Three Lezama Lions, champions of Europe

Athletic Club has three European champions in its ranks. Unai Simón, Nico Williams and Dani Vivian were proclaimed winners of Euro 2024 after beating England with the Spanish national team, with the youngest of the Williams family playing a decisive role, scoring the first of the two goals for the Spanish team.

The goalkeeper and forward played crucial roles, with both regulars in the starting XIs. The younger Williams brother scored two goals, including the opener in the final and won two man-of-the-match awards (against Italy and against England). Vivian was present in key moments of the tournament, playing most of second half of the semi-final against France and the entire group stage match against Albania. 

Lezama had a prominent place in the final in Berlin as, together with La Masía, it was the youth academy with the highest representation of footballers: Unai Simón, Dani Vivian, Nico Williams, Aymeric Laporte and Álex Remiro. In addition, Luis de la Fuente, coach of the Spanish national team, was a LaLiga and Copa champion with Athletic in 1983 and 1984, and has worked as a youth coach Lezama. 

Other European Champions with Athletic Club

With the three Lions winning the title, there are now six Athletic Club players who have won the top European trophy at international level while playing for Athletic: Jose Angel Iribar, Javi Martinez, Fernando Llorente, Unai Simon, Dani Vivian and Nico Williams.