Athletic Club Bilbao

Athletic Club, also known as Athletic Bilbao, is a football club from the Basque Country of Spain that plays on behalf of its city. They have played continuously in the first division since 1928 and have won 8 championships. They are one of the few teams that have never been relegated! Alongside Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, they also hold the title for most wins against these two teams with a total of 24 victories, which was only achieved in mid-2009 when Barca surpassed this record by a cup win (Copa del Rey). The Spanish lions are no ordinary cats. The nickname "los leones" (the lions) comes from Saint Mamas, who in Christian times was thrown to a wild animal to eat, but was not eaten and was therefore also canonized! Next to the San Mamés stadium there is also an old church dedicated specifically to this saint - it is called the "Cathedral of Football".

Athletic Bilbao are a notoriously loyal club and their players have shown great dedication to their team. Only players from the Basque provinces of Spain are eligible, as are graduates or children who grew up with one of these teams.