Athletic Team News - Soccer

Yuri Berchiche - Signs contract extension until 2027 Berchiche has signed a one-year contract extension with Athletic Club until June 2027, the club announced.

Impact Berchiche will embark on his ninth season with the first team after another impressive campaign, making 39 appearances including 35 starts. Berchiche has made 278 appearances for Athletic Club since returning from PSG in 2018/19, scoring 15 goals and providing a strong number of assists, with his competitiveness and defensive commitment making him a symbol for the club's supporters. The captain has won the Copa del Rey in 2024 and the Supercopa in 2021 during his time at the club, and his extension was formalized at San Mames with club president Jon Uriarte and football director Mikel Gonzalez in attendance.

17 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Unai Egiluz - Undergoes successful surgery Egiluz (knee) has undergone successful surgery on his right knee to replace the graft from his previous ACL reconstruction, the club announced.

Impact Egiluz did not make a single appearance for Athletic Club in 2025/26 while rehabilitating from the original ACL injury sustained in preseason, and the latest setback represents another significant blow to his career. The center-back now faces a lengthy recovery process, with a best-case scenario potentially seeing him out of action until the winter of 2027.

17 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Aymeric Laporte - Two shots versus Cape Verde Laporte registered two shots (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Monday's 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.

Impact Laporte started the opening match of Spain's World Cup, occupying a center back slot alongside Pau Cubarsi. He did not have to do much to keep a clean sheet, recording two interceptions and three clearances in his limited time actually defending. He also provided an aerial threat on corners, finishing the match with two shots. He will face more threatening attacks moving forward in the tournament, starting with Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Nico Williams - Records four minutes of play Williams entered the field for three minutes in Monday's 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.

Impact Williams was held out much of Spain's opener, not featuring until the 87th minute as a substitute. The minimal time would lead him to minimal stats, not recording a single significant stat in his short time on the field. A starting role is something he will eye in their next contest, likely to replace Gavi on the flank.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Unai Simon - Keeps clean sheet Monday Simon had one save and secured a clean sheet in Monday's 0-0 draw versus Cape Verde.

Impact Simon got the starting nod for Spain's World Cup opener, beating out both David Raya and Joan Garcia who are coming off excellent club seasons. Simon did not have to do much to earn a clean sheet, only making one easy save on a header late in the match. It's hard to judge Simon and Spain's defensive performance given they had the ball in the opposing half for nearly the entire match, though that's the way the European Champions want to play. Next up is a tilt with Saudi Arabia Sunday in Atlanta, another favorable matchup where Spain is expected to dominate possession once again.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Nico Williams - Available off the bench Williams (hamstring) is on the bench for Monday's World Cup opener against Cape Verde.

Impact Williams has been included in the squad after completing Saturday's training session with Spain, with the coaching staff opting to ease him back via the bench rather than hand him an immediate starting role despite the encouraging progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury. Gavi starts on the left flank in his place, though Williams' presence among the substitutes gives Spain a dynamic option to unleash during the match, with his pace, dribbling ability and creativity capable of causing problems for any defense once introduced. Before missing Athletic Club's final three La Liga fixtures, he had recorded two goals and one assist across five starts between April and May, and his gradual reintegration through game action should help him return to that level of influence as Spain look to navigate what is expected to be a favorable group-stage campaign.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Nico Williams - Involved in full training Williams (hamstring) has continued to make progress in his recovery, completing Saturday's practice with the Spanish national team, Alfredo Martinez of Onda Cero reports.

Impact Williams' return to full training represents a boost to his chances of appearing in the World Cup opener against Cape Verde, although he's not yet expected to start. Instead, he'll offer a quality backup option behind Alex Baena or Dani Olmo on the left flank. Before missing the final three games of the La Liga season, Williams posted two goals and an assist over a string of five starts for Athletic Bilbao between April and May. As soon as he's back on the field, he'll serve as an offensive threat with high dribbling and playmaking upside, playing for a national team that is expected to dominate in all of its group phase matches.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Nico Williams - Could feature in opener Williams (hamstring) is expected to be available for some minutes in Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde on Monday, with his recovery from his injury progressing within the...

Impact Williams had been confirmed with a two to three week absence after an MRI ruled out any tendon damage, and the positive update suggests he will be ready to contribute when Spain's tournament begins in Atlanta. Coach Luis de la Fuente is expected to manage his minutes carefully in the opener to avoid any risk of a setback, with the Athletic Club winger's explosive direct threat on the left flank a weapon Spain will be eager to deploy as the competition progresses.

JUNE 11 • ROTOWIRE

Inaki Williams - Key striker once more Williams is going to lead the line at the World Cup for the second edition in a row with Ghana.

Impact Williams failed to score in the 2022 World Cup, notching only a single assist. He's now back leading the line once again, though this time with more attacking talent surrounding him. The hope for Ghana will be that Williams and co. can make a difference despite a more defensive shape overall, though their chances going forward could be limited.

JUNE 10 • ROTOWIRE

Nico Williams - Rested in last friendly Williams (hamstring) is on track to be available for Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15 but will not travel to Puebla for the final pre-tournament friendly agai...

Impact Williams had been confirmed with a two to three week absence after an MRI ruled out any tendon damage following the hamstring injury he sustained against Valencia, and his progression within the expected timeline is a significant relief for Spain. The Athletic Club winger brings an explosive direct threat on Spain's left flank that is difficult to replicate with any other player in the squad, and manager De la Fuente will take no risks with his fitness ahead of the competition.

JUNE 8 • ROTOWIRE

Unai Simon - Should start between posts Simon has been named in Spain's World Cup squad and is expected to retain his status as the first-choice goalkeeper despite facing the strongest competition of his international ca...

Impact Simon ended the season with Athletic Club having made 38 appearances and recording six clean sheets, playing a key role in manager De la Fuente's system with his ability to play out from the back and his reliability at international level over the past several years. The keeper has been Spain's undisputed number one through the Euro 2024 triumph and coach De la Fuente has remained loyal to him despite David Raya's exceptional season at Arsenal and Joan Garcia's breakthrough campaign at Barcelona, valuing his experience and familiarity with the national team's style. Simon heads into the World Cup knowing the goalkeeper debate will be one of the most discussed topics surrounding the squad, and he will need to perform at his very best to silence the clamor for one of his rivals to take his place.

JUNE 4 • ROTOWIRE

Aymeric Laporte - Will anchor Spain back line Laporte has been named in Spain's World Cup squad and is expected to start alongside Pau Cubarsi at the heart of Spain's defensive line throughout the competition.

Impact Laporte returned to Athletic Club in Sep. 2025 after two seasons in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, bringing his vast experience back to Spanish football and regaining his place in manager De la Fuente's plans. The center-back brings leadership, physical presence and the experience of winning multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League with Manchester City, and his partnership with the younger Pau Cubarsi gives Spain a compelling combination of experience and youth at the back. Laporte heads into the World Cup motivated to add to his international trophy collection after winning Euro 2024, with his know-how and composure making him an essential figure in Spain's defensive setup.

JUNE 4 • ROTOWIRE

Yuri Berchiche - Ban over Berchiche is no longer suspended and is an option again.

Impact Berchiche is done with his suspension as the season comes to a close, missing the last game due to his ban. He continued this season as an everyday starter for the club, typically tasked with defending the left. The defender ends the season with five clean sheets in 32 appearances (31 starts).

MAY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Managing Madrid Podcast | Madrid Mornings: Season from hell is finally over (vs Athletic, 4-2) Your best source for quality Real Madrid news, rumors, analysis, stats and scores from the fan perspective.

MAY 24 • MANAGINGMADRID.COM

Managing Madrid Podcast: Real Madrid 4 - 2 Athletic Club, Post-game Reaction, La Liga 2025 - 2026 Kiyan’s reaction directly from the Bernabeu

MAY 24 • MANAGINGMADRID.COM

Inaki Williams - Two assists in final game Williams assisted twice to go with three crosses (two accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 4-2 defeat to Real Madrid.

Impact Williams served up both assists for Athletic, whipping in the cross for Gorka Guruzeta's 45th-minute volley before delivering another pinpoint ball that Urko Izeta buried with a header in the 90th, bringing his La Liga total to six assists alongside three goals across 30 appearances (25 starts). He operated as Athletic's primary creative engine all season, consistently generating chances despite a tough campaign for the Basque side. The forward now shifts his focus to the 2026 World Cup with Ghana, where he's expected to spearhead the Black Stars' attack.

MAY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Urko Iruretagoiena Lertxundi - Scores late header Izeta scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Saturday's 4-2 defeat versus Real Madrid.

Impact Izeta rose up and buried a header in the 90th minute, getting on the end of Inaki Williams' cross at the back post and beating Thibaut Courtois for his first La Liga goal of the season and Athletic's second of the match. The goal proved to be little more than a late consolation against a Madrid side that controlled the run of play from start to finish. Izeta wraps up his debut campaign with the Basques with one La Liga goal across 13 appearances (one start).

MAY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Gorka Guruzeta - Spectacular volley in final game Guruzeta scored one goal to go with four shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 4-2 defeat versus Real Madrid.

Impact Guruzeta pulled one back for Athletic Club in the 45th minute, rising to meet Inaki Williams' cross with a stunning volley that flew past Thibaut Courtois to cut the deficit to 2-1 at the break and momentarily spark hopes of a comeback for the visitors. He wraps up the campaign as Athletic's leading scorer with 10 La Liga goals across 35 appearances, marking the second-best return of his career. The Basque forward also hit several personal bests this season, piling up 84 shots (32 on target) while drawing 30 fouls, showing his growing presence in the final third.

MAY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Alex Padilla - Four saves in defeat Padilla made four saves and allowed four goals in Saturday's 4-2 defeat versus Real Madrid.

Impact Padilla came up with four saves in Saturday's 4-2 loss at Real Madrid, getting the start in place of first-choice Unai Simon for just his sixth La Liga appearance. He picked the ball out of his net four times, but the damage largely came from defensive lapses in front of him rather than anything on his end. Padilla wraps up the campaign with a single La Liga appearance in 2025/26, spending the year firmly in a backup role behind Simon.

MAY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Immediate Reaction: Real Madrid 4-2 Athletic Bilbao Your best source for quality Real Madrid news, rumors, analysis, stats and scores from the fan perspective.

MAY 23 • MANAGINGMADRID.COM

CONFIRMED lineups: Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao, 2026 La Liga Your best source for quality Real Madrid news, rumors, analysis, stats and scores from the fan perspective.

MAY 23 • MANAGINGMADRID.COM

Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao 2026 live stream: Time, TV channels and how to watch La Liga online Your best source for quality Real Madrid news, rumors, analysis, stats and scores from the fan perspective.

MAY 23 • MANAGINGMADRID.COM

Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao, 2026 La Liga: Predicted lineups Your best source for quality Real Madrid news, rumors, analysis, stats and scores from the fan perspective.

MAY 23 • MANAGINGMADRID.COM

Dani Vivian - Option for final game Vivian (ankle) has been cleared and is available for Saturday's season finale against Real Madrid, the club posted.

Impact Vivian had appeared likely to miss the final fixture after suffering a lateral ligament sprain in his right ankle, making his clearance a significant boost for Athletic Club heading into the Bernabeu showdown. The center-back ends what has been a strong individual campaign with one goal, 59 tackles, 39 interceptions and 178 clearances across 36 appearances in all competitions, and his availability gives coach Ernesto Valverde his preferred defensive options for the final fixture of the season.

MAY 22 • ROTOWIRE

Benat Prados - Fit for final game Prados (knee) is available for Saturday's season finale against Real Madrid, marking a significant milestone in his return from the ACL injury that has kept him sidelined since Aug...

Impact Prados has been working his way back through training after the lengthy rehabilitation process, and his availability for the final fixture of the season is a reward for the patience and dedication shown throughout what has been a deeply frustrating personal campaign. The midfielder is expected to hold a bench role rather than pushing for a starting spot given the time he has been out, but getting back into the matchday squad for such a high-profile occasion at the Bernabeu is a meaningful step forward in his recovery ahead of the 2026/27 season.

MAY 22 • ROTOWIRE

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