It's official: Athletic Bilbao announce the sacking of Ernesto Valverde!

The Spanish coach bids farewell to the Basque team.

Europe 20 March 2026 at 16:03

It's official: Athletic Bilbao announce the sacking of Ernesto Valverde!

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Ernesto Valverde has confirmed he will step down as Athletic Bilbao head coach at the end of the season, bringing his third spell at the Basque club to a close.

The 62-year-old announced the decision in a video message shared on the club’s official X account, stating that the move had been long under consideration and was taken in agreement with the club’s leadership.

ℹ️ Ernesto Valverde anuncia que no será el entrenador del Athletic la próxima temporada.

"Es una decisión que he madurado desde hace tiempo y está hablada con el Club"

"Faltan diez partidos en los que tenemos mucho que ganar"

Queda pendiente una despedida a tu altura, mister.
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) March 20, 2026

"This is a decision I’ve been considering for a long time, and it’s been agreed with the club," Valverde said.

With ten matches still remaining in his tenure, Athletic have promised the veteran coach a fitting farewell. Valverde first took charge of the club in 2003, returning for a second stint between 2013 and 2017 before rejoining in 2022. His current contract expires this summer and will not be renewed.