Traditional offering at the Basilica of Begoña

At the beginning of every season, the Athletic Club first-team captains and head coaches, members of the Board of Directors, as well as other representatives of the Club, head to the Basilica of Begoña in Bilbao where they make an offering to the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of Biscay.

This year the event took place on Monday afternoon. As was the case last year, for health reasons the service was not announced publicly and was held privately in order to avoid crowds.

Iker Muniain, Óscar de Marcos, Mikel Balenziaga, Iñigo Lekue and Iñaki Williams, accompanied by coach Marcelino García Toral, were in attendance on behalf of men’s senior team. José Ángel Iribar and director of sport Rafa Alkorta also attended the service.

From the women’s first team, head coach Iraia Iturregi was joined by Garazi Murua, Marta Unzué, Ainhoa Moraza and Vanesa Gimbert.

Directors Joana Martínez, Jon Ander de las Fuentes, Jorge Gómez, Oscar Beristain and Goyo Arbizu were present alongside club president, Aitor Elizegi.

The parish priest of Begoña, Jose Luis Achútegui, officiated the ceremony. Our players took the Super Cup they won in January against FC Barcelona, a trophy they will defend this year, starting with a semi-final in which they will face Atlético Madrid.