Athletic Club, based in Bilbao in the Basque Country, is one of the most unusual clubs in top-level football. For generations its selection policy has focused on players who are from the Basque Country or who were developed in Basque football.
The cantera philosophy
The club relies on its youth system, called the cantera, to produce talent. Instead of buying stars from around the world, it develops local players and gives them the chance to represent the badge they grew up supporting.
Tradition and identity
Supporters take great pride in the approach, which links the team to its community. It has helped the club remain one of the few in Spain that have never dropped out of the top division.
San Mamés
The club’s home ground, San Mamés, is often called The Cathedral. Its atmosphere is one of the most respected in Spain, and it shows how identity can be as powerful as money in football.