Basque derby – the friendliest rivalry in the world?

The Basque derby between Athletic Bilbao, based in Bilbao, and Real Sociedad, based in San Sebastian, is unlike any other rivalry in world football.

Competitive but respectful, friendly but fierce, it is a rivalry defined not by hostility but by a shared identity that goes beyond the colors worn on match day.

For fans on both sides, this is not just another match. It is a celebration of football, culture and shared Basque identity. With the two clubs 60 miles apart on Spain’s northwest coast, the rivalry exists, but never at the expense of respect.

Sunday’s match will be held at San Mames Stadium (20:00 GMT), home of Athletic Bilbao, who lost 3-2 in their November match against Sociedad.

Real Sociedad currently ranks eighth in the Spanish League with 27 points, three points behind Athletic Bilbao, which is in 13th place.

So why is this derby different?

“It’s the joyful and friendly relationship between the fans that makes it so special,” says Gaizka Atxa, an Athletic Bilbao fan and founder of the UK Supporters Group.

“Although there is a fierce rivalry, both clubs and their fans approach it with a high level of sportsmanship. We respect each other and have a good time with some fun banter.”

What really sets this derby apart is what happens off the pitch.

Before kick-off, fans from both teams gather for what is known in Basque as a rally Buteoa traditional pub crawl through the streets of Bilbao or San Sebastian, sharing drinks, laughter and songs.

“At the stadium, we can all mingle and sit together without any problem,” Atxa adds. “This is something very special.”

Food and drink are central to this experience. As Atxa says: “We Basques love to eat and drink, and the derby is the perfect excuse to enjoy a good feast among friends before going to the stadium.”

The derby is one of the most important dates in the calendar for Aitor Salinas Armendariz, another Athletic Club fan.

“Having so many fans in the stands who are often friends and relatives is unusual in the rest of La Liga,” he explained.

“It is completely normal to see visiting fans in the home stands. They may have obtained the ticket from a relative of a home team fan.”

Both groups of supporters consider themselves part of the same Basque community. This shared identity shapes the atmosphere surrounding the derby.

“There is a strong sense of belonging,” explains Salinas-Armendarez. “We feel part of the same community, with common claims and struggles that transcend what divides us.”

This loneliness is evident everywhere on match day. Fans share the same bars, enjoy pre-match preparations, and watch the game together.

“It’s a colorful and festive derby,” explains Edu, a Real Sociedad fan.

“Even though Athletic has more titles, it always builds on the past, we treat each other as equals,” he says. “In the same group of friends, there are often Real Madrid and Athletic fans. It’s a sibling rivalry.

“We tease each other, joke around a lot, and end up hugging each other.”

This is the “premium rivalry of Basque football”, according to Athletic Club journalist Benat Gutierrez Barrow.

“Although other Basque derbies share some characteristics, none of them are as strong as Athletic and Real Sociedad,” he says.

The rivalry reflects not only football rivalry, but also the historical relationship between Bilbao and San Sebastian.

Due to their geographical proximity, the clubs frequently compete for the same talent, a tension exacerbated by Athletic’s policy of only signing Basque players.

“These are matches where both teams have many players who have come through their youth academies and know exactly what it means to beat one of the biggest rivals,” Gutierrez Barro said.

“Many also grew up as fans of the teams they now support, which means the level of passion on the pitch is usually high.”

Form, position in the league and momentum are less important when pride is at stake.

“The derby always levels the playing field,” says Gutierrez Barro. “It’s not just three points, it could shape the next phase of the season for both teams.”

Despite the severity of the problem, problems among fans are almost non-existent.

Sarah, a Real Sociedad fan, sums it up simply: “There is competition, but it is usually respectful. The atmosphere is different from other derbies, people from both teams come together, and there are usually no problems.”

A distinctive feature of Derby Day is the organized cultural event known as Bertso Derbia.

Jointly organized by the institutions of both clubs, the event brings together Basque improvisational poets, known as bertsolari, who compose and perform verses in Euscará, the Basque language.

The shows address football rivalries, social issues and local identity, and are presented with humor and sharp wit as each side tries to one-up the other.

The moderator ultimately decides which team wins the competition

The event brings the two teams together and promotes healthy rivalry between the clubs, according to Sports Club Communities Manager Johanna Ruiz-Olabinaga.

“It’s really nice because it’s a combination of fun, identity, culture, and football at the same time,” she says. “It’s a family event for everyone and makes a great part of the day.”

Perhaps that’s why it has gained its reputation as the friendliest derby in the world.