Athletic Bilbao celebrated their first major trophy for 40 years in style as their squad paraded down the River Nervion on a boat, cheered on by hundreds of thousands.
Large raucous crowds flocked to the city centre to party alongside the players, who boarded a barge known as the 'Gabarra', and sailed down to the city hall.
The journey stretched 13km and stretched from the town of Getxo to the very heart of the sprawling de-facto Basque capital, where the elation continued.
Supporters lined both banks of the river and crammed into every nook, including on the balconies dotted around every street, and waved flags and scarves.
Ernesto Valderde's side beat Mallorca on penalties in the Copa del Rey final in Seville to clinch their first piece of silverware since a domestic double in 1984.
Players from that team, who have been immortalised in Bilbao's bars and restaurants after their momentous achievement, also joined in the celebrations.
The Bilbao barge was followed by several other vessels filled with supporters.
Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez, who played for Bilbao between 2018 and 2023, steered a boat of his own after being given permission to join in by Xavi.
Schools in the city had shut early to enable supporters of all ages to soak up the celebrations and it was estimated that over a million people were set to attend.
Valverde is a keen photographer and took photos of the scenes on board the barge.
'At Lezama (Bilbao's youth academy) we have the photo of the Gabarra. We've always talked about how it would be to live something like this,' Ander Herrera said.
'This is for those who are here, those who are not here and those who have left us,' striker Inaki Williams said. 'For those who played at Athletic and gave everything.'
Captain Iker Muniain led the celebrations from the city hall's balcony.
'Who are we? Athletic! And what are we? Champions!' he yelled to the crowd.
ALEXANDERSALEKXZ10
1
Ever since the copa del Rey format was changed, we see new winners every year and it’s amazing. If La liga refs are fairer we would as well see shocking teams occupying shocking positions in the table and possible shocking champions. That’s how the EPL works and that’s what makes it’s the best league in the world. La liga should learn from this cup experiment and do better in the league
Since you've been watching football Aside from Man city, Chelsea, Liverpool,Man united.......how many PL Small teams have won the PL . We don't see new Winners every year...we see Mancity win it Everytime...and Sometimes Chelsea, Liverpool . In Laliga We see Barcelona, Madrid win it Everytime and sometimes Atleti . So it's the same thing . Don't start your Pl hype
atyvraj
2
The very unique thing about the Athletic Bilbao club is that they have an official policy of selecting only players native to or trained in their country Basque. No foreign player will be allowed to join this team. What a great importance given to their culture and traditions ! 👏👏
Yuzbdlnpu
3
Ever since the copa del Rey format was changed, we see new winners every year and it’s amazing. If La liga refs are fairer we would as well see shocking teams occupying shocking positions in the table and possible shocking champions. That’s how the EPL works and that’s what makes it’s the best league in the world. La liga should learn from this cup experiment and do better in the league
Mopeimrty
0
That's the reality around the world. Football is about the only endeavor that triggers collective joy and stress relief... wish politics and economy matters would take a cue
Vepelprtuy
1
Congratulations Athlectic Bilbao
Hry9in3
0
congratulations 🎊 Athletic
jueeiklmt
0
good
Vanclmrty
3
This is absolutely beautiful and amazing. I am very happy to see the kind of joy football can bring to the world. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 Congratulations Athletic Club and the whole community of Bilbao.
zioceikstz
4
absolutely sensational