New jersey Athletic Bilbao for the 2026/2027 season. caused political backlash in Spain over the card Euskal Herria on the back of the shirt.
Athletic Bilbao presented a new set of jerseys for the season 2026/2027but the public’s attention very quickly shifted from the design to the political debate.
The reason is the detail on the back of the jersey: the map Euskal Herriaa term that in the Basque cultural and political context includes the Basque Country, Navarre and parts of the French Basque region.
Such a presentation caused sharp reactions from part of the Spanish political scene, especially representatives Partido Populara and of VOXwho believe that the football jersey should not be used for such symbols.
Navarre at the center of controversy
The inclusion caused the most reactions Navarre into a symbolic representation of Euskal Herria. Opponents of such an interpretation point out that Navarre is not part of the autonomous community of the Basque Country and that its identity should not be portrayed through a political or cultural concept that is not an official administrative unit.
One of the messages that emerged after the presentation of the jersey was that Athletic should respect Navarre’s identity.
Athletic should understand once and for all that we are in Navarre for Osasuna, that Navarre is not Euskadi and that Euskal Herria does not exist. Place your card, but leave ours alonewas stated in one of the reactions.
President Partido Populara in Navarre he also criticized the Basque club’s decision, saying it was unacceptable to use football to highlight symbols that, in his opinion, insult the identity of Navarre.
VOX further sharpened the debate
From of VOX went a step further and linked Athletic’s decision to sensitive political topics from the Basque past, which further inflamed the controversy.
The new jersey thus reopened the question of the relationship between sport, regional identity and politics in Spain. Athletic Bilbao, a club strongly linked to the Basque identity, has been more than a sporting symbol for some fans and the public.
What is Euskal Herria?
Term Euskal Herria in a broader cultural sense, it encompasses seven territories. They are Álava, Biscay and Gipuzkoawhich make up the Basque Autonomous Community, then Navara and three areas in France: Lower Navarre, Lapurde and Zubero.
Although this term has a long history in the Basque cultural space, it is not an official administrative unit. That is precisely why its prominence in the public space, especially in sports, often causes political controversies.
In Spain, Athletic’s new shirt has thus become much more than a soccer jersey. Instead of talking about equipment for the new season, she opened a discussion about identity, regional affiliation and Navarre’s relationship with the Basque Country, reports Tportal.hr.
(www.jabuka.tv | Photo: X)
