Ernesto Valverde will leave Athletic Club at season’s end, closing a historic era after 10 years, major trophies, and nearly 500 matches in charge.
Ernesto Valverde has confirmed he will step down as Athletic Club head coach at the end of the season. The announcement brings an end to one of the most significant managerial eras in the club’s history.
The 62-year-old leaves after three spells in charge, having become the longest-serving coach in Bilbao’s history.
Valverde revealed his decision in a message shared through the club’s official channels. He explained that the move had been under consideration for some time.
He also confirmed that discussions had already taken place with the club hierarchy. Despite the announcement, his focus remains on the remaining fixtures. Athletic still have 10 LaLiga matches to play this season. Valverde stressed the importance of finishing strongly and achieving their targets.
Valverde’s connection with Athletic Club runs deep, both as a player and a coach. He represented the club between 1990 and 1996, making 188 appearances and scoring 50 goals.
As a manager, he has overseen nearly 500 matches across three spells. His tenure began in 2003 and included successful periods from 2013 to 2017 and again from 2022. Valverde, who has also managed Barcelona, Olympiacos, Villarreal, Valencia and Espanyol. He holds the record for most games managed in the club’s history. His consistency and longevity have defined an era for the Basque side.
One of Valverde’s greatest achievements came in the 2023-24 season. He guided Athletic to their first Copa del Rey title in 40 years. That triumph ended a long wait for major silverware and remains a defining moment. He also won the Spanish Super Cup in 2015, further adding to his legacy.
In LaLiga, Valverde has managed 370 matches, winning 163 of them. He holds a win rate of 44.1 percent and averages 1.6 points per game.
Athletic’s current campaign has been mixed but still competitive. The club sits 10th in LaLiga, six points off the European places. Recent form has been inconsistent, with back-to-back defeats slowing their push. They were also eliminated in the Copa del Rey semi-finals by Real Sociedad.
In Europe, Athletic finished 29th in the Champions League league phase. Despite that, they remain within reach of a late push for continental qualification.
Valverde’s time at Athletic will be remembered for stability and identity. He maintained the club’s philosophy while delivering results. His teams were disciplined, competitive, and often difficult to break down. The Copa del Rey victory stands out as the crowning achievement.
Reaching nearly 500 matches highlights his importance to the club. Few managers leave such a lasting imprint across multiple eras.
Attention will soon turn to Valverde’s successor as the club prepares for a new chapter. Several names are already being linked with the role. In the short term, Athletic face Real Betis in their next LaLiga fixture. That match will mark Valverde’s 495th game in charge.
With 10 games remaining, the objective is clear. A strong finish could still secure European football and provide a fitting farewell to a club legend.
