The Language of Athletic Club (pt.2): Lions and Cubs
The Language of Athletic Club (pt.2): Lions and Cubs
Athletic is a pride and our players are the Lions
Every football club has its own particular set of vocabulary, a glossary of terms that reflects its history and the pride of its fans. And in that sense Athletic Club is no different. However, the Club’s unique history in addition to the blend of Basque, Spanish and English has given Athletic’s vernacular a distinct flavour.
In this series, we briefly the origins and meanings behind some of the most popular Athletic Club terms.
Los Leones
The Lions, or ‘Lehoiak’ in Basque. This is Athletic’s most common nickname. The use of ‘the Lions’ to refer to Athletic players is connected to the San Mamés stadium and its saintly namesake.
The first San Mamés stadium was constructed next to, and named after, an old shrine dedicated to Saint Mammes of Caesarea.
In the third century, the Romans threw Mammes to the lions for being a Christian, but he survived after taming them with his preaching.
As a result, Athletic players, always renowned for their spirit and determination, especially when playing at home, became known as ‘the Lions of San Mamés’.
Los Cachorros
‘Cachorros’ – ‘Lehoikumeak’ in Basque – is the Spanish word for ‘cubs’. This is the reason why Bilbao Athletic -our main reserve side- are known as the Cubs.
What’s more, Bilbao Athletic players are called Cubs until they make their first-team debut, upon which they then become Lions.
The reserve team is named Bilbao Athletic as a tribute to Bilbao Football Club. A pioneer of football in the region and one of Athletic’s earliest rivals, Bilbao FC merged with Athletic Club in 1903.
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