Athletico Bilbao’s signing policy - Basque players only

Napoleon Wilson

Napoleon Wilson

Well-Known Member
Apologies if already posted or common knowledge.

Was just reading up on Bilbao and apparently they only sign players from the Basque region

en.m.wikipedia.org

Athletic Bilbao signing policy - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org en.m.wikipedia.org

Since 1912, the Spanish footballclub Athletic Bilbao has had an unwritten rule whereby the club will only sign players who were born in the Basque Country or who learned their football skills at a Basque club youth players have also been invited to join due to ancestral links to the region, but no senior players have been signed based on Basque heritage alone.

The policy is related to Basque nationalism<a and has been praised as a way to promote local talent, although it has been criticised as being discriminatory.
 
It's incredible they alone with Real and Barcelona are the only teams never to have been relegated with such a small pool of players to choose from. Still can't stand them though
 
Greggy83 said:
It's incredible they alone with Real and Barcelona are the only teams never to have been relegated with such a small pool of players to choose from. Still can't stand them though
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They’ve come close to relegation a few times. Those are the times you hear the most debate about whether it’s a sustainable policy of course.

To the outside world it’s seen as a David v Goliath story. Inside the Basque Country they’re very much seen as the giant bad guy hoovering up every other club’s players
 
Greggy83 said:
It's incredible they alone with Real and Barcelona are the only teams never to have been relegated with such a small pool of players to choose from. Still can't stand them though
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When was the last time Barca actually had a Catalan only side? Got to be a few decades?
 
Would be interesting as to what our team would be if we had a Glasgow / West of Scotland equivalent.

Could probably have a decent team if we had players like Patterson and Lewis Ferguson then managed to keep them.
 
Jack Flash said:
Where's the anti-discrimination outcry?
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They're not so cringey and desperate to be victims in Spain and Portugal.

I've read a fair few articles in Spanish and Portuguese publications when we've played their teams and we are frequently referred to as "The Protestant Club of Scotland" with no hint of demonising or criticising. It's just our identity for them.
 
elbufalo said:
Would be interesting as to what our team would be if we had a Glasgow / West of Scotland equivalent.

Could probably have a decent team if we had players like Patterson and Lewis Ferguson then managed to keep them.
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Wasn't it the case that the scum team who won the European Cup were all born in a tenement on Janefield Street or something? Allegedly.
 
I heard about them calling their managers Mr recently;

Origins of the "Mr." Tradition​

The term "Mister" (often shortened to "Mr.") became a common way to address football managers in Spain due to the influx of British coaches during the sport's formative years in the country. At Athletic Bilbao, this was especially prominent. One of the most notable figures was Fred Pentland, an Englishman who managed the club in two spells between 1922–1925 and 1929–1933. Pentland was affectionately known as "Mr. Pentland" and became a beloved figure in Bilbao, renowned for his tactical innovations and his trademark bowler hat.

Another English coach, Howard Kendall, who managed Athletic Bilbao from 1987 to 1989, was also referred to as "Mr. Kendall." His respectful demeanor and commitment to the club's heritage endeared him to fans, and he is remembered as a legend in Bilbao.

Influence on Spanish Football Culture​

The use of "Mister" to address football managers became ingrained in Spanish football culture, extending beyond Athletic Bilbao. This form of address was a direct result of the British influence on the sport in Spain, with many clubs adopting the term as a sign of respect for their coaches.

In summary, the tradition of calling football managers "Mr." in Spain, and particularly at Athletic Bilbao, originated from the early British influence on the sport. This practice has become a lasting legacy, reflecting the deep respect and admiration for those early pioneers who shaped Spanish football.
 
Chivas Guadalajara is the only football club in Mexico that does not sign foreign players unless they are of Mexican descent
 
TheCanonburyCaniggia said:
Isnt this essentially discrimination in this day and age? I respect it but if this was us we would be accused of all sorts of racism and hate. We moved on from our limiting transfer policy but they are applauded because they have a left wing following so that must make it not discrimination in their eyes.
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Technically they are signing Spanish players.

When they present their official squad to the Spanish authorities, it says "nationality: Spanish".

But I do know where you are coming from.
 
Big Joke New said:
Wasn't it the case that the scum team who won the European Cup were all born in a tenement on Janefield Street or something? Allegedly.
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They were all born in a cellar up a tenement close, and had one second-hand football boot to share amongst all of them. The greatest football story ever told. :))
 
Coruña Loyal said:
Technically they are signing Spanish players.

When they present their official squad to the Spanish authorities, it says "nationality: Spanish".

But I do know where you are coming from.
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That can also sign played from the French part of the Basque Country. Bixente Lizarazu played for Bilbao but also for France

I get threatened by ETA for doing so
 
broxis11 said:
I heard about them calling their managers Mr recently;

Origins of the "Mr." Tradition​

The term "Mister" (often shortened to "Mr.") became a common way to address football managers in Spain due to the influx of British coaches during the sport's formative years in the country. At Athletic Bilbao, this was especially prominent. One of the most notable figures was Fred Pentland, an Englishman who managed the club in two spells between 1922–1925 and 1929–1933. Pentland was affectionately known as "Mr. Pentland" and became a beloved figure in Bilbao, renowned for his tactical innovations and his trademark bowler hat.

Another English coach, Howard Kendall, who managed Athletic Bilbao from 1987 to 1989, was also referred to as "Mr. Kendall." His respectful demeanor and commitment to the club's heritage endeared him to fans, and he is remembered as a legend in Bilbao.

Influence on Spanish Football Culture​

The use of "Mister" to address football managers became ingrained in Spanish football culture, extending beyond Athletic Bilbao. This form of address was a direct result of the British influence on the sport in Spain, with many clubs adopting the term as a sign of respect for their coaches.

In summary, the tradition of calling football managers "Mr." in Spain, and particularly at Athletic Bilbao, originated from the early British influence on the sport. This practice has become a lasting legacy, reflecting the deep respect and admiration for those early pioneers who shaped Spanish football.
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The name Mr Pentland will send shivers down the spine of long term posters on here. Absolute crackerjack.
 
Greggy83 said:
That can also sign played from the French part of the Basque Country. Bixente Lizarazu played for Bilbao but also for France

I get threatened by ETA for doing so
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Why would ETA threaten him for playing for France? They have had plenty Basques play for Spain.
 
It's a great thing that a club like that exist in the top flight of one the biggest leagues in world. Couldn't give a monkeys about the politics of it, it can be commended on its merits. I bet they swallow up a lot of local talent and I am sure it has it's downsides for football in the baque country also, afterall everything has it's downsides.

Reading a little about it There is a bit of wiggle room in their rule, Djalo was born in Madrid but played his youth football in Basque. So I guess in theory Foreign nationals could play provided they developed their football in Basque
 
It’s a really interesting concept.

Real mix of a squad as there’s definitely players in there who wouldn’t be playing for that kind of club had the policy not been in place.
 
DM55 said:
It's a great thing that a club like that exist in the top flight of one the biggest leagues in world. Couldn't give a monkeys about the politics of it, it can be commended on its merits. I bet they swallow up a lot of local talent and I am sure it has it's downsides for football in the baque country also, afterall everything has it's downsides.

Reading a little about it There is a bit of wiggle room in their rule, Djalo was born in Madrid but played his youth football in Basque. So I guess in theory Foreign nationals could play provided they developed their football in Basque
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Aye it seems quite flimsy now.

I think if you have spent a weekend in San Sebastian at any point they'll sign you.
 
GovanFront4 said:
Why would ETA threaten him for playing for France? They have had plenty Basques play for Spain.
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LIZARAZU RECEIVES ETA THREAT

LIZARAZU RECEIVES ETA THREAT
www.skysports.com www.skysports.com

LIZARAZU RECEIVES ETA THREAT

FRENCH international full back Bixente Lizarazu has been ordered to pay a "revolutionary tax" by Basque separatist group ETA for playing for France - an "enemy country".

Lizarazu received the letter at his parent's home and was told he would he and his properties would be at risk if he did not pay up.

The 31-year-old Bayern Munich defender, who was born in Saint-Jean-de-Luz on the Basque coast of France, has been put under protection.

ETA's statement read: "You have been well paid to wear the shirt of an oppressor with money stolen from the Basque people and Basque region.

"Given these enemy payments, ETA is writing to you because it has big economic needs to continue its fight.

"A non-response on your behalf could lead to a response against you and your belongings."

The news will be especially disappointing for Lizarazu as he is close to the region, having played for a Basque representative side in the past - as well as Athletic Bilbao in the 1996/97 season.

This is the latest bad news for Lizarazu, whose season thus far has been disrupted due to back and calf injuries.

The Basque region consists of the Southern West tip of France and the North of Spain from Bilbao to the Pyrenees.

The area is particularly strong football-wise boasting four of the 23 teams in the Primera Liga - including Real Sociedad, Alaves, Osasuna and Athletic Bilbao.

Indeed, Athletic to this day only field Basque players although they have employed a host of foreign coaches including Howard Kendall, Guus Hiddink, and most successfully Luis Fernandez - who guided them to a Champions League spot in 1998 - before leaving at the end of last season.
 
Apparently the reason behind Sociedad loosening their rules on basque only in the late 80s was due to Bilbao being the big power within the region and Sociedad could never compete with them when trying to sign the best local players.
 
In a word ,no.
Pick who you want
TheCanonburyCaniggia said:
Isnt this essentially discrimination in this day and age? I respect it but if this was us we would be accused of all sorts of racism and hate. We moved on from our limiting transfer policy but they are applauded because they have a left wing following so that must make it not discrimination in their eyes.
Click to expand...
 
Stevie13000 said:
This , Rangers were hounded by all and sundry for only signing certain players .
Click to expand...

Scottish religion demographics dictated most of that. We've had Catholic players since our beginnings. Celtic, on the other hand, went totally against the demographics and only signed Catholics for decades.
 
broxis11 said:
I heard about them calling their managers Mr recently;

Origins of the "Mr." Tradition​

The term "Mister" (often shortened to "Mr.") became a common way to address football managers in Spain due to the influx of British coaches during the sport's formative years in the country. At Athletic Bilbao, this was especially prominent. One of the most notable figures was Fred Pentland, an Englishman who managed the club in two spells between 1922–1925 and 1929–1933. Pentland was affectionately known as "Mr. Pentland" and became a beloved figure in Bilbao, renowned for his tactical innovations and his trademark bowler hat.

Another English coach, Howard Kendall, who managed Athletic Bilbao from 1987 to 1989, was also referred to as "Mr. Kendall." His respectful demeanor and commitment to the club's heritage endeared him to fans, and he is remembered as a legend in Bilbao.

Influence on Spanish Football Culture​

The use of "Mister" to address football managers became ingrained in Spanish football culture, extending beyond Athletic Bilbao. This form of address was a direct result of the British influence on the sport in Spain, with many clubs adopting the term as a sign of respect for their coaches.

In summary, the tradition of calling football managers "Mr." in Spain, and particularly at Athletic Bilbao, originated from the early British influence on the sport. This practice has become a lasting legacy, reflecting the deep respect and admiration for those early pioneers who shaped Spanish football.
Click to expand...
I'd read that before but asked a Spanish colleague about it & he'd said he'd never heard of a manager being referred to in that way
 
Take this with a pinch of salt. They are very proud of this apparent policy but implicate it very loosely. It's more of a flex than an actual fact.
The constant beast stuff yesterday was majorly cringe on their part. Imagine turning up to support your team with another teams top and flags. Definitely some deranged amongst their support that are clearly only there for hate.
 
You don't care about politics in the BC until you live and work under their independish rules and struggle.

Either you adapt and play their game or are left behind in certain aspects.

I'm speaking in first person here.

Real Sociedad(as said by a few posters above) have been suffering because of Athletic's policy. Not to mention the rest of Basque football clubs.

I wrote an article in this forum and clearly said "it was a great policy to have years ago, now it is part of their politics".

Nationalism is the worst thing to happen to a country.
 
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