Which La Liga club has the nickname 'Los Leones'?

The La Liga club nicknamed “Los Leones” is Athletic Bilbao. The Spanish phrase means “The Lions,” a name closely linked to the club’s home ground, San Mamés, in Bilbao.

San Mamés was named after Saint Mammes, a Christian martyr who, according to legend, was thrown to the lions by the Romans. The lions supposedly became tame around him, creating the religious and sporting connection behind Athletic’s nickname. The club is also commonly called Athletic Club or simply Athletic.

Athletic Bilbao was founded in 1898 and is one of only three clubs, alongside Barcelona and Real Madrid, to have played every season of Spain’s top division since La Liga began in 1929. Its red-and-white shirts and strong Basque identity are also central to its image.

A common mix-up is confusing Athletic Bilbao with Atlético de Madrid. They are separate clubs; “Los Leones” belongs to Athletic, while Atlético are commonly known as “Los Colchoneros.”