Athletic Bilbao have officially released their squad numbers for the 2026-27 LaLiga season. The club published the list on Tuesday, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, just days before the competition kicks off.
Beñat Prados will wear the number 6 shirt, left vacant by Mikel Vesga following his transfer to Almería. Hugo Rincón takes the number 15 long worn by Iñigo Lekue, who has now retired. Young centre-back Unai Egiluz does not have a number assigned for this initial phase as he recovers from a serious knee injury that will keep him off the pitch. The rest of the established first-team squad retain their numbers from the previous campaign.
Which players are promoted from the reserves?
Athletic have registered six players from Bilbao Athletic so manager Edin Terzic can call upon them if needed. They are Mikel Santos (26), Monreal (30), Johaneko (31), Selton (44), Gift (27), and Hierro (29). All feature in the official first-team squad. Furthermore, Peio Canales will use number 28, typically a reserve squad number, but he is considered a full first-team player. This flexibility is important for managing a squad facing a season across three competitions, as seen on the fixtures calendar.
Who wears the most symbolic numbers?
The most iconic shirts remain with their usual holders. Unai Simón is still number 1, Iñaki Williams keeps the 9, and his brother Nico Williams the 10. Key centre-back Dani Vivian retains the number 3. Álvaro Djaló, returning from a loan spell at Qatar's Al Gharafa, will wear number 25. Goalkeeper Alex Padilla takes the number 13. Another academy graduate, Beñat Gerenabarrena, gets the number 24. Alejandro Rego switches from his old number 30 to 20.
How does this affect Terzic's planning?
The number allocation confirms the squad map for Edin Terzic as the league season begins. The lack of a number for Unai Egiluz underlines his long-term absence, also detailed on the injuries page. The list shows a blend of experience and youth, with several academy products integrated. The team aims to improve its attacking output, having finished last season averaging 1.5 goals per game at home. The defence, which was the fourth least scored against in the league, keeps its core intact.
The season starts this Saturday with Sevilla's visit to San Mamés. With numbers now assigned, the focus shifts to performance on the pitch. The club's objective is to fight for a return to European competitions, a journey that starts with a defined squad and its official numbers.
