts | SoundCloud

Produced by Tifo Studios: Taking an illustrated look into the beautiful game.

#AthleticBilbao #LaLiga #Basque

[Samouraii]

Meanwhile in FIFA Career mode:

Joe Allen signs for Athletic Club Bilbao

[hakim]

For a club with such a limited scouting pool they've overachieved so much. Nothing but respect for Athletic.

[ArvindSidhu]

An incredibly unique club. May they never be relegated and remain a testament to La Liga

[_MrMoney]

Fun fact: Atletico Madrid was founded by Athletic Bilbao fans that were living in Madrid, that's why both badges are so similar

[abhirammsd]

Fantastic video. Would love to know about the decline of Dutch clubs in European competitions.

[mankala]

I'm from Bilbao and even though I love football as a sport I absolutely despise the bussiness that surrounds modern football. Thats why I'm in love with Athletic, two of my family members founded this team in 1898 and I will forever support the policy that comes with such a historical team.


I'd rather be relegated than abandon our philosophy.

[debajyotighosh]

Uniqueness is their main asset. I love Athletic Bilbao for this uniqueness one of the best club for a reason..

[ibaiEH]

Bixente Lizarazu is basque. The basque country is formed by 7 provinces, 3 in the french state and 4 in the spanish state. Bixente is from Donibane Lohitzune (Saint Jean de Luz in french), which is in Lapurdi (Labourd), one of the 7 basque provinces. He was perfectly signable and there wasn't any discussion about it.

[TheShadowman]

I hope clubs like Athletic Bilbao and Chivas De Guadalajara never change their only on players

[bradlee]

This video was constructed brilliantly and the script was spoken amazingly. Hats off here, credit when it’s due

[varolussalsanclar]

Clubs like Athletic Bilbao are the only hope for football still remaining the game everyone fell in love with in the first place. Now teams like man united/city, chelsea, etc main aim is to gain revenue from broadcasting and merchandising.

[papidaddypapidaddy]

It would been nicer if you mentioned our achievements
8 leagues
24 cups
3 supercups
We remain to our rules but we still compete in a really high level

[monsieuraymeric]

Quick correction. Lizarazu was allowed to play with Athletic Bilbao not because he played for nearby Bordeaux but because he was born in Saint-Jean-de-Luz which is in French basque country. Aymeric Laporte was a harder move to pull for Bilbao since his basque connection was that his grandfather was born there.

[rgqwerty]

If basque become independent, they would be up there with Iceland and Uruguay as countries punching well above their weight. A very good team with only 2 million basque people to choose from

[elzurdorodriguez]

Javi Martinez once was the most expensive player in the history of the Bundesliga once he signed for Bayern Munich and Iñaki Williams fulfills all the requirements: He was born in the Basque Country, hence he is Basque, and formed in Lezama.

[omarsantos]

Incredibly enough, Athletic Bilbao have won more Copa Del Rey trophies than Real Madrid...

[zzaaazz]

This is my favorite European Club, just because of this!

[NaruBATTLES]

I love clubs like these. They are truly passionate and unique. It is quite interesting to learn about these wonderful clubs. Great job Bilbao, great club.

[jonsuero]

Guys, honestly, I really appreciate your comments regarding my team. I grew up with an Athletic shirt. My school mates were Athletic supporters, same as my family, friends, teachers, my friend's families, my girlfriend, the policeman who did fine me, my Karate teacher and so on. Everyone in Biscay is an Athletic Club fan, even if they don't like football. Athletic Club is for us the same as your neighborhood or town team. We all support him because of our neighbor, school mate, friend, etc plays in it. Athletic Club is our team because our people play in it.

[rissipenv]

My favorite club is Athletic and has been for almost 15 years. I will never stop cheering for them. An example in a horrible modern football world where corruption and money has taken over. Basque cycling has the same ideology which I love too.