Athletic president highlights Unai Simón and Lezama in four-year review

Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte praised academy Lezama as a world-class talent factory and highlighted goalkeeper Unai Simón as the world's best, while reporting to members on four years of management.

Jon Uriarte and Athletic Club's board presented their four-year record to member shareholders, emphasizing their strategy across competitive performance, social impact, economic sustainability and organizational management.

Uriarte highlighted that Lezama remains the reference point for talent development in the Basque region, backed by €15 million annual investment. He noted the club has increased international players from six to ten in four years and called Unai Simón "the world's best goalkeeper for his saves, values and commitment to Athletic." The club ranks fourth in Spain across league, cup and European competitions over the past four seasons.

On membership demand, Berasategi reported 11,000 people on the waiting list to join. The club is adding 1,000 new seats at San Mamés this season and plans a further 1,650-capacity expansion. Economically, Uriarte highlighted doubled revenues without reliance on European competition income, though he flagged concerns about sustainability of the women's football section.