Football

Top 10 Legendary Players of Athletic Club Bilbao: The Heroes Who Shaped Basque Football History

By Aniket Kuila

10. Aritz Aduriz

Forward (2002-03, 06-08, 12-20): 172 appearances, 20 goals. Resilient forward with a Supercopa win.

9. Julen Guerrero

Midfielder (1992-2006): 160 appearances, 31 goals. One of the brightest midfielders, but without major honors in his career.

8. Andoni Goikoetxea

Defender (1974–1987): 442 appearances, 31 goals. Renowned for strength in defense, 1 La Liga and 9 Copa del Rey.

7. Dani (Daniel Ruiz-Bazan)

Forward (1974–1986): 192 appearances, 39 goals. Contributed to the glory of 2 La Liga titles and 1 Copa del Rey.

6. Txetxu Rojo

Forward (1965–1982): 670 appearances, 167 goals. Key contribution in 2 La Liga titles and 2 Copa del Rey wins.

5. Jose Angel Iribar

Goalkeeper (1962–1980): 614 appearances, two goals. A great goalkeeper, winning 2 La Liga titles and 6 Copa del Reys.

4. Agustin 'Piru' Gainza

Forward (1940–1959): 482 appearances, 91 goals. Instrumental in winning 7 La Liga titles and 1 Copa del Rey. Truly an Athletic icon.

3. Telmo Zarra

Forward (1940–1955): 381 appearances, 251 goals. Legendary of the club with one La Liga title, 5 Copa del Reys, and a world-famous goalscoring record.

2. Guillermo Gorostiza

Forward (1929–1936, 1939–1940): 174 appearances, 47 goals. Main player in Athletic's 4 La Liga and 4 Copa del Rey victories.

1. Pichichi (R. Moreno)

Forward (1911–1921): 97 appearances, 80 goals. One of the early stars of the club, but with no major trophies.