Jamie Carragher: "Being a One Club Man is truly special"

Beyond the medals won at during his time at Liverpool FC, 2025 One-Club Man Jamie Carragher reiterated the pride he feels in only having worn one shirt throughout his career, something that, in his opinion, "fits in with Athletic's tradition".

Joelle Murray, Hibernian FC icon and winner of the One Club Woman 2025 award, was unable to attend the event due to travel issues caused by a cyberattack on several European airports, but she will be at San Mamés on Tuesday to receive her award before the match between the Lions and Girona FC.

The former defender admitted he is delighted to have been chosen as the 2025 One Club Man.

"It was truly special to play for Liverpool throughout my entire career," Carragher said at an event held at San Mames on Monday night. "I started very young, at 18, and that was my goal."

"Every footballer has a different story and a different career path. Many have fantastic journeys, playing for many clubs and living in different countries.

"However, being able to say that you have only played in one place is fantastic and fits in with the tradition of Athletic Club.

"More important than being a One Club Man is sharing these values, so for me it is an honour and I feel very proud."

Carragher is a Liverpool native and highlighted the similarities between the Reds and Athletic Club.

He said: "The excitement you feel playing for your hometown club is incredible, just like what Athletic players feel.

"Football is life in Liverpool as well as here in Bilbao, which is why the connection between the two is so special. Many people talk about the European finals we won. They are very famous matches and I am very proud that people know about them.

"Even so, when I look back on my career, I feel that my greatest achievement is being a One Club Man, especially at a club as great as Liverpool.

"Very few players can say that. In a team sport like football, I don't think any trophy or medal is more valuable than that."

Igor San Román, member of the Board of Directors, welcomed Carragher on behalf of the club at the start of the event.

"Athletic Club cannot be understood without understanding our values," he stated.

"Since 1898, this club has championed a model that is unique in the world. This award reflects who we are.   

"Jamie 100% embodies the values and principles on which the award is based and which we have managed to promote over the course of our 127-year history: loyalty to a club, loyalty to colours and, above all, loyalty to the community it represents.

"There is one enduring message, which is that loyalty is not dead. That is the message we want our players to convey."