Identities at Play:Non-Basque Supporters’ Re fl ections on Athletic Bilbao’s Basque-only Signing Philosophy

Abstract

Athletic Club plays a relevant role as an identity maker based on its policy highlighting the value for local talent in two ways: through territorialization, and its youth academy. However, the club’s significance goes beyond the geographical limits of the Basque Country. It is the fifth most followed team in Spain, and has fan associations worldwide. Castilla y León has traditionally had strong bonds with Bilbao due to the massive immigration that took place at the end of the 19th century and in the second half of the 20th. Besides, it hosts the largest number of peñas, fan clubs, outside of the Basque Country. This article aims to shed some light on the views non-Basque fans from Castilla y León have on Athletic’s Basque-only philosophy. It explains why people cheer for an institution that apparently discriminates against them and their soccer players for not being Basque. Additionally, the paper shows fans’ order of preferences when it comes to Athletic Club victories, Spanish national team triumphs, and the success of their local teams.