Atletic Bilbao Greatest All-Time Team

Spanish Supercupo 2015

Please also see my All-Time World Cup Team Index.


Real Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Villarreal
Atletico Madrid, Sevilla, Atletic Bilbao, 
Deportivo La Coruna  Real Sociedad,
Real Betis, Real Zaragoza, Espanyol
All-time Basque 23-member team

Basque National Team in Euro 2024

This is my selection of a 25 member all-time team for the club.  The number 25 was chosen because it is the official squad size for the Champions' League.

Known as Los Leones (the Lions), Athletic Bilbao is known for its proud history.  They have a policy of fielding players from the Greater Basque region only.  The player policy now includes non-Basque players who born in the region or learn their football over there.  Despite of their restriction, Atletico Bilbao was one of the earliest power house in Spain.  They were the best Spanish club side until the 1950's.  At the time of writing, they won the 4th most La Liga titles and the second most Copa del Rey titles.

La Liga/Copa del Rey Double in the 1983-1984 season

Team  
GK: José Ángel Iribar (Spain)
José Ángel Iribor spent his entire career with Athletic Bibao from 1962 to 1980, except a season at the club's feeder club, CD Basconia.  He played over 600 games in a 18 year career.  For the national team, he played 49 times for Spain between 1964 and 1976. He was Spain's starting keeper at the 1964 European Championship as Spain won their first ever major trophy. He was also Spain's starting keeper at the World Cup Finals in 1966.

Jose Angel Iribar

GK: Carmelo Cedrun (Spain)
Carmelo Cedrum played for Athletic Bilbao from 1950 to 1964.  In 1964, having lost his place to another future club legend, José Ángel Iribar, he went to Espanyol where he played between 1964 and 1967.  He also went aboard to play in the United States.  He retired at 38 with the Baltimore Bays.  He was capped 13 times between 1954 and 1963.  His son also played as a keeper for Atletico Bilbao.  

GK: Unai Simón (Spain)

Unai Simón made his senior international debut for Spain in 2020, playing at UEFA Euro 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup,  2023 UEFA Nations League and Euro 2024, winning the latter two tournaments.  He joined Athletic Bilbao's youth system in 2011.  He made his senior debut in 2018.  He helped them to win the Copa del Rey: 2023–24, and Supercopa de España in 2021.  Individually, he was named La Liga Team of the Season: 2023–24, and  won La Liga Zamora Trophy: 2023–24.

RB: José Orue (Spain)
José Orue was a long-time footballer for Atletic Bilboa during the 1950's.  At the time of writing, he is their fourth most appearance record for the club. He won one league and three Copa del Rey trophies in the 50's, including the double in the 1955–56 campaign.  He earned 3 caps for Spain. He made his debut in 1953 against Sweden.  He earned his other two caps in 1957.

RB: Andoni Iraola (Spain)
Andoni Iraola graduated from Athletic Bilbao's academy.  He played for the senior squad from 2003 to 2015.  In 2015, he joined with NY City FC in the United States. He was capped 8 times between 2008 and 2011 during Spain's golden period.  He never went to a major tournament, but projected to go to Euro 2012 before an injury prevented him from going.

CB:  Andoni Goikoetxea (Spain) 
Nicknamed "The Butcher" for his brutal style of play, Andoni Goikoetxea played mainly for Athletic Bilboa, but also with Atletico Madrid.  He was a part of Javier Clemente's Bilboa team that won back-to-back league title from 1982 to 1984.  However, he was best remembered for his feud with Diego Maradona.  he almost ended Maradona's career with a tackle in 1983.  A year later, he became the focal point of the infamous brawl between Barcelona and Athletic Bilboa at the Final of Copa del Rey.

The "Butcher" was known for his battle vs Maradona

CB:  Jesús Garay (Spain)
Garay was rated among the best ever centre-back to be capped for Spain. He spent 10 seasons with Athletic Bilboa and then, Barcelona for another 5 seasons between 1960 and 1965. He won five major titles with Athletic Bilboa between 1950 and 1960. He also played a single season with CD Málaga in the 1965-1966 season. He had 29 caps between 1953 and 1962.  He was part of the squad that competed at the 1962 World Cup Finals in Chile. 

CB:  Genar Andrinúa (Spain)

During his career, Andrinua played solely for Athletic Bilbao safe for a loan at Real Valladolid.  Eventually, Andrinúa gained the captain's armband from Andoni Goikoetxea and proceeded to play 356 competitive games for the Basque club.  He earned 28 caps and scored twice for Spain between 1987 and 1990.  He went on to be part of the squads at the UEFA Euro 1988 and the 1990 FIFA World Cup,

CB: Rafael Alkorta (Spain)
Having represented Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid during a 17-year professional career, Rafael Alkorta amassed La Liga totals of 370 games and eight goals, winning three trophies with the latter club. At Real Madrid, he won two La Liga titles.  He played 54 times for Spain between 1990 and 1998.  He went to the World Cup Finals in 1990, 1994 and 1998 as well the European Championship in 1996. He played 5 times for Basque national team.

Rafael Alkorta 

LB: Aitor Larrazábal (Spain)
Born in Usurbil, Gipuzkoa, Aitor Larrazábal was a one club player. From 1990 to 2004, he was the undisputed starter for Athletic Bilbao. He led the club to a runner-up position in 1997-1998. He gradually lost his place to Asier del Horno.  He retired in 2004. He was uncapped by Spain at the senior level, but played at the youth level. He represented Basque County 8 times.

LB: Nicanor Sagarduy "Canito"

Canito signed with Athletic Bilbao in 1948, from  Barakaldo CF in the Segunda División. He made his debut asa 17 year old. In the 1955–56 season, Canito appeared in 27 games as Athletic won the top-division title. He would also be an essential defensive player as they conquered three Copa del Rey trophies in just four years (for a total of four during his spell.  He played once for Spain in 1958 against Switzerland.

DM: Belauste (Spain)
Known for his physical size, Belauste was an early star of Athletic Bilbao and Spain.  He captained Spain to win a silver medal at the 1920 Olympics, but he almost did not pick up his medal because he was a Basque nationalist.  In the match against Sweden, he reportedly shouted "¡A mí el pelotón, Sabino, que los arrollo!".  That was credited for earning the nickname "Spanish Fury" for the national team.

CB/DM: Carlos Gurpegi (Spain)

Gurpegui was a product of Athletic Bilbao's Lezama youth academy, and made his first-team – and La Liga  He came runner-ups in Supercopa de España: 2015; 2009 Copa del Rey runner-up: 2008–09, 2011–12, 2014–15, He spent over 16 seasons at the club. Gurpegui played six matches (one goal) for the unofficial Basque selection. He also featured for the equivalent Navarrese team.

CB/DM: Javi Martinez (Spain)
In 2006, Athletic Bilbao signed him from Osasuna before he made his senior debut.  He played 5 seasons with them.  In 2012, Bayern Munich broke the Bundesliga transfer record to bring him to Munich.  He won a singel Champions' League with them. At the time of writing, he received 18 caps.  He was used mainly as a backup at the World Cup Finals in 2010 and European Championship in 2012, where Spain won both tournaments.

Javi Martinez

AM/CM: José Luis Panizo (Spain) 
José Luis Panizo was a one club man for Athletico Bilbao.  During 16 professional seasons he would play in 325 La Liga matches, scoring 136 goals (seven years in double digits).  In the 1942–43 campaign, as Athletic Bilbao won the double, he netted 12 in 24 games.  He was capped 14 times. He played in the 1950 World Cup Finals, where Spain finished 4th.

AM/RW: Iker Muniain (Spain)

Muniain began his career with Athletic Bilbao, debuting aged 16 in 2009 as their youngest player in a competitive match. He helped the team reach the final of the Europa League in 2012 and played in Copa del Rey finals in 2012, 2020 and 2021, but finished on the losing side each time. In 2022 he became the sixth player to make 500 appearances for the club, and lifted the Spanish Cup as captain in 2024.  He joined San Lorenzo of Argentina.

FW/RW: Joseba Etxeberria (Spain)
Joseba Etxeberria started his career with Real Sociedad, but after a single season, he moved to Athletic Bilbao in 1995, breaking the transfer record for an under 18 player in Spain.  The transfer also broke off formal relationship between the two clubs. He played for Athletic between 1995 and 2010. He was capped 53 times, representing his country at the 1998 World Cup, Euro 2000 and Euro 2004.

Joseba Etxeberria

OR: Rafael Iriondo (Spain)

Iriondo arrived at Athletic Bilbao in 1940, from Atlético Tetuán. During his 13-year spell with the club, he would form an historic attacking partnership with Agustín Gaínza, José Luis Panizo and Telmo Zarra, winning the 1942–43 league and four Copa del Generalísimo trophies.  He was capped twice for Spain between 1946 and 1947.

LW: Agustin Gainza (Spain)
Agustín Gaínza is one of Atletico Bilboa's greatest players.  He spent his entire career with Athletic Bilbao, winning 10 major titles between 1940 and 1959. Two of them were league titles. When he retired, he was the club's appearance record holder. He won 33 caps between 1945 and 1955 for Spain. He was the captain of the Spanish national team in the 1950 World Cup Finals in Brazil, where they finished 4th.

Agustín Gaínza 

LW: Txetxu Rojo (Spain)

Txetxu Rojo was an icon of Athletic Bilbao and one club player.  He is the second-most appearances in the Basque side's history, only behind José Ángel Iribar.   He won two Copa del Rey in 1969 and 1973.  During his time there, he played with his brother José Ángel, with the pair being thus referred to as 'Rojo I' and 'Rojo II'.  He was capped 18 times for Spain, but never played in a major international Finals.

AM: Julen Guerrero (Spain)
In 1992, he made his debut with Athletic Bilbao. where he scored 28 goals in his first season.  He was awarded the New Spanish Player of the Year by El País in 1993, and won the Spanish Footballer of the Year by both Don Balón and El País the following year. However, his form dropped after 1997-1998 season.  In 1993, when still only 19, Guerrero made his debut for Spain. He went on to play 41 games and score 13 goals. He went to the 1994 and 1998 World Cup Finals, and Euro 1996.

ST: Rafael Moreno Aranzadi "Pichichi" (Spain)
The "Pichichi award for la Liga top-scorer is named after him.  He scored 240 goals in 170 matches for Athletic Bilbao. He won 4 Copa del Rey. In 1920, Pichichi was a member of the very first Spain national team that played at the Summer Olympic Games in Belgium. He earned five senior caps during one month. His debut coming on 28 August in a 1–0 win against Denmark. He retired after the Olympics. He died at the age of 29 in 1922.

Pichichi

ST/RW: Dani (Spain)
From 1972 to 1986, Dani scored 199 goals for Athletic Bilbao.  Except for a loan spell in the beginning of his career, he only played for the club. The team won back-to-back team La Liga title for the seasons of 1982-1983 and 1983-1984.  They also won the Copa Del Rey in 1983-1984, which made it a "Double" year. He was capped 25 times for Spain.  He participated at Argentina 1978 and Euro 1980.

ST: Aritz Aduriz (Spain)

Aduriz spent most of his career with Athletic Bilbao, scoring 172 goals across all competitions for the team over three spells. He also surpassed a century of goals (104) in La Liga, in which he additionally represented Mallorca and Valencia.  He played 13 times for Spain between between 2010 and 2017.  He is Spain's oldest ever goal scorer at the age of 35 years and 275 days. He went to Euro 2016.

ST: Telmo Zarra (Spain)
Athletic Bilbao's greatest player.  Zarra signed for Athletic after playing one season for Erandio. He became a prolific goalscorer in his 15 seasons at the club, winning the Pichichi Trophy as the highest scorer in La Liga on six occasions. During his career, Zarra scored a total of 251 league goals, a Spanish record that lasted nearly six decades. His 81 goals in the Copa del Rey remains a record today .He was capped 20 times and scored 20 goals for Spain. He was a member of the 1950 World Cup team.

Telmo Zarra

Honorable Mention

Gorka Iraizoz (Spain), Gregorio Blasco (Spain), Raimundo Lezama (Spain), Andoni Zubizarreta (Spain), Aitor Karanka (Spain), Aymeric Laporte (Spain), Iñigo Martínez (Spain), Daniel Vivian (Spain), Agustín Guisasola (Spain), José Ramón Alexanko (Spain), Óscar de Marcos (Spain), Santiago Urquiaga (Spain),  Asier del Horno (Spain), Bixente Lizarazu (France), Inaki Saez (Spain), Iñigo Lekue (Spain), Andoni Ayarza (Spain), Luis María Echeberría (Spain), Mikel Rico (Spain), Ángel María Villar (Spain), José María Maguregi (Spain), Josu Urrutia (Spain), Estanislao Argote (Spain), Bata (Spain),  Raimundo Pérez Lezama (Spain),  Jon Andoni Goikoetxea (Spain),Venancio (Spain), Markel Susaeta (Spain), Ander Herrera (Spain), Javier Irureta (Spain), Iñaki Williams (Spain/Ghana), Nico Williams (Spain), Fran Yeste (Spain), Markel Susaeta (Spain) José Ángel Rojo II (Spain), Guillermo Gorostiza (Spain), José Luis Artetxe (Spain), Fidel Uriarte (Spain), Manuel Sarabia (Spain), José María Beñat (Spain), Bata (Spain), Victor Unamuno (Spain), Julio Salinas (Spain), Fidel Uriarte (Spain), Ismael Urzaiz (Spain), Fernando Llorente (Spain).

Squad Explanation
-- The original team was created in August 2016.  I completely redid it in July, 2025.

-- José Ángel Iribar, Andoni Zubizarreta, Telmo Zarra, Rafael Moreno Aranzadi José Orue, Andoni Goikoetxea, Jesús Garay, Agustin Gainza, Bixente Lizarazu and Joseba Etxeberria are on my Basque All-Time team.

-- The club was very successful before the War.  However, only six players were selected for this team. They are Telmo Zarra, Rafael Moreno Aranzadi "Pichichi", José Luis Panizo, Belauste and Agustin Gainza.  More players from that era should be selected for this team. I might need to review this team one day.

-- Telmo Zarra and Rafael Moreno Aranzadi "Pichichi" were on my Spain All-Time Team. 

-- Their player policy now includes non-Basque players who born in the region or learn their football over there.  At the time of writing, I have not selected any non-Basque national team.

-- In the 1980's, Atletico Bilbao had one of the most successful period in history Manager Javier Clemente led the club winning back-to-back La Liga title from 1982 to 1984.  In 1984, they also won Copa del Rey, making it a "Double" side.  However, the side was underrepresented. I only selected three players from that era, namely Andoni Goikoetxea and Dani. 

Dani

-- AS created their 25 greatest players for the Lions.  The player were: Rafael Moreno "Pichichi", Guillermo Gorostiza, Iriondo, José Luis Panizo, Canito, Carmelo Cedrun, Piru Gainza, Inaki Saez, Telmo Zarra, Ángel María Villar, José Ángel Iribar, Fidel Uriarte, Txetxu Rojo, Andoni Goikoetxea, Dani, Julen Guerrero, Joseba Etxeberria, Aduriz, Carlos Gurpeigi,  Andoni Iraola, Gaizka Larrazabal, Markel Susaeta, Josu Urrutia, and Ismael Urzaiz.

-- The onefootball.com came up with "Los mejores jugadores en la historia del Athletic Club".  They players mentioned were José María Belauste, Guillermo Gorostiza, Piru Gaínza, Rafael Moreno "Pichichi", Telmo Zarra, Jose Angel Iribar, Txetxu Rojo, Dani Ruiz, Julen Guerrero and Aritz Aduriz.

-- In 2021, the La Liga.com ranked the 25 greatest players for Athletic Club. The ranking: 1) José Ángel Iribar, 2) Aritz Aduriz, 3) Julen Guerrero, 4) Joseba Etxeberria, 5) Fran Yeste, 6) Andoni Iraola, 7) Agustín Gainza, 8) Iker Muniain, 9) Óscar de Marcos, 10) Ismael Urzaiz, 11) Carlos Gurpegui, 12) Dani Ruiz-Bazán, 13) Markel Susaeta, 14) Txetxu Rojo, 15) Fidel Uriarte, 16) Estanislao Argote, 17) José Luis López "Panizo", 18) Gorka Iraizoz, 19) Carmelo Cedrún, 20) Mikel San José, 21) Josu Urrutia, 22) Genar Andrinua, 23) José María Orúe, 24) Aitor Larrazabal, 25) Nicanor Sagarduy "Canito".

-- In 2024, La Villa del Gol announced their "XI Histórico del Athletic de Bilbao". The starting lineup featured: The starting lineups were José Ángel Iribar, José Maria Orue, Jesús Garay, Andoni Goikoetxea, Canito, José Maria Belauste, José Luis Panizo, Julen Guerrero, Agustín Gainza “Piru”, Rafael Moreno Aranzadi “Pichichi” and Telmo Zarra.

Goalkeepers

-- José Ángel Iribar was the obvious selections for Number 1 goalkeeper.  He was Spain’s starting goalkeeper for over a decade, known for his role in Athletic’s 1969 and 1973 Copa del Rey triumphs. His legacy as "El Chopo" (The Poplar) is unmatched.  

-- Raimundo Lezama was the starting goalkeeper for Athletic Bilbao’s 1943 league-and-cup double and their 1944 Copa del Rey victory, cementing his place in the club’s golden era. However, he lost his starting spot to Carmelo Cedrún in 1951 and rarely played afterward.

-- This is why Carmelo Cedrún—ranked 19th in Athletic’s all-time player list—holds greater significance for the club. In the 1955–56 season, he achieved a historic league-and-cup double, playing every minute in both competitions. 

-- Andoni Zubizarreta was the last Athletic Club goalkeeper to win major titles before the team’s 25-year trophy drought (1967–1984). However, his international acclaim came primarily from his years with Barcelona and the Spanish national team, rather than his time at Athletic. He eventually became Spain’s most-capped goalkeeper with 126 appearances—most of them earned as Barça’s number one.

-- As for Unai Simón, although he didn’t feature in Athletic’s 2024 Copa del Rey final victory, his role as Spain’s undisputed starting goalkeeper since Euro 2020 places him in elite company. No Athletic keeper has held that position for Spain since the legendary José Ángel Iribar. While Simón may not yet match the career longevity of Iribar or Lezama, his influence as a modern sweeper-keeper and his international stature already mark him as one of the club’s greatest. That’s why, in 2025, I included him in the team.

Unai Simón

Defenders

-- Jesús Garay was rated among the best ever centre-back to be capped for Spain. He spent 10 seasons with Athletic Bilboa.  He was undisputed alongside Andoni Goikoetxea.  Please not to be confused him with Jon Andoni Goikoetxea.  Andoni Goikoetxea earned a reputation as one of the toughest defender in the history of La Liga. He was also known for his controversial rivalry with Diego Maradona.  He broke Maradona's ankle earning the nickname "Butcher of Bilboa".  Their rivalry led to a massive brawl between the two teams in the Final of the 1984 Copa Del Rey.  

-- Genar Andrinúa who occupied the third central defender spot.  Except for a loan spell, he was an one club player for the Lions.  Rafael Alkorta played under Javier Clemente during Athletic's golden era of the late 1980s and early 1990s before departing for Real Madrid in 1993. After winning two La Liga titles with Madrid, he remarkably returned to Athletic in 2002 - a homecoming that showcased both his loyalty to the club 

-- While Aymeric Laporte and Aitor Karanka may have departed Athletic Club prematurely in their careers, I ultimately prioritized nostalgic connections over more recent Spanish internationals like Iñigo Martínez and Daniel Vivian when considering the club's greatest defenders.  Vivian might one day made the team.  José Ramón Alexanko or Agustín Guisasola probably should be on the team.

-- Óscar de Marcos holds the club's outfield appearance record, surpassing Andoni Iraola's 500+ games. While La Liga ranked Iraola as the club's 6th greatest player (De Marcos was 9th), José María Orúe's legacy outshines both with more decorations. A key figure in the legendary "11 villagers" team, Orúe won the Double in 1956 and remains top 10 in appearances—just 30 shy of Iraola. This legendary status made him my top pick, with Iraola a close second for his leadership and influence. He was listed by AS as one of the club's greatest players as well as being a part of the team that reached the Final of ythe 2011–12 UEFA Europa League.  De Marcos, though beloved for his versatility and commitment, ranks slightly behind in legacy. Santiago Urquiaga, Spain's Euro 1984 starter, also merits mention for his historic role.

José María Orúe

-- I believe Asier del Horno left the Lions early.  He certainly made a name for himself in Spain and Chelsea.  Bixente Lizarazu is one of the greatest left back ever played the game.  He is one of the few foreigners to have played for the club. He won the World Cup and the European Championship, making him an interesting choice, but he won those tournaments while playing for other clubs.  He only spent a season here. So, I went with Aitor Larrazábal and Canito.  Both players were listed by most sources amomg the greatest players for the Lions.  Canito was well-decorated because he played in the 1950's.  He would be a great utility full-back, but I put him on honorable mention. Aitor Larrazábal was an one-club legend and ranked among the club's greatest players according to many sources.

Midfielders/Wingers

-- José María Belauste was the captain of Spain's Olympic silver medal winning team. He was on one of the All-Time team I found online. he would archor the midfield. The fans rated Carlos Gurpegui as the 11th greatest player while he also belonged to the 25 greatest players list by AS. Josu Urrutia's longerity would be a better choice for the fans of the club. 

-- Javi Martinez does not usually mention among the club's greatest player. He was a part of Lions' team that reached the Final of the UEFA Cup. His selection selection was influenced by his national team career. He won the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship with Spain. In terms of longevity, Mikel San José would have beaten Martinez for a spot, but I went for the more famous player. 

-- Ángel María Villar played 20 times for Spain.  He went on to serve as president of the Spanish Football Federation for almost 30 year.  but I had no space for him.

-- Julen Guerreo was nicknamed El Rey León (The Lion King) and La Perla de Lezama (The Pearl of Lezama).  He is ranked by La Liga as the third greatest player for this club.  He was an undisputed selection for this team.  José Luis Panizo was star playmaker of the line known as "Professors" that also included Agustín Gaínza, Iriondo, Venancio and Telmo Zarra.  Guerreo and Panizo took over two of the playmaking position.

Jose Luis Panizo

-- Iker Muniain could play both sides of the wing as well as an attack midfielder.  He led Athlete Bilbao to the victory in 2024 Copa del rey as captain.  In 2016, I felt that he had not done enough.  By 2025, he was almost an undisputed choice.  

-- On the right, Joseba Etxeberria made a highly controversial move from local rivals Real Sociedad to Athletic Bilbao, in what was then the highest transfer fee ever paid for an under-18 player in Spanish football. The fallout even led to a break in formal relations between the clubs. Rafael Iriondo was the outside right in the legendary "Professors" forward line of the 1940s. Venancio, also part of that line, was the only member not selected for the 1950 World Cup. He spent 10 seasons at Athletic, scoring 91 goals in 208 matches. Some sources list him as a right-sided or inside forward. Andoni Goikoetxea was a defender, while Jon Andoni Goikoetxea—better known as "Goiko"—was a versatile attacker who often played on the right. Most Spanish sources also list Dani Ruiz-Bazán as a right winger, but I selected him as a forward to make room for both Iriondo and Etxeberria.

-- Agustín Gaínza was one of the greatest players to ever wear the Athletic shirt.  He alongside  José Luis Panizo and Telmo Zarra formed a famous attacking trio for Athletic Club during their era.  Txetxu Rojo also made most of the all-time lists.  Txetxu Rojo is the second-most appearances in the Basque side's history, only behind José Ángel Iribar.  He was also a left winger. With Rojo and Gainza, it was impossible for anyone to break into the team. Francisco Yeste was a long time unsung hero of the club.  He was an attack midfielder or left winger.  Guillermo Gorostiza was a part of Athletic Club's first legendary forward line, playing alongside Lafuente, Iraragorri, Bata, Chirri II, and Unamuno. A two-time Pichichi Trophy winner, he claimed the award in 1929–30 (19 goals) and 1931–32 (12 goals)—though the latter remains a historical oddity. While Gorostiza officially won the trophy with 12 goals that season, his teammate Bata actually outscored him with 13. Despite this discrepancy, La Liga and Athletic Club records still credit Gorostiza as the winner. He is Athletic Club's fourth all-time scorer.   La Liga.com ranked Estanislao Argote behind Agustín Gaínza and Fran Yeste.  He formed an offensive trio  with Dani and Manuel Sarabia that won back-to-back league titles.  He should be ranked higher, but I decided to go with the other two left side attacker.

-- Nico Williams primarily plays as a left-winger, though he is versatile and can also play on the right side of the attack. At this moment, he starred for Spain as they won Euro 2024. In time, he would make the team because 

Forwards

-- The "Pichichi award for la Liga top-scorer is named after Rafael Moreno Aranzadi. He should be included because of that. His father was mayor of Bilbao, and he was the writer Miguel de Unamuno's nephew.

-- Telmo Zarra is considered to be Athletic Bilbao's greatest player. His scoring record in La Liga lasted for decades. I reunited him with Jose Louis Panizo and Agustín 'Piru' Gainza on this team.

-- Aritz Aduriz, ranked #2 by La Liga.com (2021) and featured in  onefootball.com and AS, is a modern Athletic Club legend who sits as the club’s third-highest scorer (172 goals) behind only Telmo Zarra and Dani Ruiz-Bazan. Known for his aerial dominance, hold-up play, and clutch finishing,  His iconic bicycle kick against Barcelona lived down the collective memories of the Lions' fans.

Aritz Aduriz

-- Daniel Ruiz-Bazán was one of the great captains of Athletic Bilbao in the 1980s. He played in more than 400 matches winning all three of Spain's major titles: La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. He is Athletic’s second-all-time top scorer with 199 goals in the 1970s-80s, cementing his place among the club’s greatest strikers.  In Spanish sources, he was listed as a right winger.

-- Fernando Llorente was a product of Athletic Bilbao's academy. He spent 8 seasons with the senior side. For Spain, he won the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championship in 2012.  He was mainly used as a backup.  I almost took him because he was the only World Cup winner from the club.

-- and Fidel Uriarte was one of greatest headers of the ball in the history of the club. I also could not find a spot for Ismael Urzaiz.

Formation