It all started at a meeting in a house in the Colombian neighbourhood of La Asunción. On a warm afternoon in November 2019, around 30 Athleticzales in Manizales welcomed in a new Athletic Club supporters' group. In the capital of the department of Caldas, more than 8,000 kilometres from the centre of the San Mamés stadium, these fans wore scarves, flags, pins and badges that represented the brotherhood between the two cities.
With its president Carlos Mario Rosero at the head, the peña is mostly made up of Colombians who have settled down, or spent part of their life, Euskal Herria. This is exemplified by Sergio Antonio Duque and Cristina Ercoreca, Colombian husband and Basque wife, who help run the group.
The coronavirus pandemic meant it was impossible to comply with the requirements for official recognition untli recently. But Athletic first official fan club celebrated their second inauguration in style, with a ceremonial act at Ibaigane.
The guests of honour were Oihan Sancet, Unai Vencedor, Ainize Barea 'Peke' and Eunate Arraiza, as well as director Gorka Cubes. The Manizales Peña is the third Athletic Club Supporters' Group in South America, following in the footsteps of those already established in Caracas, Venezuela and Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Jokin Altuna, 125th anniversary ambassador for February
Club
The pelota player from Gipuzkoa, who holds six trophies at the age of 26, has been a devoted Athletic Club fan since childhood
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Alex Txikon to take ceremonial kick-off before Cádiz CF match
Club
After being the first climber to summit Manaslu without artificial oxygen in a full winter expedition, the Biscay native will be honoured before Friday's match at San Mames
Fourth time reaching four consecutive Copa semi-finals
Club
In three previous periods, Athletic also reached four consecutive semi-finals, although their greatest achievement came in the first of these
Six Athletic Club Masterpieces
Club
Some of Bilbao’s most important museums display iconic Athletic strips as the Club launches new range of historic jerseys
Iker Muniain joins top three Athletic Club appearance makers
Club
With 515 official appearances under his belt, the Athletic captain has now overtaken Joseba Etxeberria and is third in the rankings, only behind Jose Angel Iribar (614) and Txetxu Rojo (541)
Athletic meets with international journalists ahead of Basque Derby
Club
Athletic Club hosted foreign journalists at San Mamés and Lezama in an initiative organised by LaLiga
San Mamés Farewell to Txetxu Rojo
Club
The Cathedral paid tribute to Athletic icon Rojo I with a minute's applause before Athletic vs Osasuna
Watch the Basque Derby in London with LaLigaTV
Club
Pub quiz, giveaways and the chance to meet fellow Athletic fans in England. Don’t miss out!
125th anniversary gift for opponents
Club
Osasuna was the first of around 500 clubs to receive a commemorative gift in 2023 as a sign of gratitude and recognition
Jon Rahm named first of 12 ambassadors for 125th anniversary
125 aniversario
The world-class golfer vows to help grow Athletic around the world during this special year for the Club