Athletic Club, commonly known as Athletic Bilbao, is a football club from Bilbao in Biscay, Basque Country, Spain. The club has played in the Primera División of La Liga since its start in 1928. They have won La Liga on eight occasions. In the historical classification of La Liga, Athletic Bilbao are in 4th place and one of only three clubs which have never been relegated from La Liga (the others being Real Madrid and Barcelona). They also have won Copa del Rey 24 times, second only to Barcelona. Athletic is known for its cantera policy of bringing young Basque players through the ranks, as well as recruiting players from other Basque clubs. Athletic's official policy is to sign players native to or trained in football in the greater Basque Country.
Athletic Bilbao contest the Basque derby rivalry with Real Sociedad. Real Madrid are also considered club rivals due to political and sporting rivalry. The team plays its home matches at the San Mamés Stadium. Its home colours are red and white-striped shirts with black shorts. The club also has a women's team, which has won 4 championships in the Spanish Superliga.