Hundreds of thousands of fans gathered in Bilbao to celebrate Athletic Club's Copa del Rey victory, marking the team's first major trophy win in 40 years. The celebration included a river boat parade along the Nervion river, a tradition for the LaLiga club after winning titles.
Athletic's triumph came after defeating Mallorca in a penalty shootout in the Copa del Rey final in Seville. The players embarked on their barge, 'La Gabarra,' from the port of Getxo, sailing through the heart of Bilbao to the Town Hall amidst a flotilla of over 150 boats filled with enthusiastic fans.
Former Athletic defender Iñigo Martinez even captained one of the boats, showcasing the strong bond between the club's past and present players. The celebrations continued at the Town Hall, followed by a parade through the city streets on an open-top bus.
Coach Ernesto Valverde expressed his admiration for the club's unique celebrations, emphasizing Athletic's special connection with its fans. Club captain Iker Muniain described the day as unforgettable, highlighting the significance of the victory for everyone associated with Athletic.
The event drew massive crowds, with schools closing early and fans lining the river banks hours before the parade. The current squad paid tribute to past achievements by wearing replica shirts from the last major trophy win in 1984.
Forward Iñaki Williams dedicated the victory to all those connected to the club, acknowledging the efforts of past and present players. Local authorities ensured the safety of over a million attendees, with extensive security measures in place throughout the celebrations.
