Athletic Club’s official team photos pay tribute to Pitxitxi to mark the centenary of his San Mames bust

Athletic Club has unveiled the official team photos for the 2026/27 season with a very special edition that focuses on one of San Mamés' most recognisable symbols and a key figure in the club’s history: the bust of Rafael ‘Pitxitxi’ Moreno Aranzadi.

December 8 marks the centenary of the unveiling of this bronze bust, the work of the sculptor Quintín de Torre, in honour of the legendary Rojiblanco striker.

The statue was unveiled during a friendly match against Arenas Club de Getxo, a regular opponent at the time and one of LaLiga's founding clubs.
 

A tribute that has become a tradition

Owing to its location and the forward’s significance, Pitxitxi’s bust became one of San Mamés’s most iconic symbols and a place of tribute for visiting teams. Tradition dictates that every team visiting The Cathedral for the first time must pay tribute to the striker by laying a wreath at his bust before the match.  

Pitxitxi’s legacy remains linked to LaLiga history through the ‘Pichichi Trophy’, an award that recognises the top goalscorer each season. In this way, his name continues to be associated with both San Mames and Spanish football’s goal-scoring tradition, embodying the respect for history, culture and values that have defined Athletic Club for over a century.
 

A link between generations  

To mark this anniversary on December 8, the men’s, women’s teamsand Athletic Club Fundazioa Genuine's team photos create a visual dialogue between the present and the club’ legacy. The figure of Pitxitxi serves as a link between the different generations that have shaped the club’s history. 

All this against the backdrop of San Mamés, a ground deeply linked to the striker’s memory. It was there that Pitxitxi scored the first goal during the stadium's inauguration, a place which over the years would come to be known as ‘The Cathedral of Football’. 

Kutxabank customers will be able to collect the team photo posters from branches from Friday 30 October.


Women's first squad team photo



Along with the photos of our two first teams, we also have that of Athletic Genuine team, the pride of the club. Find out more about this Foundation project.