Athletic Bilbao’s Basque-only philosophy makes their greats especially cherished. These are the ten finest Lions, from pre-war pioneers to modern favourites.

1. 1

   Telmo Zarra

   Athletic Bilbao · Spain

   A legendary goalscorer and six-time Pichichi whose name graces La Liga’s top-scorer award.

2. 2

   José Ángel Iribar

   Athletic Bilbao · Spain

   El Chopo, an iconic goalkeeper and one of the club’s most revered figures.

3. 3

   Rafael Moreno “Pichichi”

   Athletic Bilbao · Spain

   An early goalscoring pioneer after whom the Spanish top-scorer award is named.

4. 4

   Andoni Zubizarreta

   Athletic Bilbao · Spain

   A superb goalkeeper who won titles in Bilbao before a great career beyond.

5. 5

   Julen Guerrero

   Athletic Bilbao · Spain

   A homegrown golden boy and one-club idol of the 1990s.

6. 6

   Aritz Aduriz

   Athletic Bilbao · Spain

   A beloved striker whose remarkable late-career goals thrilled San Mamés.

7. 7

   Dani

   Athletic Bilbao · Spain

   A prolific striker at the spearhead of the title-winning side of the early 1980s.

8. 8

   Andoni Goikoetxea

   Athletic Bilbao · Spain

   A fearsome, uncompromising defender of the club’s last championship teams.

9. 9

   Fernando Llorente

   Athletic Bilbao · Spain

   A towering, homegrown centre-forward and a Cup-final hero.

10. 10

    Andoni Iraola

    Athletic Bilbao · Spain

    A long-serving, dependable full-back and one-club stalwart of the 2000s.

A LeaguePaper editorial ranking — opinion, offered for argument.