Athletic Bilbao stands as a true emblem of Basque pride and football tradition. Known for their unique policy of recruiting only players of Basque heritage, the club has produced some of the most iconic figures in Spanish football history. Through decades of passionate competition, Athletic Bilbao’s players have become not just local heroes but symbols of loyalty, excellence, and resilience. Today, Win Betting Tips looks at the 7 Athletic Bilbao best players of all time who have etched their names deep into the club’s folklore, ranking the very best Athletic Bilbao has ever produced.
Ranking 7 Athletic Bilbao best players of all time
Here are the 7 Athletic Bilbao best players of all time that you should know:
7. Dani (Daniel Ruiz-Bazán)
In the 1970s and early 1980s, Athletic Bilbao needed a talismanic forward, and they found it in Daniel Ruiz-Bazán, affectionately known as Dani. With over 300 appearances and more than 140 goals, Dani was a model of consistency and effectiveness. He was particularly revered for his uncanny knack for scoring crucial goals when it mattered most.
Dani’s contributions were pivotal during Bilbao’s resurgence under Javier Clemente, leading to their league titles and cup triumphs in the early '80s. His leadership on the field was complemented by his modesty off it, embodying the purest values of Basque football. Even decades later, his name elicits nods of respect from those who witnessed his performances.
6. Fernando Llorente
Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall, Fernando Llorente was a towering figure both literally and figuratively for Athletic Bilbao. Developed through the club’s youth system, Llorente rose to prominence in the late 2000s, becoming one of Europe’s most feared target men. His aerial prowess, coupled with excellent footwork for a player of his stature, made him a nightmare for defenders.
Llorente played a vital role in Bilbao’s run to the 2012 UEFA Europa League final under Marcelo Bielsa, scoring vital goals against the likes of Manchester United and Schalke. While he eventually moved on to other adventures in Italy, England, and Spain, Llorente’s prime years at San Mamés left an indelible mark. His ability to rally the team during challenging matches and his genuine affection for the club ensured his place among Athletic’s all-time greats.
5. Aritz Aduriz
Few stories are as inspiring as Aritz Aduriz’s late-career renaissance at Athletic Bilbao. Initially leaving the club early in his career, Aduriz returned to San Mamés in 2012 and proceeded to write one of the most remarkable second chapters in football history. Over eight seasons, he scored more than 100 goals, often delivering in the most critical moments.
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Aduriz combined physicality, intelligence, and technical excellence to devastating effect. His performances in the UEFA Europa League, particularly the hat-trick against Genk, and his stunning volley against Barcelona in the 2015 Spanish Super Cup first leg, are etched into collective memory. Aduriz wasn’t just a great striker; he was a leader by example, embodying Athletic’s core values of determination, humility, and loyalty until his retirement in 2020.
4. Julen Guerrero
For fans who came of age in the 1990s, Julen Guerrero was the beating heart of Athletic Bilbao. A creative midfielder with an eye for goal and an unparalleled sense of commitment, Guerrero was beloved for his loyalty, choosing to stay with Athletic despite lucrative offers from European giants. In a world increasingly obsessed with transfers and trophies, Guerrero’s one-club man status elevated him to legendary status.
Technically gifted and tactically versatile, Guerrero scored 101 goals in 430 appearances, a remarkable tally for a midfielder. His silky touches, powerful long shots, and intelligent movement made him the focal point of Bilbao’s attack for over a decade. Beyond the numbers, it was Guerrero’s palpable love for the club that endeared him to fans. To this day, he remains a cherished icon of Athletic Bilbao’s spirit.
3. Andoni Zubizarreta
Before he became a legend at Barcelona and with the Spanish national team, Andoni Zubizarreta honed his talents at Athletic Bilbao. A product of the club’s famed youth academy, Zubizarreta epitomized the Athletic model of developing homegrown excellence. His imposing presence, sharp reflexes, and tactical intelligence made him one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation.
Zubizarreta was integral to Bilbao’s successes in the early 1980s, particularly during their back-to-back La Liga titles in 1982–83 and 1983–84 under Javier Clemente. His reliability between the sticks gave the team the confidence to play aggressively. Though he would later move on to even greater fame, Zubizarreta’s foundations were laid in Bilbao, where he learned the values of perseverance, loyalty, and honor that defined his career.
2. José Ángel Iribar
When discussing the greatest goalkeepers in football history, José Ángel Iribar inevitably enters the conversation. Nicknamed “El Chopo” (The Poplar), Iribar defended Athletic Bilbao’s goalpost with an elegance and composure that set new standards in goalkeeping. He made over 600 appearances for the club between 1962 and 1980, an astonishing feat of consistency and loyalty.
Iribar was not merely a shot-stopper; he was a leader, a calming presence in tumultuous moments. His performance during Bilbao’s 1969 Copa del Generalísimo triumph showcased his brilliance under pressure. Moreover, Iribar’s contribution extended beyond the pitch, as he symbolized a spirit of integrity and quiet strength that resonated deeply with the Basque people. His legacy is honored by every Athletic goalkeeper who dons the gloves, striving to emulate his greatness.
1. Telmo Zarra
At the very summit of Athletic Bilbao’s storied history stands Telmo Zarra, a player whose achievements almost defy belief. Born in 1921, Zarra became synonymous with goal-scoring prowess, setting records that stood for decades. Over his illustrious career with Athletic Bilbao, he scored a staggering 335 goals in competitive matches, including 251 goals in La Liga- a record that remained untouched for nearly 60 years.
Zarra's contributions were not confined to mere statistics. His presence on the field instilled fear in opponents and hope among fans. He helped Bilbao secure a league title and five Copa del Generalísimo (now Copa del Rey) trophies. Zarra’s knack for scoring in crucial matches, including multiple finals, cemented his legacy not only as the best striker in the club’s history but also as one of Spain’s finest athletes. His influence lingers in Bilbao’s DNA even today.
In conclusion
Each of the legends mentioned brought their spirit, skill, and loyalty to San Mamés, helping shape a unique identity that stands apart in world football. The task of ranking 7 Athletic Bilbao best players of all time is never simple, but it serves as a heartfelt tribute to those who embodied the heart and soul of this extraordinary club. As new generations emerge, they will forever look up to these icons whose names are etched in the very foundation of Athletic Bilbao’s enduring greatness.
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