Triple tribute at Athletic Club vs Sevilla FC

This season's league opener at San Mames will serve as the setting for a triple tribute to seven players that have made history at Athletic Club.

Before the minute’s silence in memory of the great Carmelo Cedrún, Athletic's three world champions – Unai Simón, Aymeric Laporte and Nico Williams – will be honoured on the pitch. Their coach, former Athletic player Luis de la Fuente, will be honoured in the VIP box.

We will also pay tribute to Elene Gurtubay and Ziara Vega, European Under-19 champions in Bosnia.

During the match, the Lions will wear black armbands in honour of Carmelo, a Zurigorri legend and Honorary Club Member. The shotstopper spent 14 seasons playing in goal for Athletic Club.

Carmelo won one LaLiga title (1955/56), three Copas (1954/55, 1955/56 and 1957/58) and one Eva Duarte Cup (1950). He was the Rojiblancos’ goalkeeper in the ‘Eleven Villagers’ final against the all-powerful Real Madrid and in the unforgettable against Manchester United, while he represented Athletic at the 1962 World Cup in Chile alongside his club-mate, Koldo Etxeberria.

 

From the 1962 World Cup to the 2026 World Cup

64 years after that World Cup in Chile, three Lions – Unai Simón, Aymeric Laporte and Nico Williams – led by another former Zurigorri, Luis de la Fuente, were crowned world champions at the recent 2026 World Cup held in Canada, the United States and Mexico, thus taking the Athletic Club’s name to the very pinnacle of international football.

This historic feat is down to the players and the manager as individuals, but also to the club that nurtured them and gave them the opportunity to become the world-class stars they are today. Therefore, Athletic will also be the subject of this tribute in the run-up to the Athletic Club vs Sevilla FC on 22 August.
 

Tribute to Elene Gurtubay and Ziara Vega, champions of the European Under-19 Championship

Furthermore, the official proceedings prior to the first LaLiga 26/27 match will include a simple ceremony to honour Elene Gurtubay and Ziara Vega, winners at the European Under-19 Championship.

The two Lezama academy graduates, coached by former Athletic Club Women manager David Aznar, won their second international title after beating Germany in the final on 11 July.