Muniain to present De Marcos with trophy for 500 matches

From captain to vice-captain, from a club legend to a club legend. This Sunday, in the lead-up to the match against Real Betis, Iker Muniain will present Óscar De Marcos with a trophy in recognition of the latter's 500 matches as a Lion, a feat which he achieved against Real Madrid on August 12.

Just as Muniain received a trophy from Markel Susaeta last year, De Marcos will receive one from Muniain. This will also give The Cathedral the opportunity to present De Marcos with the ovation he deserves for this milestone and for being a perfect example of the values which Athletic Club holds dear.

The piece includes the captain's armband the full-back wore against Real Madrid. The colours of the ikurriña, the Athletic Club crest and the date of the match (12 August 2023) stand out on the fabric, which has been treated and solidified with resins to ensure its durability.

Underneath there's a very special piece of rock, taken from the old San Mames - a link to Athletic Club's 125 years of history. And it all sits on top of an oak wood base - a symbol of tenacity and integrity - where the details of the match and the words "Ez dadila haria eten" ("May the production line never cease") are laser engraved. Designed by the Club, the work was created by local artist Iñaki Arce.

There is hope that the act of the last player to reach 500 matches presenting this symbolic trophy to the next player to achieve it will become a club tradition.

Members of the public attending the match against Real Betis are asked to arrive to the stadium ahead of time to join in this tribute to Óscar, who is now forms part of an exclusive list of Athletic legends to have made 500 appearances in the red and white: Jose Angel Iribar (614), Txetxu Rojo (541), Joseba Etxeberria (514) and Andoni Iraola (510), Iker Muniain (536) and Óscar de Marcos (501).