The Iñaki Williams & Aritz Aduriz Generation (2010-2020)
Basque lions chasing European glory since 1956.
Athletic Bilbao have yet to win a continental trophy in 33 attempts, up to and including the 2024–25 season. They finished runners-up in the two-legged 1977 UEFA Cup final, losing to Juventus on the away goals rule, and in the 2012 UEFA Europa League final, losing 3–0 to compatriots Atlético Madrid. They progressed to a third semi-final in the 2024–25 UEFA Europa League but did not reach the final which was due to be played at their own stadium. The club have competed in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League three times, in 1998–99, 2014–15 and 2025–26, without qualifying for the next phase on any occasion.
Quick Facts
- Primary managers
- Caparrós
- Bielsa
- Valverde
- Ziganda
- Berizzo
- Garitano
Lore & Background
Striker Aritz Aduriz contributed 34 European goals for the club over a six-year spell from 2012 to 2018, winning the Europa League's top scorer award twice (one shared). The player with the most appearances, full-back Óscar de Marcos (77 matches), was also heavily involved during that period as well as in the 2011–12 and 2024–25 Europa League runs.
Reader's Guide
From 1941 until 1975, the club was known as Atlético de Bilbao following a decree from the ruling regime of the period that foreign words should not be used – the Athletic name, adopted at the turn of the 20th century, reflected English connections to football in the area. Therefore, any references to Atlético Bilbao in matches during the period correctly reflect the official title at the time.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in Athletic Bilbao
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