The 2025/26 season finds Athletic Club Bilbao operating under the most unique and restrictive transfer policy in European football—the famed cantera policy that limits the squad to players born or trained in the Basque Country. Yet under the guidance of Ernesto Valverde, now in his third season of his second spell at San Mamés, Los Leones (The Lions) continue to thrive, combining the physical intensity of their ancestors with modern tactical sophistication. The new San Mamés, opened in 2013, has become a fortress where even La Liga’s giants dread visiting, its cathedral-like atmosphere amplifying the roar of the Basque faithful. This season’s squad reflects Athletic’s eternal identity: homegrown products from Lezama (one of Spain’s finest academies), Basque-born veterans, and the occasional signing from regional neighbours. There are no foreign superstars, no Galácticos—only pride, passion, and a deep, unbreakable connection to the land and people they represent. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Athletic Club’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
1. Unai Simón
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Unai Simón has become Spain’s undisputed number one and Athletic’s goalkeeping legend, entering his eighth season at San Mamés and providing Basque international pedigree, distribution excellence, and penalty-saving heroics (Euro 2020 semifinal shootout). The 28-year-old’s reflexes (77% save percentage in 2024/25, 76% in 2025/26 to date) and post-shot expected goals prevented (PSxG+/- of +6.8, ranking third among La Liga keepers) have been instrumental in Athletic’s European qualification pushes. Simón’s distribution (91% pass completion), particularly his right-footed clipped passes to advancing full-backs and short deliveries to centre-backs, suits Valverde’s possession-based build-up perfectly. His command of the penalty area, claiming crosses (88% success) and organising set-piece defences, provides defensive security. Having started 34 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 16 clean sheets, he remains remarkably durable. Simón’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood, over 250 appearances—provides emotional connection supporters adore. Simón’s contract runs through 2029, with Athletic rejecting January 2026 approaches from Barcelona. Simón’s performance against Real Madrid in October 2025—making 10 saves, including a penalty stop—demonstrated his elite ceiling.
2. Julen Agirrezabala
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Julen Agirrezabala has accepted a rotational role behind Simón, providing Basque youth pedigree, cup competition reliability, and future successor potential. The 25-year-old’s shot-stopping (74% save percentage in limited appearances) and distribution (88% pass completion) have impressed when called upon. Agirrezabala started 12 matches in 2025/26 (cup competitions and Simón’s rest), keeping 6 clean sheets. Agirrezabala’s contract runs through 2029, with Athletic viewing him as long-term Simón successor. Agirrezabala’s performance against Real Betis in the Copa del Rey semifinal—making 7 saves in a 1-0 victory—demonstrated his quality.
3. Álex Padilla
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Álex Padilla has graduated to emergency third-choice option following development with Athletic Bilbao B. The 22-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
Defenders
1. Dani Vivian
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Dani Vivian has become one of La Liga’s most complete centre-backs and Athletic’s defensive leader, graduating from Lezama to earn Spain caps in 2024/25. The 26-year-old’s reading of the game—intercepting passes (2.7 per 90), cutting angles, covering for advancing full-backs—provides defensive security. His passing (5.3 progressive passes per 90, 91% completion), particularly his line-breaking verticals and diagonals to advancing wingers, initiates attacks from deep. Vivian’s aerial duel success (82%) and tackling (2.6 per 90) provide physical presence. His partnership with Aitor Paredes has conceded only 0.88 goals per 90 minutes over two seasons; their complementary styles (Vivian’s composure, Paredes’s aggression) create defensive synergy. Vivian’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood—provides emotional connection. Vivian’s contract, extended in 2025 through 2031 with a €70 million release clause, protects Athletic’s most valuable defensive asset. Vivian’s performance against Barcelona in 2025—nullifying Robert Lewandowski, playing out of pressure—demonstrated his elite potential.
2. Aitor Paredes
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Aitor Paredes has emerged as Vivian’s long-term partner and one of La Liga’s most promising young centre-backs, graduating from Lezama to become a first-team regular at 25. The defender’s left-footed passing (5.0 progressive passes per 90, 90% completion), particularly his raking diagonals and line-breaking verticals, initiates attacks from deep. His aerial duel success (84%) and tackling (2.8 per 90) provide defensive security. Paredes’s aggression in 1v1 duels—rarely retreating, always stepping out to meet attackers—complements Vivian’s composure. Paredes’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood—provides emotional connection supporters adore. Paredes’s contract, extended in 2025 through 2031 with a €60 million release clause, protects Athletic’s asset. Paredes’s performance against Atlético Madrid in 2025—winning 10 duels, keeping Julián Álvarez quiet—demonstrated his elite potential.
3. Óscar de Marcos (Captain)
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Óscar de Marcos has become Athletic’s captain and longest-serving current player, entering his 16th season at San Mamés and embodying the club’s fighting spirit through relentless running, versatility, and emotional leadership. The 36-year-old’s role has evolved from marauding winger to right-back and now to veteran rotation player, but his influence remains immeasurable. De Marcos’s overlapping runs (3.2 per 90) and crossing (36% accuracy) created 3 assists in 2025/26. His leadership, formalised as club captain in 2019, manages Athletic’s dressing room through vocal authority and professional standards. De Marcos’s relationship with the club—over 500 appearances—provides emotional connection supporters adore. De Marcos’s contract expires in 2027, with a coaching role at Lezama widely anticipated. De Marcos’s performance against Real Sociedad in the Basque derby—making 6 tackles, assisting the winning goal—demonstrated enduring quality.
4. Yuri Berchiche
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Real Sociedad B, Real Sociedad, Paris Saint-Germain
Transfer Fee: £20 million (2018)
Yuri Berchiche has become Athletic’s first-choice left-back for seven seasons, providing Basque attacking thrust, crossing, and defensive experience following his return from Paris Saint-Germain. The 34-year-old’s overlapping runs (4.0 per 90) and crossing (39% accuracy) created 6 assists in 2025/26. His defensive positioning (2.0 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.5 per 90) provide security. Berchiche’s relationship with the club—over 200 appearances—provides emotional connection. Berchiche’s contract runs through 2028, with a coaching role or retirement likely thereafter.
5. Andoni Gorosabel
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Real Sociedad B, Real Sociedad, Deportivo Alavés (loan)
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Andoni Gorosabel’s summer 2024 arrival from Real Sociedad (a rare cross-rival transfer) added Basque right-back depth and defensive diligence following De Marcos’s aging. The 29-year-old’s defensive positioning (2.1 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.7 per 90) provide functional cover. Gorosabel’s contract runs through 2028.
6. Unai Núñez
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Unai Núñez has accepted a rotational role following Paredes’s emergence, providing Basque physicality, aerial dominance, and centre-back depth. The 28-year-old’s aerial duel success (81%) and tackling (2.4 per 90) provide functional cover. Núñez’s contract runs through 2028.
7. Imanol García de Albéniz
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Imanol García de Albéniz has provided left-back depth following his graduation from Lezama, offering Basque work rate and crossing as Berchiche’s understudy. The 24-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
8. Aitor Aldalur
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Aitor Aldalur has served as emergency defensive depth following development with Athletic Bilbao B. The 23-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Midfielders
1. Mikel Vesga (Vice-Captain)
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao B, Sporting Gijón (loan)
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Mikel Vesga has become Athletic’s midfield anchor and vice-captain, providing Basque physicality, tactical discipline, and aerial dominance across seven seasons at the club. The 32-year-old’s tackling (3.2 per 90) and interceptions (2.5 per 90) lead Athletic’s midfield. His aerial duel success (85%) and set-piece goal threat (6 headers in 2025/26) add value at both ends. Vesga’s passing (87% completion) remains basic; his role involves disruption and physical presence. Vesga’s partnership with Oihan Sancet provides midfield balance (Vesga’s destruction, Sancet’s creativity). Vesga’s contract runs through 2028, with Athletic viewing him as long-term midfield anchor. Vesga’s performance against Real Sociedad in the Basque derby—making 9 tackles, scoring a towering header—demonstrated his influence.
2. Oihan Sancet
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Oihan Sancet has become one of La Liga’s most complete attacking midfielders, graduating from Lezama to earn Spain caps and establish himself as Athletic’s creative heartbeat. The 25-year-old’s finishing (14 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (8 assists) provide elite production from attacking midfield. His movement between lines and late arrivals into the box (3.2 shots per 90, 0.45 xG per shot) terrorise defences. Sancet’s dribbling (3.4 successful take-ons per 90) and close control unlock packed defences. His work rate (11.2 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity (10.9 pressures per 90) suit Valverde’s demands. Sancet’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood—provides emotional connection supporters adore. Sancet’s contract runs through 2031 with a €80 million release clause, with Athletic rejecting January 2026 approaches from Liverpool. Sancet’s performance against Atlético Madrid in 2025—scoring a stunning brace, assisting another—demonstrated his elite potential.
3. Beñat Prados
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Beñat Prados has emerged as a reliable midfield rotation option following patient integration, providing Basque work rate, passing, and tactical discipline. The 25-year-old’s passing (4.8 progressive passes per 90, 89% completion) and work rate (11.4 kilometres per match) provide functional depth. Prados’s contract runs through 2029.
4. Unai Gómez
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Unai Gómez has emerged as a promising attacking midfield option following his graduation from Lezama, providing Basque creativity, dribbling, and goal threat. The 22-year-old’s dribbling (3.3 successful take-ons per 90 in limited minutes) and finishing (4 goals in 2025/26) suggest potential. Gómez’s contract runs through 2030.
5. Mikel Jauregizar
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Mikel Jauregizar has provided emergency midfield depth following development with Athletic Bilbao B. The 22-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
6. Unai Vencedor
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Unai Vencedor’s playing time has diminished following the emergence of Prados and Gómez, yet the 25-year-old remains an emergency midfield option. Vencedor’s contract runs through 2028, with a loan or permanent move possible.
Forwards
1. Iñaki Williams (Vice-Captain)
Nationality: Spanish (Basque, Ghanaian heritage)
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Iñaki Williams has become Athletic’s record-breaker (most consecutive La Liga appearances, 251 and counting), entering his 11th season at San Mamés and providing Basque-Ghanaian pace, durability, and leadership. The 31-year-old’s acceleration (0-30 km/h in 2.5 seconds) and direct running terrorise defenders. His finishing (13 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (7 assists) provide elite production from the right flank. Williams’s defensive work rate—tracking full-backs (1.8 tackles per 90)—improved through Valverde’s demands. Iñaki’s relationship with the club—academy since age 17—provides emotional connection. Iñaki’s contract runs through 2029, with Athletic rejecting January 2026 approaches. Iñaki’s performance against Sevilla in 2025—scoring a brace, assisting another—demonstrated his enduring quality.
2. Nico Williams
Nationality: Spanish (Basque, Ghanaian heritage)
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Nico Williams has become one of Europe’s most coveted wingers, his explosive pace, dribbling, and end product attracting persistent interest from Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Premier League clubs. The 23-year-old’s acceleration (0-30 km/h in 2.4 seconds) and dribbling (4.8 successful take-ons per 90) terrorise defenders from the left flank. His finishing (11 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (12 assists) provide elite production. Nico’s defensive work rate (1.7 tackles per 90) improved through Valverde’s demands. Nico’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood, brother Iñaki on the same flank—provides emotional connection supporters adore. Nico’s contract, extended in 2025 through 2031 with a €90 million release clause, represents Athletic’s most valuable asset. Nico’s performance against Real Madrid in 2025—scoring a stunning solo goal, assisting Iñaki—demonstrated his generational talent.
3. Gorka Guruzeta
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Gorka Guruzeta has become Athletic’s first-choice striker following his breakthrough 2023/24 campaign (16 goals), providing Basque physicality, hold-up play, and penalty-box finishing. The 29-year-old’s finishing (15 goals in 2025/26) and conversion rate (26%) provide consistent scoring threat. His hold-up play (73% success receiving back to goal) and aerial duel success (77%) occupy defenders, creating space for the Williams brothers. Guruzeta’s work rate pressing centre-backs (10.8 pressures per 90) sets Athletic’s defensive tone from the front. Guruzeta’s contract runs through 2029, with Athletic rejecting January 2026 approaches. Guruzeta’s performance against Villarreal in 2025—scoring a hat-trick, all poacher’s finishes—demonstrated his clinical quality.
4. Álex Berenguer
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Osasuna, Torino
Transfer Fee: £8 million (2020)
Álex Berenguer has accepted a rotational role following Nico Williams’s emergence, providing Basque pace, crossing, and experience across both wings. The 30-year-old’s finishing (6 goals in 2025/26, primarily as substitute) and creativity (4 assists) provide functional depth. Berenguer’s contract expires in 2027.
5. Adu Ares
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Adu Ares has emerged as a promising wide option following his graduation from Lezama, providing Basque pace and dribbling from the flanks. The 23-year-old’s finishing (3 goals in 2025/26 in limited minutes) and potential suggest future starter capability. Ares’s contract runs through 2030.
6. Asier Villalibre
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Asier Villalibre has provided emergency striker depth following his return from a loan at Alavés, offering Basque physicality and penalty-box presence as Guruzeta’s backup. The 28-year-old’s finishing (3 goals in 2025/26 in limited minutes) provides functional depth. Villalibre’s contract runs through 2028.
Conclusion
Athletic Club’s 2025/26 squad represents the finest collection of Basque talent assembled since the legendary teams of the 1980s, a testament to Lezama’s production line, Ernesto Valverde’s coaching excellence, and the club’s unwavering commitment to its unique identity. The defence, anchored by Dani Vivian’s composure and Aitor Paredes’s aggression, provides platform for Athletic’s physically intense, high-pressing system. The midfield, dominated by Mikel Vesga’s destruction and Oihan Sancet’s creativity, controls matches through Basque grit and technical quality. The attack, headlined by Iñaki Williams’s durability, Nico Williams’s generational talent, and Gorka Guruzeta’s clinical finishing, carries genuine goal threat against any opponent. Crucially, Athletic remains entirely homegrown; every single player in this squad either graduated from Lezama or was born in the Basque Country, a point of immense pride for supporters. The looming challenge involves retaining Nico Williams amid relentless transfer speculation while competing for European qualification without the ability to sign external replacements. Yet San Mamés’s cathedral-like atmosphere, amplified by supporters who remember the glory days of Zarra, Iríbar, and Etxebarria, provides emotional fuel like no other stadium in Spain. Athletic does not hope merely to compete; they expect to challenge for European places and the Copa del Rey, a competition they have won a record 24 times. This squad appears equipped to deliver another trophy to the San Mamés museum, continuing the club’s unparalleled tradition. Aupa Athletic.
