AC CUP 2025 presentation at San Mamés

San Mamés was the setting for the presentation of the third edition of AC CUP, Athletic Club's grassroots football tournament which has established itself as one of the key tournaments on the national and international scene. 

The event was attended by more than 200 people, including institutional representatives, sponsors, media outlets and clubs.

The presentation included some great moments, such as speeches by José Ángel Iribar, Manolo Delgado, Sergio Navarro and Iraia Iturregi. 

All three highlighted the value of sport as a tool for unity and growth, and spoke of the pride involved in organising a tournament available to all players who want to participate, offering an unrivalled experience which gives participants the opportunity to compete in top-level sporting environments such as San Mamés and Lezama.

The attendees also got a first look at the new tournament trophy, which embodies all the characteristics that make AC CUP a special championship, mixing elements of San Mamés and Lezama in a beautiful silhouette.

Important statistics
 

During the presentation, the tournament organisers shared some key data that confirms the AC CUP's place as one of the most important events of its kind in Spain:

• More than 570 teams and 9,000 players have taken part in the tournament.
•  More than 1,600 matches have been played, with an attendance of 40,000 spectators.
• More than 30,000 people from 12 Spanish Autonomous Communities have attended the tournament, generating an economic impact of more than 4 million euros for the province of Bizkaia. 
• For this edition, more than 1,600 people have already confirmed their participation, which promises to be a record edition, doubling the number of players from other regions. 
   

A different kind of tournament
 

• Athletic Club's facilities open their doors during the tournament, with all participants having a guaranteed match at Lezama and the possibility of playing the final at San Mamés. 
• On the Friday of the tournament, a grand opening ceremony is held at The Cathedral, with a DJ, music, dance and light shows as well as a parade featuring all the teams.
   

New features and announcements

 

• The inclusion of two new age groups: Under 19s and Under 9s. 
• An additional day of competition.
• Confirmed participation of professional teams for this edition, with Real Madrid joining clubs from previous editions such as FC Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid, Zaragoza, Eibar, Toulouse, Villareal and many others.