Valverde Leaves Athletic: Farewell to the Historic Coach After Successful Period

BILBAO, SPAIN – Ernesto Valverde, the experienced coach of Athletic Club, has confirmed that he will not continue at the helm of the team once the current season ends. The decision, made by mutual agreement with the board, marks the end of an era for the club.

A Cycle with History

Valverde, who holds the record for most matches managed in the club’s history, with 494 matches, communicated his decision through an official video. In his statements, the coach pointed out that this was a decision “matured over time” and previously discussed with the board.

I wanted to share that next season I will not be the coach of Athletic. It’s a decision I’ve been considering for some time.

Ernesto Valverde

The 62-year-old coach thus faces the final stretch of his third stage on the San Mamés bench (2022-2026), totaling ten years at the helm of the Bilbao team, including his periods between 2003-2005 and 2013-2017.

Achievements and Legacy

During his management, Athletic Club achieved important successes. Among them, the 2015 Spanish Super Cup and the 2024 Copa del Rey stand out. This last title was especially significant, as it ended a 40-year drought without lifting the trophy. Furthermore, under Valverde’s management, the club qualified for the Champions League twice and maintained a notable consistency in LaLiga, consistently positioning itself among the top positions in the championship. Valverde also left his mark as an Athletic footballer between 1990 and 1996, playing 188 matches and scoring 50 goals, establishing himself as an emblematic figure of the institution. The club has announced that Valverde’s official farewell will take place at the end of the season, marking the end of one of the most successful and representative periods in the recent history of the Basque team.