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yesterday

Ernesto Valverde to Leave Athletic Club at Season’s End

The club confirmed he will coach the final 10 league games, with a planned farewell to follow.

Soccer Football - LaLiga - Athletic Bilbao v FC Barcelona - San Mames, Bilbao, Spain - March 7, 2026 Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde reacts REUTERS/Vincent West
Manchester United v Athletic Club - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg
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Ernesto Valverde will be on the Bilbao bench for the 495th time on Sunday

Overview

  • The decision was announced in a video on Athletic’s YouTube channel alongside a club statement.
  • Valverde is Athletic’s record-holder for matches and wins across three spells (2003–05, 2013–17, since 2022).
  • He ended a four-decade trophy wait with the 2024 Copa del Rey and guided returns to the Champions League and a Europa League semi-final loss to Manchester United.
  • Sunday’s LaLiga game against Real Betis will be his 495th match in charge, with 10 fixtures remaining this season.
  • The 62-year-old former forward played for Athletic from 1990 to 1996 and has also managed Barcelona, Olympiacos, Villarreal, Valencia and Espanyol.